Is your Meter Operator Agreement (MOP contract) in place

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Energy4 · Accepted Answer

Is your Meter Operator Agreement (MOP contract) in place

A Meter Operator agreement or (MOP contract) is a legal requirement for all half hourly electricity supplied meters. This contract covers the supply of the meter, maintenance and the necessary telecommunications for sending your consumption data to your energy supplier.

The Meter Operator agreement or (MOP contract) is either;

Included into the utility contract - As part of the Utility bill that the customer pays (included into the price of the unit and standing charge). This Included MOP contract only exists for the length of the utility contract.

OR

Separate MOP contract from the utility bill as a MOP service provider contract - There are multiple MOP providers in area region who compete to provide these services.

However they request customers sign up to 18 month, 30 month, etc., waht is called an unneccesary over-run contract, that well exceed the utiltiy contract. This is to benefit the MOP provider because this forces the business owner to sign another 18 month contract later down the line.

If the Business customer signs a contract where the MOP is included, they still have to pay for the external MOP provider, they will simply be told not to collect data. The main output of the data being collected is to allow the Electrical grid and providers to identify the usage of the electrical infrastructure and if the Grid can supply and local Transformers can deliver. Over capacity can damage electrical lines, infrastructure, damage transformers, and cause "black-outs".

You do NOT have to be forced to go with a specific MOP service provider, there are multiple companies in each area. Strongly advise that you ask Energy4 to locate all the local MOP providers, and provide a list of each of there services, and there annual costs.

The supplier you are with cannot dictate terms of your MOP provider if they are not helping to facilitate the MOP service.

Utility providers are currently doing this which is illegal under the Consumer act as it is causing a monolopy of services in areas.

Where MOP came from?

As part of the UK de-regulated energy market you now have the right to appoint your own meter operator as apposed to letting your current energy supplier appoint there preferred supplier as the cost is often hidden in a suppliers standing charge.

The subject of metering is often confusing for customers since privatisation, particularly since the meter operator contract is no longer part of the supply agreement.

Many customers are unaware of required legislation such as the statutory requirement that sites with a maximum demand in excess of 100kW should have half-hourly metering installed as standard, and are unsure of who to contact.

The process of managing the relationship between the Supplier, Meter Operator and Local Distributor is often a minefield, and is an area where many customers choose to outsource.

If you are unsure if you have a MOP agreement in place for your half hourly site please call Energy4 on 01642 888814.

A Meter Operator (MOP) contract is essential for businesses with Half Hourly (HH) electricity meters. Here are some key points about MOP contracts:

Legal Requirement: If you have a HH meter, you must have a valid MOP contract. This is mandated by Ofgem to ensure proper management and maintenance of the meters.
Responsibilities: The MOP is responsible for installing, maintaining, and upgrading electricity meters. They also conduct health and safety inspections every two years.
Costs: MOP contracts typically last for five years and can cost between £220 and £500 per year, depending on the type of HH supply.
Data Collection: MOP contracts often include Data Collection (DC) and Data Aggregation (DA) services, which involve collecting and transmitting your energy usage data to your supplier.
Supplier Appointment: If you don’t select a MOP, your electricity supplier will appoint one on your behalf, which might not always be in your best interest.