Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is the biggest reform in electricity billing for decades.
The rollout is already underway, and within two years it will fundamentally change how every UK business is billed for electricity, and how brokers advise them.
For brokers, it is not just a regulatory change in the background, it directly influences how we work with clients and where we add value. At its core, MHHS means every electricity meter will settle usage in half-hourly blocks, rather than relying on estimates.
The idea is simple: more accurate data leads to fairer bills, better system planning, and more opportunities for innovation.Ofgem believes the benefits could total between £1.6 and £4.5 billion for UK consumers over the next two decades.
That is a number we cannot ignore.
MHHS also enables more efficient use of the energy system itself, reducing the need for costly future generation and network investment, while supporting the net zero pathway.
Why MHHS Matters to Brokers
For brokers, MHHS changes the playing field.
Instead of negotiating contracts on broad assumptions, you will soon have access to exact usage data. That makes it easier to secure fairer deals, to build strategies around time-of-use pricing, and to advise on demand-flexibility services.
Compliance is only the starting point. What really matters is whether you are ready to translate data into value for your clients.
It also places more expectation on us.
Clients will ask what half-hourly settlement means for them.
Some will worry about costs rising if they use energy at peak times. Others will want to know how they can benefit by shifting demand.
Are we prepared to answer those questions confidently?
At the ECA, we see this as an opportunity.
Brokers who understand half-hourly data and can use it to guide clients will set themselves apart. Those who stick only to traditional procurement may find themselves overtaken by competitors who lean into advisory roles.
What MHHS Means for Your Clients
MHHS applies to all customers, not just large corporates with existing half-hourly meters.
SMEs and even domestic users will also be covered, meaning every client you serve will feel the impact in some form.
For most businesses, the first benefit will be accuracy. Estimated bills and annual reconciliations will become less of a headache. But accuracy also brings exposure.
A restaurant that uses most of its power at 7pm will pay a price that reflects that reality. A warehouse that shifts demand to overnight charging could save money.
Clients will also see more choice in tariffs. Half-hourly data makes dynamic and flexible products possible, which means businesses that can be flexible with their usage will gain real advantages.
The flipside is that less engaged customers may feel confused by complexity, which is why your role in interpretation is so crucial. SMEs, in particular, will rely on brokers to explain what changes mean in practical terms.
Broker MHHS Readiness Checklist
Although the full transition will not complete until May 2027, preparation starts now.
The migration phase is due to begin in September 2025, running for around 18 months, with enduring go-live in May 2027.
A few practical steps:
- Check meter type. If clients still rely on manual or non-smart meters, start conversations about upgrades. Suppliers are expected to complete smart meter rollouts by the end of 2025.
- Review contracts. Standing charges, flexibility clauses, and metering arrangements in current deals may not reflect half-hourly billing. Flag these early to avoid surprises.
- Build data readiness. Get clients used to seeing their half-hourly consumption now. Many suppliers and third-party platforms already offer dashboards and reporting tools.
- Explore demand-flex options. Clients with EV fleets, storage, or shiftable processes can benefit from future tariff structures. Having this conversation early builds trust and positions you as a forward-thinking partner.
- Stay informed. The MHHS Programme, Elexon, and RECCo all publish regular updates on milestones, migration testing, and code changes that underpin settlement reform. Keeping an eye on these helps you anticipate industry shifts before they reach your clients.
Risks to Be Aware Of
This is a high-complexity, resource-intensive programme.
Suppliers and central bodies must overhaul their systems, while RECCo must adapt the Retail Energy Code to support MHHS.
Timetables are tight, and testing and migration carry risks of delay. Brokers who prepare early will be in the strongest position to help clients manage any bumps in the road.
A Question for Brokers
If every one of your clients had half-hourly data available today, how ready would you be to turn that data into action?
That is the challenge we face.
For some, MHHS will feel like a burden, another regulatory hoop to jump through.
For others, it will be a chance to stand out, to prove the worth of a broker, and to deliver insights that clients cannot get anywhere else.
The ECA’s View
We believe MHHS is not just a technical upgrade, but a chance for brokers to step into a leadership role in the energy transition.
Part of our role at the ECA is to collate information from across the industry and keep brokers front of mind as this reform takes shape.
We are engaging with Elexon, Ofgem, and RECCo to ensure our members’ interests are considered, and we will continue to fight their corner so that these changes do not leave reputable brokers at a disadvantage.
The brokers who thrive will be those who can decode data, challenge suppliers, and advise clients on practical ways to cut costs and carbon.
The ECA will continue to monitor the rollout, challenge inconsistencies where needed, and provide members with guidance that you can take straight into client conversations.
We will also be producing fact sheets to support you with clear, client-friendly explanations of MHHS and its impact.
This change is coming, and it is coming quickly. The question is not whether it will happen, but whether brokers will use it to their advantage. At the ECA, we are confident that our members will be the ones leading the way.
Useful MHHS Resources
Exec Team Nominations Now Open
As the ECA grows, so too does the responsibility of our Executive Team.
These are the people who help shape priorities, represent members in key discussions, and ensure we deliver real value back to the sector.
We are now inviting nominations for new Executive Team members.
Eligibility: only members of the ECA can nominate or stand.
Commitment: around 5–10 hours per month, plus 1–2 in-person events such as the AGM.
Impact: directly influencing the direction of the association and, by extension, the broker community.
If you’d like to nominate, join the ECA today and be part of shaping the industry’s future.
What’s Next for Us
In the coming months, we will:
Close nominations and confirm new Executive appointments.
Launch the WhatsApp group for more spontaneous member conversations.
Deliver practical guides on MHHS, levies, and pricing to support brokers with client conversations.
Host quarterly webinars and forums to keep members connected and informed.
We’ll also keep sharing members’ news from new clients and partnerships to award wins, to showcase the professionalism and impact of reputable brokers.
If You’re Not Yet a Member, Now’s the Time
Brokers who are part of the ECA are already leading the way in professional standards.
✔ Access to expert-led training and guidance on regulatory changes
✔ Support with compliance, ADR, and complaints handling solutions
✔ A collective voice to represent brokers’ interests with Ofgem and policymakers
✔ Networking opportunities and industry recognition
If you would like to become a member today and share in tomorrow’s success, please contact enquiries@energyconsultantsassociation.co.uk with the following information:
• Membership tier relevant to your business turnover
• Business address
• Main contact details
• Monthly/Annual payment
Or fill out this form to receive our information pack
If you have any questions, please reach out to Joe Wilson at joe.wilson@energyconsultantsassociation.co.uk or call 07875343161.
If our agenda speaks to the challenges you face, or the kind of support you want more of, we’d love to welcome you as a member.
Let’s build the future of this sector together.
