Distribution network operators (DNO) are urging energy suppliers to get their plans into motion with regard to the migration of business customers to half-hourly meters, as they are yet to see proposals from all suppliers.
Balancing and Settlement Code P322 rulings require that businesses in profile classes 5-8 must be switched to half-hourly metering before April 2017 or the start of their renewal contract (whichever comes first.) That’s businesses with a Maximum Demand Meter in layman’s terms but your Profile Class can be found in the first two digits of your S Number that can be found on your latest invoice.
“All sites in the affected classes with advanced meters must be moved to half-hourly settlement within 45 days of customer acquisition or contract from 5th November 2015″.
Suppliers, therefore, must provide migration plans to ensure the switch over can be managed and completed by 2017 as DNOs need the requested information in order to produce the maximum import capacity for those customers to be switched and calculate the correct system charges.
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) said:
“So far only high level plans have been received from a few suppliers and so network operators have written to suppliers requesting more details. Network operators are looking to work closely with suppliers to ensure all necessary information is provided swiftly as possible and ensuring accurate bills can be calculated.”
So why the move to Half Hourly meters anyway?
The idea is that they meter data in half hourly intervals enabling suppliers and the industry to build up a ‘true’ picture of a business’ energy usage. This increased accuracy should then hopefully lead to greater understanding of behaviours and more reflective costs for the consumer. The business should then be able to work out the most efficient time for them to use energy and cut costs.
What’s the catch?
Unfortunately, with new metering comes a host of charges and management fees.
You’ll be liable for a Meter Operator Contract (MOP) that covers the cost of installation and maintenance of the new meter and a Data Aggregator Contract (DA) that covers the cost of recording, collecting and analysing the meter data.
We suggest you find a contract early so you are not overcharged.
For more advice on P322 or for an instant business gas or electricity quote, give Business Juice a call on 0800 051 5770. You can even email us at quote@businessjuice.co.uk or use our contact form.