A Broker's Guide to Meters, Meter Operators and DC/DA

Demystify the jargon and understand the importance of choosing the right meter operator, data collector and data aggregator for your customers.

Energy meters aren’t just a way for energy suppliers to monitor your energy usage – they also play an important role in ensuring enough power is generated by the National Grid to cover demand. 

Businesses currently have their energy metered relative to the type of business they are and how much energy they typically use – but all that is set to change in 2025 as the move to market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS) comes into effect.  

In this article, we’ll take a look at what types of energy meters there are, who is responsible for them (Meter Operators), the role and importance of energy consumption data collection and aggregation, and – crucially – what brokers need to know now when advising their customers about different metering services. 

In this article:

Understanding meter types and profile classes 

There are currently 4 different types of meter in operation in the UK:  

  1. Standard (non-half-hourly) meters 
  2. Advanced meters 
  3. Smart meters 
  4. Half-Hourly meters 

1. Standard (non-half-hourly) meters

Typically used by businesses in lower profile classes, where readings are taken monthly, quarterly, or annually, standard, non-half-hourly (NHH) meters record electricity usage and are read manually or through a separate automated meter reading (AMR) device.  

2. Advanced Meters (AMR)

AMR Meters automatically record and send energy consumption data, eliminating the need for manual readings whilst also providing more accurate, frequent data, making energy usage management easier. 

3. Smart Meters 

Similar to AMR meters, but often part of government initiatives for energy efficiency, smart meters provide real-time usage data to both the customer and the supplier and are a good option for SMEs with moderate energy demands and a need for better energy management. 

4. Half-Hourly (HH) Meters

As the name implies, half-hourly meters record electricity usage every 30-minutes and automatically transmit the data directly to the data collector (or supplier).  

HH meters are already mandatory for businesses in profile classes 05-08 that use over 100kW or that have chosen to opt in for better management of energy consumption and costs (at OnlineDIRECT we recommend half-hourly meters for any business using 70KVA or higher). 

The UK will soon see over 30million additional meters (domestic and business) switch over to half-hourly settlement as a result of the move to market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS).  

A table summarising the suitability of different meter types. Column one: Non-Half-Hourly Meters (Standard/AMR) - Small to medium businesses with lower energy needs (profile classes 03-04). Column 2: Smart Meters - Small to medium businesses looking for more control over energy usage and real-time monitoring. Column 3: Half-hourly meters - Mandatory for businesses with higher energy consumption (profile class 00 or those using over 70kVA)

For HH metering, a MOP is essential.  While data collection occurs less frequently for businesses in profile classes 03-08, it’s still essential to ensure that the readings are accurate and timely. 

For larger energy users, participating in the HH market can provide benefits such as reduced energy costs and the ability to negotiate better rates based on their detailed consumption patterns. 

 

Energy Profile Classes explained

Energy profile classes are based on usage patterns and affect how a supplier calculates charges, and it is the profile class that determines how energy use is managed for businesses.

 

  • 01: Domestic Unrestricted – Residential customers 
  • 02: Domestic Economy 7 – Residential customers on a dual rate tariff 
  • 03: Non-Domestic Unrestricted – Small businesses with low energy demand 
  • 04: Non-Domestic Economy 7 – Small businesses on dual rate tariffs (day/night)
  • 05: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Unrestricted – Larger businesses with high energy demand but not enough to require HH metering 
  • 06: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Economy 7 – Larger businesses on dual rate tariffs 
  • 07: Non-Domestic Low Voltage Metered – High-energy users on low voltage supply 
  • 08: Non-Domestic High Voltage Metered – Large, high-energy users on high voltage supply 
  • For businesses with high energy demand (typically over 100kW), where consumption data is captured every 30 minutes for more precise billing and energy management 

Meter Operators (MOPs) 

Meter Operators – usually referred to as MOPs – are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and communication of business energy meters. 

If the data collected from the meter is incomplete or incorrect, the aggregation process could be faulty, leading to incorrect billing or settlement issues. 

For businesses with Half-Hourly meters, real-time data collection and aggregation are mandatory for compliance with industry regulations like the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC).  

MOPs, Data Collectors (DCs), and Data Aggregators (DAs) all play important, interconnected roles, responsible for managing the accurate recording, transmission, and processing of energy consumption data respectively, and cooperation between all three is essential: 

  • Meter Operator (MOP) installs and maintains the energy meter to ensure it works correctly and can communicate data.  
  • Data Collector (DC) retrieves energy consumption data from the meter (set up by the MOP) and validates it. This data is then passed to the Data Aggregator. 
  • Data Aggregator (DA) processes the validated data from the DC, aggregates it for billing and energy settlement purposes, and reports the data to energy suppliers and market operators. 

We’ll come back to DCs and DAs later. For now, let’s take a look at Meter Operators in more detail… 

The Meter Operators role in energy settlement and data processing 

Meter Operators play a vital role in ensuring accurate and timely communication of energy data for settlement purposes, avoiding estimated bills and providing real-time consumption figures.   

The MOP is responsible for installing electricity meters at a business’s premises. When a business grows and its energy demands change, Meter Operators can also help upgrade meters – for example, moving from a Non-Half-Hourly (NHH) meter to a Half-Hourly (HH) meter. 

Once installed, the MOP is in charge of maintaining the meter, including routine checks, servicing, and any necessary repairs, as well as handling certifications and ensuring that metering equipment continues to meet technical specifications and safety standards. 

MOPs are also responsible for maintaining the Meter Technical Details (MTD), which are critical for the accurate processing of energy data. This includes all information regarding the meter setup and configuration. 

There are several MOPs operating in the UK, each offering different levels of service for businesses. Businesses can either use the MOP appointed by their supplier or choose their own MOP, a full list of which can be found on the Association of Meter Operators (AMO) website. 

Energy Data Collection and Data Aggregation Explained 

Data Collection (DC) and Data Aggregation (DA) are critical processes that ensure businesses receive accurate billing, remain compliant with regulations, and gain insights into their energy consumption. 

Who requires a DC/DA contract? 

Every Half-hourly supplied customer must have a HH DC/DA, which the customer can take ownership of by electing their own provider, or leave it to the supplier to appoint their own default agent. 

The customer will either pay for this service in the standing charges/separate line of the supply bill or contract directly with an agent, in which case the charges in the bill will be removed. 

What is an energy Data Collector (DC)? 

Data Collection refers to the process of gathering energy consumption data from the meters. For Half-Hourly (HH) meters, this is done every 30-minutes, and for Non-Half-Hourly (NHH) meters, it’s typically done manually or through automated means at regular intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly). 

Data Collectors (DCs) are responsible for retrieving this data from meters. In the case of Half-Hourly metering, this process is automated and requires specialised equipment to ensure that the data is captured at the required intervals. 

Data Collection is important for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Accurate Billing: Accurate data collection ensures that the business is billed correctly based on actual consumption rather than estimates 
  • Energy Usage Insights: Having detailed consumption data helps businesses understand their energy patterns and identify opportunities for energy savings or optimisation 
  • Compliance: For businesses in profile class 00 (HH metering), accurate and timely data collection is mandatory to meet industry regulations 

What is an energy Data Aggregator (DA)? 

Data Aggregation involves processing the raw consumption data collected by Data Collectors and grouping it into meaningful intervals (typically daily or monthly) for use by the supplier and other parties involved in the energy market.  

This data is used for settlement purposes, ensuring that energy suppliers and generators are paid correctly for the energy consumed. 

Data Aggregators (DAs) are responsible for consolidating, validating, and presenting the energy usage data from multiple sources, making sure the data is in the correct format for billing, settlement, and reporting to industry bodies. 

Data Aggregation is important for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Settlement Accuracy: Aggregated data ensures that energy suppliers, generators, and the grid are correctly compensated for the energy consumed by the business 
  • Billing and Tariff Management: By aggregating data, suppliers can analyse usage patterns and apply appropriate tariffs, especially for businesses on Time-of-Use tariffs or with HH meters 
  • Energy Market Participation: Accurate data aggregation allows businesses with HH meters to participate in demand-side response programs, where they can adjust energy usage based on grid demand and receive financial benefits for doing so 

Choosing the right MOP and DC/DA for your customers 

By choosing the right meter and MOP service, a business can better manage energy costs and usage. 

Brokers should advise their business customers to consider several factors when choosing a MOP: 

  • Cost: Different MOPs charge varying fees for installation, maintenance, and data services. Shopping around for competitive rates can result in significant savings. 
  • Service Levels: Reliability, customer service, and support are key factors, especially when dealing with large energy demands or HH metering. Fast response times for maintenance or installation issues are crucial. 
  • Technology and Innovation: Some MOPs offer advanced data management and analytics services, which can provide insights into energy consumption patterns and help businesses optimise usage. 

3 Signs it’s time to change Meter Operator (MOP) 

Although it may not be something that you often talk about with your energy customers, there are times when a conversation about changing Meter Operator is worth having – especially if their business type or energy usage has changed. 

  1. Upgrading to Half-Hourly Metering: If a business’s demand exceeds 100kW, they will need a MOP to install a HH meter and manage the data collection 
  2. Service Issues: If the current MOP’s service is unsatisfactory, such as delays in meter installation, maintenance, or poor customer support, it may be necessary to switch 
  3. Contract Renewal: When the MOP contract is up for renewal, businesses may want to explore other providers for better rates or services 

And, with your customer’s best interests in mind, the potential cost savings are also worth discussing as choosing a different MOP can lead to lower charges or better service than simply using the one provided by their energy supplier.  

Benefits of choosing your own DA/DC provider 

Similarly, much like they can select their own Meter Operator (MOP), businesses can choose their own Data Collector and Data Aggregator; providing flexibility to find a provider that offers better rates or a more comprehensive service. 

Appointing a new DA/DC can also make it easier to access Half-hourly data, a requirement to circumvent the time-consuming process of requesting and obtaining data from suppliers or other HH DA/DC agents. 

Plus, as a Broker, there’s the added advantage that by having access to various reports, data files, and graphs in relation to customers’ consumption, you can better support consumers with reliable energy management solutions (as well as providing an alternative revenue stream to your brokerage business.) 

Metering Services for Energy Brokers 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Metering services available to Brokers through OnlineDIRECT and how choosing the right providers can ensure you save your customers money, our Additional Products & Services Team will be happy to talk you through the options.  

Call 01604 641380 or email our New Connections team to speak with one of our metering experts today.