Meter Operator Contracts (MOP)
Meter Operator Contracts (MOP), Data Collection (DC), and Data Aggregation (DA)
Why do I Need a MOP Contract?
MOP Contracts
One of the questions we frequently address at the EAG is the issue of MOP Contracts, full name, Meter Operator Contracts.
What are they and why do I need one?
There has been a big rise in electricity supplies that are covered by Meter Operator Contracts and you may not be aware of the necessity of entering into a MOP contract.
The change was caused by the introduction of the P272 program by Ofgem. The effect of this means that many electricity supplies have been reprofiled to the Half Hourly (HH) measurement class, known as 00 Profile, and apply to all half-hourly meters operating with Current Transformers (CTs). The reason they are known as Half Hourly meters is that they measure electricity consumption in half-hourly increments, meaning they take 48-meter readings per day. These readings are sent to your energy supplier and are used to ‘balance’ the UK power network, as well as for billing purposes. The change is mandatory, and a current valid MOP Agreement is a legal requirement. These Agreements cover the management and maintenance of the meters.
MOP contracts are in significantly wider use following Ofgem’s P272 initiative which has effectively lowered to the threshold for HH classification. Whilst the benefits of HH metering, in conjunction with Energy Management, are well established, the cost of HH metering may not be so welcome, particularly for small consumers who have found themselves swept up into HH classification.
A separate agreement, known as Data Collection and Data Aggregation (DC & DA) covers the collection and transmission of the data telecommunications for sending consumption data to your chosen energy supplier.
MOP contracts can be confusing for customers, particularly as they no longer form part of standard supply contracts. They are a stand-alone agreement and are often invoiced directly by the meter operator along with data charges. However, there are occasions when electricity suppliers will collect the charges via your energy bills and pass the funds to the Meter Operator. DC/DA charges are generally combined with MOP charges in one bill.
Amongst meter operator responsibilities is a duty to carry out a health and safety and security inspection every two years. All electricity meters are replaced on a rolling schedule to ensure they meet current legislation.
Organisations with Half Hourly (00 Profile) meters installed are obliged to have a MOP contract and if you don’t agree to one then your electricity supplier will appoint one on your behalf. This may not be to your benefit, particularly if you wish to manage your energy consumption.
What is the purpose of a Half Hourly electricity meter?
The purpose of your HH meter is to provide data that helps to balance demand on the national grid as well as providing your energy supplier the data with which to bill you. This data is also available to you, the customer, to help you reduce your energy consumption by using an energy management program.
Do you know you can choose your Meter Operator?
You can select your own Meter Operator Agreement and it can be beneficial to choose a MOP not associated with any particular energy supplier.
There are wide differences in pricing ranging from £220 to £600 per annum, with contract terms between 1 and 5 years.
MOP charges are sometimes collected through your electricity bill although normally directly by your meter operator (MOP).
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Meter operators (MOP) operate in a competitive market which means they are appointed at the discretion of either the supplier or the customer. It is likely to be in your interest to select a MOP yourself.
There is a real opportunity for HH meter customers to reduce their metering charges whilst also improving their energy reporting. A widely preserved practice is for Energy Suppliers to include MOP and DC charges within their electricity supply agreement pricing at the contract renewal stage. These costs can become hidden within the overall billing charges. Arranging a direct MOP agreement with an accredited MOP can work out cheaper and deliver greater benefits.
Managing a Meter Operator agreement can be tedious with inadvertent transfers to unintended meter operators resulting in loss of data and potential double billing.
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Our experienced consultants can help you select the best Meter Operator contract for your circumstances.
Half-Hour Electricity Meter
The Profile for Half-Hourly meters is 00
Electricity meters fall into 2 distinct categories, Half Hourly and Non-Half-Hourly and are based on Measurement Class.
Every electricity supply is allocated a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) and you can find your profile class there. Your MPAN should be printed on your electricity bill.
Choosing a MOP contract?
If you have entered into a Meter Operator agreement directly with a Meter Operator you should be sure to inform your electricity supplier, particularly if you change to a new supplier, as it is not unknown for customers to be charged once by the new supplier and separately by the MOP. Even if this doesn’t occur, a new electricity supplier often appoints their favoured MOP on your behalf and frequently whilst you are currently in a direct MOP contract. The result of this is a loss of consumption detail.
Are there any benefits to MOP contracts?
There is one major benefit to Half Hourly meters, and it is invariably the one not exploited by consumers.
Your data is collected by your Data Collector (DC) and forwarded to your energy supplier, but it can ALSO be sent to an energy management platform for energy management purposes.
This data is invaluable. Utilising an energy management system, tailored specifically for your organisation, you can implement an extensive assortment of reporting initiatives to help you cut costs and reduce CO2 emissions.
Half Hourly (HH) and Non-Half-Hourly Meters
What is the difference between a Half hourly and a Non-Half-Hourly electricity meter?
Originally, Half-Hourly meters were only required for large electricity supplies with a demand of 100 kVa or over. Smaller supplies, such as domestic, or small commercial were classified as NHH.
HH meters are designed to record consumption every 30 minutes. Once recorded, the information is stored and then relayed to the Data Collector on a daily basis. This is incredibly helpful, and it provides a treasure trove of information for businesses intent on reducing their electricity consumption
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Do you need a MOP Agreement or a new Half Meter Installing?
Before installing a Half Hourly meter, you will need to enter into a MOP contract with an accredited Meter Operator.
We can organise your HH meter installation anywhere in the UK through either a rental or purchase option. We can also arrange for your Data Collection and Data Aggregation services at the same time.
What is a Data Collector (DC)?
Data Collectors are accredited by Elexon to collect HH electricity consumption data. They are responsible for collecting and validating it before forwarding it to your DA and to your supplier.
You are at liberty to choose your own DC collector, providing they have the appropriate accreditation. If you choose your own Meter Operator you should also select your own DC/DA. It is customary to enter into a DC/DA contract at the same time you select your Meter Operator.
What is Data Aggregation (DA)?
Your HH Data Aggregator is tasked with forwarding your consumption data to Elexon for aggregation and balancing purposes. Elexon runs the wholesale electricity market in the UK and are responsible for the Balancing and Settling of the UK electricity market.
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Fully accredited Half Hourly Meter Installation, management, and maintenance.
We use the most up to date metering technology enabling your organisation to manage and reduce energy consumption.
Our MOP Contract Service
Compare MOP Contract Prices and terms and conditions.
There is a wide variety of pricing from MOP contracts, and it pays to shop around.
Data Collection, Data Aggregation and Consumption Reporting
Our contracts normally cover MOP and DC/DA. We also provide detailed energy management services that allow you to access your data with a view to increasing your energy efficiency and reduce your carbon emissions.
Our Service
Our dedicated Connections department has years of experience with Half Hourly meters.
Solutions
We can supply and install CoP 2, 3, 5 and 10 with options for capital purchase or rental.
MOP Contracts
Most MOP contracts are for a 5 year duration. We can provide your business with shorter terms if required.
Complete Quote
Our quotes include all MOP contract components including communications costs and meter maintenance.
METER OPERATOR (MOP) PRICE LIST (February 2021)
Prices based on either Purchase or Lease Options.
* If adoption fails then defaults to lease.
** This charge is applied in all the above cases should the meter require a new sim card.
What Code of Practice meter am I?
Industry standards are based on a Code of Practice (Cop) and are determined by your available capacity.
Code of Practice 3 meter = Circuit Capacity greater than 1 Megawatt and not exceeding 10 Megawatts (1001 kVA to 10,000 kVA)
Code of Practice 2 meter = Circuit Capacity greater than 10 Megawatts and not exceeding 100 Megawatts (10,001 kVA to 100,000 kVA)
Code of Practice 5 meter = Circuit Capacity up to and including 1 Megawatt (65 kVA to 1000 kVA)
Code of Practice 10 meter = Circuit Capacity less than 72 kWh for single Half Hourly (HH) whole current meter. This is common for meters upgraded to HH profile following Ofgem P272.
Each Code of Practice will have different Meter Operator (MOP) charges for the Meter Operator, sites that are larger than a Code of Practice 2 meter will be priced according to the work that is required.
What are electricity meter measurement classes?
Measurement class defines how an electricity meter measures consumption.
Electricity Meter Measurement Classes
Measurement Class A
Non Half Hourly Metered
Measurement Class B
Non Half Hourly Unmetered
Measurement Class C
HH metered in 100kW Premises
Measurement Class D
Half Hourly Unmetered
Measurement Class E
Half Hourly Metering Equipment at below 100kW Premises with current transformer
Measurement Class F
Half Hourly Metering Equipment at below 100kW Premises with current transformer or whole current, and at Domestic Premises
Measurement Class G
Half Hourly Metering Equipment at below 100kW Premises with whole current and not at Domestic Premises
For further information on Measurement and Profile classes CLICK here: https://bit.ly/3rvAYdH
Frequently Asked Questions about MOP contracts
For meters with a supply capacity of 65kW or more, half hourly metering is mandatory and essential to obtaining a supply contract.
If the meter has a demand of 65kW or more it must be capable of measuring consumption in half hourly periods. These meters send consumption data via a telecom’s sim card and is provided to your electricity supplier to allow them to bill you accurately.
Providing Meter Operator services is a competitive industry, and you should compare prices before entering into a MOP contract. Call now for prices
We normally install the meter within 14 working days of receipt of the appointment request and any payments due.
We normally install the meter within 14 working days of receipt of the appointment request and any payments due.
An annual invoice is sent to the address provided on the contract or the customer contact form.
If you’re upgrading from non-half hourly (NHH) to half hourly (HH) metering, you should ensure that you have HH Meter Operator (MOP) agreement in place beforehand. You are free to choose a MOP of your choice.
Contact us for information on upgrading your electricity meter.