What can half-hourly data really tell you? 

How better energy insights drive smarter business decisions 

In an energy market that is more dynamic and data-driven than ever, Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is raising the bar for everyone. Suppliers, third-party intermediaries (TPIs) and end-users alike will soon be working with detailed, half-hourly consumption data as standard. For many, the shift is not just operational, it’s strategic. 

But with more data comes a more important question: what can half-hourly data really tell you? Beyond compliance and reporting, the answer lies in insight. And with insight comes smarter decision-making, stronger commercial performance and a clearer path to Net Zero. 

A new level of granularity 

Half-hourly data is not new. Since the introduction of elective half-hourly settlement (EHHS) in 2017, advanced meter users and their service providers have had the option to settle electricity usage every 30 minutes. MHHS changes the game by making this the norm for every meter across the UK. 

This brings a new and exciting level of granularity. Instead of relying on estimated or aggregated consumption data, suppliers and TPIs gain a 48-interval view of energy usage every day. This enables them to understand when, where and how electricity is being used with far greater precision than ever before. 

That level of detail reveals patterns, pinpoints inefficiencies and gives commercial energy users the data they need to respond in real time. Whether to reduce cost, minimise carbon or adapt operations to grid conditions, the opportunity is there. 

What suppliers can learn 

For suppliers, half-hourly data delivers a clearer picture of portfolio performance. It enables: 

• Accurate forecasting: Understanding load shapes helps improve purchasing and generation strategies 

• Improved settlement performance: Reducing reliance on estimates leads to fewer errors and fewer disputes 

• Smart tariff design: Detailed usage data supports time-of-use pricing models that reflect real demand 

It also supports regulatory compliance. MHHS brings more rigorous reporting and exception management. But those who go further and treat the data as a commercial asset will be better positioned to innovate and thrive. 

What TPIs can uncover 

TPIs have long helped businesses optimise energy contracts. With access to half-hourly data, their advice becomes sharper, more tailored and more strategic. 

Rather than assessing spend in broad strokes, TPIs can analyse usage in fine detail. This facilitates: 

• Bespoke energy strategies based on real-world patterns 

• Carbon impact overlay, helping businesses align energy use with sustainability goals 

• Risk mitigation by identifying volatility or demand spikes before they cause billing issues 

In a competitive advisory market, the ability to interpret and act on data is a key differentiator. 

What it means for end-users 

From manufacturers and universities to multi-site retailers and public sector bodies, commercial and industrial energy users are increasingly focused on control. Control of cost, control of carbon and control of outcomes. 

Half-hourly data sets end-users up for: 

• Fairer billing: Charges are based on actual consumption, not estimates 

• Operational efficiency: Identifying peak demand periods can highlight opportunities to shift or reduce usage 

• Smarter procurement: Time-of-use tariffs and flexibility services can help lower cost 

It also provides better visibility. This makes it easier to track progress against internal KPIs or ESG goals, report to stakeholders and plan for the future. 

Data alone is not the answer 

Here is the reality. Data only delivers value when it is turned into action. That means quality matters, and so does expertise. Missing reads, inconsistencies and system gaps all pose risks if not managed properly. 

This is where TMA makes the difference. As an Elexon-qualified agent participating in MHHS system testing and working group activities, we’re not just collecting data. We’re validating it, interpreting it and helping our customers turn it into insight. 

Whether through our Smart Data Service (SDS), Advanced Data Service (ADS) or NexFlow platform, we deliver: 

• Full visibility across the meter portfolio 

• Proactive exception reporting and resolution 

• Dedicated support through migration and beyond 

With decades of experience in data services and settlement, we understand the fine line between insight and overload. We help our customers stay on the right side of it. 

Turning data into decisions that give you the edge 

As MHHS rolls out, the energy sector will become more transparent, more flexible and more competitive. The winners will be those who treat data not as a requirement, but as a resource. 

Half-hourly data can tell you when energy is used. More importantly, it can tell you how to use it better. Whether to drive commercial decisions, optimise sustainability strategies or stay ahead of regulatory change, the insight is there for those ready to act on it. 

The question is not what the data says. It’s what you do with it. 

Looking to make sense of your half-hourly data? 
Speak to one of our experts today or learn more about our Smart and Advanced Data Services.