MOP Contracts for Business: Independent Meter Operator Agreements
A MOP (Meter Operator) contract is a mandatory agreement for any business with a half-hourly electricity supply. Without one in place, your energy supplier will appoint their own preferred meter operator typically costing of £400 – £1,800 per year more than arranging your own independent agreement. The MOP is responsible for the metering equipment at each electricity supply point, which is identified by its MPAN number.
Catalyst helps businesses across the UK source competitive MOP contracts from approved meter operators, ensuring full compliance and cost efficiency.
Electricity MOP Contracts
A Meter Operator (MOP) contract is required for any half-hourly electricity supply. You must have a valid MOP agreement in place if you have this type of supply. This contract covers the supply of the meter, its ongoing maintenance, and the necessary telecommunications for sending half-hourly consumption data to your chosen energy supplier.
The subject of metering is often confusing for businesses, particularly since privatisation, as the meter operator contract is no longer bundled with the standard electricity supply agreement.
MOP agreements are typically based on a five-year term and cost around £250 – £600 per annum depending on the type of half-hourly supply.
This is always a standalone agreement, independent of your electricity supply contract. You will be invoiced directly by your meter operator for any associated service charges.
Our award-winning business energy consultants can advise on the best approach for your requirements and recommend a solution that works for you.
MOP Contracts Explained (Video Guide)
“A Meter Operator (MOP Contract) is the company that will go to site and fit your half hourly meter and then provide on-going meter maintenance”
Why You Need a MOP Contract
Many businesses are unaware that sites with a maximum demand in excess of 100kW are legally required to have half-hourly metering installed. If you have a half-hourly electricity supply, a MOP agreement is not optional , it is a statutory requirement.
Managing the relationship between your energy supplier, meter operator, and local distributor can be complex. Most businesses choose to outsource this to a specialist broker like Catalyst. It is standard practice to lease a half-hourly meter from a meter operator, as it is then their responsibility to maintain the meter and ensure reliable delivery of your half-hourly consumption data.
If the meter fails under your MOP agreement, it is the responsibility of the meter operator to repair or replace it , not your energy supplier.
Businesses that typically need MOP contracts include manufacturers, logistics and distribution centres, hotels, care homes, and any commercial premises approaching or exceeding 100kW maximum demand.
If your electricity bill references P272 settlement or mandatory half-hourly metering, a MOP agreement must already be in place and Catalyst can check whether yours is competitively priced.
If you do not have a valid agreement in place with a third-party meter operator, any MOP and DC/DA charges will be passed through on your monthly supply bill by your energy provider , typically at a premium compared to arranging your own direct agreement.
Without a valid MOP agreement, you may also encounter problems when trying to switch to a new energy supplier.
How MOP Agreements Work
A MOP agreement is entirely separate from your energy supply contract, which covers the rates you pay for day-to-day consumption.
The industry standard for a MOP agreement is five years. Some providers offer shorter terms from 12 months, but because the meter is provided as a lease rental, longer contracts are generally cheaper as the capital cost is spread over 60 months.
Agreements are paid annually in advance, so you will receive a new invoice at the start of each contract year.
A Meter Operator is the company that will attend your site to fit your meter and then provide ongoing maintenance. If your meter is a non-half-hourly (NHH) type, your supplier will allocate a local meter operator. If you require a half-hourly electricity meter (HH), you must appoint your own meter operator and have a MOP agreement in place before installation can be arranged.
Sites with a maximum demand over 100kW are required to have metering capable of measuring consumption in half-hourly periods. These meters are read remotely via a telecommunications link.
Metering of this type is governed by industry Codes of Practice: Code 3 applies to sites with maximum demand exceeding 1MW, and Code 5 applies to sites with maximum demand over 100kW.
Independent MOP Agreements
Catalyst can manage the full process of sourcing, implementing, and tracking your meter operator contract , removing the hassle of coordinating multiple service providers on what can be a complex project.
We work exclusively with approved, high-quality meter operators and provide a comprehensive data management service alongside your MOP agreement. We sit between all suppliers and agents, enabling us to move quickly and efficiently to set up or transfer your metering service.
We also coordinate the delivery of all meter technical information required by agents and suppliers. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible , we will issue a formal agreement with accompanying terms and conditions for your review. Upon signature, we will manage the onboarding process and liaise directly with your supplier to appoint your new meter operator.
Choosing a Meter Operator Provider
Businesses have a right to appoint their own meter operator rather than accept the one nominated by their energy supplier. Selecting the right meter operator provider matters because the cost, reliability and quality of data delivery can vary significantly between approved operators.
Key factors when choosing a meter operator provider:
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Elexon accreditation: Your meter operator must be registered with Elexon and accredited to operate the relevant class of meter at your site. Code 3 applies to sites above 1MW maximum demand; Code 5 applies to sites above 100kW.
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Contract terms and pricing: Compare the annual charge, installation costs, and what is included in routine maintenance. Standard terms are five years, with shorter contracts available at a higher annual rate.
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Data communications reliability: Consistent half-hourly data delivery is critical for accurate billing and supplier settlement. Ask about communications infrastructure and fault response times.
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DC/DA bundling: Many meter operator providers offer combined MOP and Data Collector/Aggregator packages. Bundling these services can reduce costs and simplify your supply chain.
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Experience with your meter class: Different operators specialise in different meter types. Confirm your chosen provider has relevant experience with your site requirements.
Catalyst maintains relationships with a panel of Elexon-accredited meter operators and can present comparative quotes tailored to your site profile and contract timeline.
MOP Contracts and DC/DA
Businesses have been able to nominate their own Data Collector and Data Aggregator (DC/DA) since 1998, yet many have still not taken advantage of this. Without an independent DC/DA appointment, your supplier will use their own preferred provider , often at a higher cost.
There are significant advantages to nominating your own DC/DA, including access to enhanced data and improved cost transparency, often at little or no additional charge. Contact us to discuss your DC/DA requirements alongside your MOP contract.
For sites with a maximum demand over 100kW, half-hourly metering is mandatory and a prerequisite for electricity supply agreements.
An accredited Meter Operator must be appointed to install half-hourly metering. If you do not appoint one yourself, your energy supplier will do so on your behalf.
Request a call back from our team today and we will explain how the market works and arrange a MOP agreement quote for your requirements.
MOP Contract Costs
The cost of a MOP agreement depends on your supply type, the meter class and the communications method. The figures below are indicative annual charges. A supplier-appointed meter operator often sits at the top of these ranges, which is why arranging your own independent agreement usually works out cheaper.
| Supply / meter type | Typical MOP cost per year |
|---|---|
| Low Voltage (LV) half-hourly, whole current | £250 – £400 |
| LV current transformer (CT) connected | £350 – £600 |
| High Voltage (HV) | £600 – £1,200+ |
| Sub-100kW elective half-hourly | £150 – £300 |
The communications charge is usually billed separately and varies by site location and signal type. Arranging your own agreement rather than accepting a supplier default typically saves between £400 and £1,800 per meter each year.
MOP Contracts and Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)
The electricity industry is moving from the old P272 framework to Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS). Migration began in late 2025 and is expected to complete by 2027, after which every supplier settles on half-hourly data.
Under MHHS the familiar metering roles are renamed and restructured. The Meter Operator role becomes a Metering Service, split into smart and advanced categories. The Data Collector and Data Aggregator roles are replaced by Data Services, alongside a new Market-wide Data Service operated by Elexon.
The practical position for your business does not change. You still need a contracted party responsible for your metering, and you still have the right to appoint your own provider rather than accept your supplier’s default. The transition is a sensible time to review what you are paying and confirm your arrangements remain competitive.
UK Meter Operators
Several Elexon-accredited meter operators are active in the UK half-hourly market. Established providers include SMS, ImServ, Energy Assets, TMA Data Management, Lowri Beck, EDF and Siemens. Each varies in pricing, service level and data communications, so it pays to compare rather than default to the operator your supplier nominates. Catalyst works with a panel of accredited operators and can present comparative quotes matched to your site profile and contract timeline.
Meter Measurement Classes and Codes of Practice
Every settlement meter in Great Britain is assigned a measurement class and must comply with an Elexon Code of Practice. These set the standard of metering required and feed into how your supply is settled. The tables below summarise the current Elexon framework.
Elexon measurement classes
| Class | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | Non-half-hourly (NHH) metered supplies |
| B | Non-half-hourly unmetered supplies |
| C | Half-hourly metering at premises above 100kW |
| D | Half-hourly unmetered supplies |
| E | Half-hourly metering below 100kW, current transformer (CT) connected |
| F | Half-hourly metering below 100kW (CT or whole current) and domestic premises |
| G | Half-hourly metering below 100kW, whole current, non-domestic premises |
Metering Codes of Practice
| Code of Practice | Applies to |
|---|---|
| CoP 1 | Circuits with a rated capacity exceeding 100 MVA |
| CoP 2 | Circuits with a rated capacity not exceeding 100 MVA |
| CoP 3 | Circuits with a rated capacity not exceeding 10 MVA |
| CoP 5 | Energy transfers with a maximum demand up to and including 1 MW |
| CoP 10 | Metering of energy via low voltage circuits (smaller whole-current sites) |
If you are unsure which class or Code of Practice applies to your site, Catalyst can confirm it from your meter details and make sure your MOP agreement is set up correctly.
Why Businesses Choose Catalyst for MOP Contracts
Catalyst has advised UK businesses on energy and metering for more than 20 years and arranges MOP and data services across thousands of meters nationwide. We are independent, so we work for you rather than for a single supplier, and we place contracts only with Elexon-accredited meter operators.
Whether you are installing a new half-hourly meter, reviewing a deemed supplier-appointed agreement, or preparing for the move to Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement, our team will source competitive quotes and manage the process from start to finish.
What is a MOP contract?
A MOP (Meter Operator) contract is a mandatory agreement for any business with a half-hourly electricity supply. It covers the supply of the physical meter, ongoing maintenance, and the telecommunications link that sends your half-hourly consumption data to your energy supplier. Without a valid MOP agreement, your supplier will appoint their own preferred meter operator, typically at a higher cost.
How do I find out who my meter operator is?
Contact your current electricity supplier , they should have a record of your appointed meter operator. Alternatively, as MOP contracts are invoiced annually, check whether you have a recent utilities invoice from a company that is not your energy supplier.
Do I have to have a MOP agreement?
Yes, if you have a confirmed half-hourly electricity meter. A MOP agreement is a legal requirement to support the ongoing maintenance of your electricity meter. If the meter fails, the meter operator is responsible for repairing or replacing it , not your energy supplier.
How much does a MOP contract cost?
A MOP agreement typically costs between £250 and £600 per annum, depending on the meter operator and the type of meter installed. There is usually a separate charge for the communications link, which varies by location.
How do I get a new MOP contract set up?
Once you have chosen a meter operator, you will need to agree a contract covering the meter installation and ongoing annual maintenance. Note that the MOP agreement itself does not arrange an installation date , you will need to coordinate this separately with your energy supplier after the contract is signed.
Can you arrange a MOP agreement for me?
Yes. Catalyst can manage the full process on your behalf, from sourcing competitive quotes from approved meter operators to coordinating paperwork and liaising with your energy supplier.
Does a MOP agreement include data collection?
Not automatically. While you can appoint the same company for both Meter Operations and Data Collection (DC/DA), these are separate services. Many customers choose to combine them with a single provider to simplify the supply chain and reduce potential data issues.
Can I switch my meter operator?
Yes. You can switch meter operator at the end of your existing MOP agreement, or in some cases mid-contract if your current provider is underperforming or charging above market rates. Catalyst can review your current agreement and source alternative quotes on your behalf.
What is the difference between a MOP, MAP and DC/DA?
A MOP (Meter Operator) installs and maintains your electricity meter. A MAP (Meter Asset Provider) owns the physical meter asset. A DC/DA (Data Collector/Data Aggregator) collects and processes your half-hourly consumption data. You may have separate companies performing each role, or a single provider covering all three functions.
What is MHHS and does it affect my MOP contract?
Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is an industry reform that moves all electricity settlement onto half-hourly data, with migration running from late 2025 to 2027. Under MHHS the Meter Operator role is renamed a Metering Service and the Data Collector and Data Aggregator roles become Data Services. The essentials do not change: you still need a contracted metering provider and you can still choose your own rather than accept a supplier default.