Electricity meters

What is half-hourly metering?
Half-hourly (HH) metering allows your supplier to split energy consumption into 30-minute blocks.This gives your supplier an accurate picture of your energy use. Analysing how your business uses energy at different times and on different days enables British Gas to offer you a tailored deal.

What is the kVA charge?
The kVA (kilo-Volt-Ampers) charge is a monthly amount paid to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the available power capacity provided to your business. This is paid indirectly to the DNO, via your energy bill. Your kVA charge is based on your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).

What is Maximum Import Capacity?
Maximum Import Capacity is the peak power load which your business can draw from the electricity grid. This is agreed between your business and the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). If the highest electricity demand in your business exceeds the MIC, the DNO levies an Excess Capacity Charge, payable via your business energy bill.

Where can I find details of my MIC and my kVA charge?
Your MIC and KVA charge are usually shown on your energy bill. Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) may be listed as Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC), Agreed Capacity or Availability. For your kVA charge, look for Capacity Charge or Availability Charge. Another simple way to find this key information is to call your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Smart metering code of practice

We want your smart meter installation to be clear and easy. That’s why we’re part of the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP) which has been approved by OFGEM.

This means we’ll always:

 • Give you a high quality of service throughout the installation
 • Book an appointment at a time to suit your business
 • Minimise disruption
 • Tell you if we can’t install your smart meter and go through your options
 • Show you how your smart meter works

    For more information download the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice.

    Smart meter data

    The usage data from your smart meter can give useful insight into how your business uses electricity. We’ll collect daily or half-hourly usage data from your smart meter and may use this for commercial purposes, for example to develop new products and services.

    We’ll never provide the data to any third party, unless required to by law, without your express permission.

    You can choose to opt out of smart meter data collection. This means:

     • We won't collect or store your smart meter data
     • We won't share data with you
     • We'll still take a monthly meter reading so you get accurate bills

      If you want to opt out, please log in and tell our UK-based webchat team.

      Access your historical smart meter data

      If you have a smart meter, you can now request a view of your historical consumption data. Viewing your historic consumption could help manage your energy usage.

      If you want to access your past smart meter data, please log in and tell our UK-based webchat team.

      How to read your smart meter

      Where you’ve already got an electricity smart meter installed by your previous supplier, or it’s already installed in the property you have moved in to, the chances are this is an AMR (Automated Meter Read) meter. This isn’t the latest version of a smart meter but it provides all the functionality needed. Our video below shows how to take a meter read from an AMR meter:

      If your electricity smart meter doesn’t look like this it may be because it is a SMETs 1 meter. These are made, typically, by Secure – you will see the name on the meter. The video below shows how to take a meter reading from a SMETs 1 meter: