Half-hourly meters use AMR (automatic meter reading) technology, which negates the need for manual meter readings. This means that you can get more precise bills without having to do anything. These metering systems typically require an internet connection or phone line to work. Every half hour up-to-date information is recorded and transmitted automatically over the phone line or mobile signal to your electricity supplier instantaneously. Your energy supplier uses this data to determine how many kilowatts-hours (kWh) of electricity the business is using and how much you will need to pay.
Information about your electricity usage is stored by your energy provider but you can access it and use it to identify patterns and processes in your consumption and work towards becoming more energy efficient. Data that has been collected can also be used to negotiate future electricity contracts.
Half-hourly meters are usually found in energy intensive businesses. If your business uses large quantities of electricity, you’ll know that the costs can quickly mount up. This is why it’s important for large businesses to have a half-hourly meter in place. These meters ensure you’re never overpaying for your usage by doing away with estimates and basing bills on frequent and accurate measurements.
If your business uses at least 100 kWh or more in any half-hour period, it is mandatory for you to have a half-hourly meter in place under UK law. The following types of businesses tend to require half-hourly meters:
If your business uses 70 kWh in any half hour period, you can also elect to have a half-hourly metering system installed.
So, how do you tell if you have a half-hourly meter? If you refer to a previous energy bill, you’ll find an S number at the top left of the document. If the ‘00’ appears after the S, you have a half-hourly meter. These digits are the reason that the meters are sometimes referred to as 00 meters.
If you don’t have a half-hourly meter but think you might require one, you should get in touch with your energy supplier who will be able to advise you.
If you are on half-hourly metering, you may have a capacity charge added to your bill. This charge is measured in kilo-Volt-Amperes (kVA). This fee is paid indirectly through your electricity bill to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) on a monthly basis. It covers the cost of accessing the power capacity needed for your business.
The cost of this charge is based on your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC), which refers to the upper limit of the power load your business can take from the national grid. This amount should be high enough to meet your electricity requirements on any given day. If your MIC is too high, you could end up overpaying. If it is too low, on the other hand, you could end up having to pay an Excess Capacity Charge through your electricity bill. Your MIC should be agreed between you and the DNO.
As you’ll have probably already gathered, half-hourly meters boast a number of benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of these types of metering devices:
1.You don’t have to take meter readings to get precise bills
Because your energy consumption data is sent directly from your half-hourly meter to your energy company, you no longer need to take meter readings to get an accurate bill. This can help to save businesses time and remove the potential for inaccurate readings due to human error.
2.You can better monitor and understand your energy consumption
With half-hourly systems, you will be able to get information about how many kWh of electricity your business is using on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This can help you get a clearer picture of your energy consumption.
3.You can become more energy efficient
Being able to closely monitor your energy usage can be incredibly helpful when it comes to developing and implementing measures to save energy and trying to reduce your business’s carbon footprint. Not only is this good for the planet, but it can also be beneficial for your business’s reputation and integrity.
4.You only pay what you owe
With half-hourly bills, you can say goodbye to estimated electricity bills and to paying more than you need to. Thanks to the accuracy of these devices, you can rest assured that you will only be billed for the amount of energy you’ve actually used. This can help you to keep costs in check.
5.It’s easier to predict your usage
With half-hourly meters, it becomes easier to see patterns in your usage and forecast your spending. This kind of insight can be invaluable for businesses that want to be as efficient as possible with their expenditure.
6.More tailored tariffs
Because your energy provider is able to analyse your electricity consumption on different days and at different times of day, they can often offer you more tailored and time-sensitive electricity tariffs. For example, if you were to use less energy during peak times, you could be financially rewarded.
At Utility Bidder, we understand that it can be a challenge for large, energy-intensive businesses to keep their electricity costs in check. We are committed to helping businesses like these to ensure they’re on the best tariff possible for their requirements. Whether you run an industrial company, a large leisure or entertainment venue or something else, we can help you to get the value for money you need to stay competitive.
We compare over 27 different energy firms so you can easily find the best deal for you. The process is quick and hassle-free and designed to save you time and let you get on with the job of running your business.
Our operations are customer-centric, we make a commitment to each and every business that we will provide an award-winning service, value for money and quality expertise at every stage of the process. No two enquiries are the same so we treat every query differently. We will advise you and provide services based on the specifics of your business.
Your account manager will complete all the paperwork and set up your new utility contract with your supplier.
Contact us for a quote on 0800 007 4001 or get in touch by filling in our quick online form. Let us show you how much money you could be saving today.
