Half-Hourly Settlements: Turning Energy Data into Action

Most organisations don’t have a clear picture of how or when their buildings consume electricity, and that lack of visibility is often driving unnecessary costs.

Buildings use electricity for heating, lighting, air conditioning, and hot water. Yet in many cases, consumption goes largely unexamined: energy is used, bills are issued, and payments are made without scrutiny.

Without clear data, organisations can’t identify usage patterns, manage peak demand, or make informed decisions. At the same time, increasing pressure to meet Net Zero targets means energy consumption can no longer be treated as a fixed, uncontrollable cost.

The visibility gap

At LCE, we frequently see buildings that already have the capability to monitor energy usage through regular meter readings, but this opportunity is often underutilised.

There are understandable barriers. Meter locations may be unclear, institutional knowledge can be lost through staff turnover, and monitoring large sites can be time-consuming.

However, regular meter readings remain one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to gain control of energy consumption.

What is Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?

In September 2025, the UK introduced the Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) programme, a major reform in how electricity is measured and billed.

Under MHHS, electricity consumption is recorded and settled every 30 minutes rather than relying on estimates. This significantly improves billing accuracy and reduces the risk of unexpected backdated charges or overpayments.

The programme is led by Ofgem and delivered by Elexon, marking a key step in the UK’s transition to a more flexible, low-carbon energy system and is expected to be completed in May 2027.

Why half-hourly data matters

Half-hourly metering is not new, particularly for large or complex sites. However, MHHS will expand its use across the market, unlocking new opportunities for cost control and optimisation.

With granular, time-based data, organisations can:

• Identify when peak energy usage occurs

• Understand how different systems consume energy

• Detect inefficiencies and abnormal usage patterns

• Reduce exposure to peak-demand charges

For example, half-hourly data can reveal whether HVAC systems are operating outside required hours or if set points can be adjusted to deliver immediate savings.

From passive cost to active control

This level of insight transforms energy from a passive expense into something that can be actively managed.

Organisations can move away from simply reacting to utility bills and instead take control, optimising performance, reducing costs, and tracking progress against sustainability targets.

Making it work: the role of infrastructure

To fully realise the benefits of half-hourly settlement, the right infrastructure is essential.

Meters, including smart meters and submeters, should be integrated into a Building Management System (BMS), allowing data to be accessed in one place and analysed at a granular level.

For facilities managers, this enables faster identification of inefficiencies. In multi-occupancy buildings, it also supports more accurate energy allocation, improving transparency between landlords and tenants.

Challenges to consider

While the benefits are significant, organisations should be aware of potential challenges, including:

• Upfront investment in metering and data platforms

• Managing and interpreting large volumes of data

• Integration with legacy systems

• Addressing internal skills gaps

These challenges are manageable, but they require planning and the right expertise.

A smarter approach to energy

Half-hourly settlement is more than a regulatory change; it’s an opportunity.

With better data comes better decisions. Organisations that embrace this shift will be better positioned to control costs, improve operational performance, and meet their sustainability goals.

At LCE, we support organisations across the public and private sectors in understanding and optimising their energy use.

To find out how we can help, get in touch at info@lce-gkt.com .