30 Oct Do You Have a Half-Hourly (HH) Meter?
Why It’s Important to Understand Your kVA Charges.
If your business has a Half-Hourly (HH) electricity meter, you’re already getting detailed insights into your energy use. But one crucial element often overlooked is your kVA charge — and it could be quietly increasing your energy costs each month.
Making sure your contracted kVA matches your actual energy demand isn’t just about cost savings. It can also affect your National Grid charging category, which determines how much you pay in network charges.
What Is a kVA Charge?
kVA (kilovolt-amperes) measures your site’s electrical capacity — essentially, the amount of power your business is authorised to draw from the grid.
For sites with a Half-Hourly meter, your electricity supplier applies a kVA capacity charge based on your contracted supply capacity (CSC), agreed with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This charge appears as a standing cost on your bill each month.
Getting this number right ensures your capacity is efficient, compliant, and cost-effective.
Why Your kVA Level Matters
1. You Could Be Paying for Capacity You Don’t Use
If your contracted kVA is set too high, you’re charged for energy capacity that sits unused. Many businesses unknowingly overpay hundreds — sometimes thousands — of pounds a year simply because their kVA hasn’t been reviewed.
2. You Risk Penalties for Exceeding Capacity
If your business demand exceeds your contracted level, you may face excess capacity charges or penalties from your supplier or DNO. These can add up quickly and may even lead to your capacity being automatically increased — raising your fixed costs in future.
3. Your kVA Affects Your National Grid Charging Category
Your contracted kVA doesn’t just influence your bill; it can also determine your National Grid and DNO charging tier.
If your kVA is set too high, your site could fall into a higher network charging category, increasing your DUoS (Distribution Use of System) and TNUoS (Transmission Use of System) costs.
On the other hand, setting it too low could cause you to breach your supply limits — resulting in penalties or a forced reclassification. Having the correct kVA ensures your business is billed under the right category and only pays what’s necessary.
How to Check and Optimise Your kVA
If you have an HH meter, your consumption data provides everything you need to make an informed decision. Here’s how:
Review your maximum demand over the past 12 months (in kVA).
Compare this to your contracted supply capacity listed on your bill.
If your demand is consistently lower, consider requesting a reduction from your DNO.
If your demand occasionally exceeds your limit, discuss increasing your capacity slightly to avoid penalties.
Work with an energy consultant who can analyse your Half-Hourly data and liaise directly with your DNO to implement changes safely.
The Benefits of Having the Correct kVA
Optimising your kVA delivers measurable advantages for your business:
- Reduced fixed charges – pay only for capacity you actually useAvoid excess demand penalties
2. Accurate National Grid charging category
3. Improved energy efficiency and performance
4. More accurate budgeting and forecasting
A simple kVA review can unlock real savings without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Take Control of Your Capacity
If your business operates with a Half-Hourly meter, your kVA charge deserves attention. By reviewing your contracted supply capacity, you can ensure you’re:
Only paying for the capacity you need
Classified correctly under National Grid charging tiers
Protected from unnecessary penalties and overcharges
At Energy Smart we specialise in kVA and Half-Hourly data analysis. Our team can assess your usage, recommend the right capacity level, and manage any changes directly with your DNO — ensuring compliance and cost efficiency.
Ready to Review Your kVA?
Get in touch today for a no-obligation kVA assessment and find out if your business could save on its electricity bills.
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