MOPS, DC/DA and the Future of Energy Settlement for UK Businesses

If you’ve spotted charges on your energy bill labelled ‘MOPS’, ‘DC’, or ‘DA’, you’re not alone. These hidden services often go unexplained, but they’re about to become even more important, as the UK prepares for Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS), rolling out from Autumn 2025.

In this blog, we break down:

• What MOPS, DC and DA mean
• Why they appear on your bill
• How they relate to Half-Hourly metering
• What will change with MHHS — including new acronyms and roles
• What your business needs to do now

What is MOPS in Business Energy?

MOPS stands for Meter Operator Services. A Meter Operator (MOP) is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing and commissioning your business electricity meter. For businesses with Half-Hourly (HH) meters, a MOP contract is a legal requirement.

Most businesses don’t realise they’re paying for this service. Costs are often bundled into supplier contracts, which can lead to overpaying through default or out-of-contract rates.

Why MOPS Matter:

• They ensure meter data flows correctly which is essential for accurate billing
• A direct MOP contract can reduce costs and improve access to data
• They’re about to evolve under MHHS, becoming MOAs

What Are DC and DA in Energy Contracts?

• DC = Data Collector – reads your meter and validates the data
• DA = Data Aggregator – aggregates that data and sends it to your supplier

Like MOPS, DC/DA services are mandatory for Half-Hourly settled businesses — and you may be paying more than necessary if they’re bundled into your energy contract.

What Is Changing with MHHS?

MHHS is a major reform being led by Ofgem to modernise the UK electricity market. Scheduled from Autumn 2025, it will become standard for all businesses with smart or advanced meters to have their energy settled using half-hourly consumption data.

Key changes include:

HH/NHH classifications will be replaced by:

• Smart supply
• Advanced supply
• Unmetered supply (UMS)

Alongside this, we’ll see new metering and data roles come into play.

New Acronyms You Need to Know Under MHHS

As part of MHHS, the current MOP and DC/DA structure is being replaced by new roles and contracts.

MOP → MOA

• MOP (Meter Operator) will become the MOA (Meter Operating Agent)
• MOAs will carry out similar tasks — installing, maintaining and commissioning meters — but within the new MHHS framework

DC/DA → SDS or ADS

DC/DA roles will be replaced by:

• Smart Data Services (SDS) – for smart meter supplies
• Advanced Data Services (ADS) – for advanced meter supplies

New Contract Types for Businesses

From MHHS rollout, businesses will need to hold contracts for:

• Metering Services Smart (MSS) or Metering Services Advanced (MSA)
• Along with SDS or ADS, depending on your meter type

These services will be critical to ensuring your data is delivered accurately, on time, and in a format that supports half-hourly settlement.

Why This Matters to Your Business

This isn’t just regulatory red tape, it’s a chance to:

• Improve billing accuracy through better data
• Take control of your metering and data contracts
• Ensure you’re not overpaying by default
• Better understand and manage your energy usage

What to Do Now

You don’t need to wait until the proposed roll-out period to act. Here’s how to get ahead:

1. Check your bills. Are MOP, DC and DA charges itemised?
2. Ask your supplier. Who provides your metering and data services? Are you in contract?
3. Review your meter type. Will you fall under smart, advanced, or unmetered supply?
4. Speak to Tritility. We can help you understand what changes apply to you, and whether switching to direct MOA or data service contracts could reduce your costs.

Quick Recap

• MOPs (Meter Operators) are becoming MOAs (Meter Operating Agents) under MHHS
• DC/DA roles are being replaced by Smart Data Services (SDS) and Advanced Data Services (ADS)
• HH/NHH classifi cations will be replaced with Smart, Advanced, or UMS
• You’ll need contracts for Metering Services Smart (MSS) or Metering Services Advanced (MSA)
• These changes begin November 2025, but early preparation means fewer disruptions

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

Tritility makes business energy simple. Whether you want to review existing MOP contracts or prepare for the switch to MOA and SDS/ADS services, we’re here to support you.

Get in touch today and let’s make sure your business is MHHS-ready.