Consumer-led flexibility: consumer engagement

Article Summary
- Key point
- The outcome of the 'Consumer-led flexibility: consumer engagement' consultation discusses the rollout of smart meters and Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS). It aims to ensure vulnerable consumers are not excluded.
- Why it matters
- No immediate change to household bills, but worth watching.
- Expected impact
- Mixed / neutral impact — A structural or regulatory development to monitor.
The outcome of the 'Consumer-led flexibility: consumer engagement' consultation discusses the rollout of smart meters and Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS). It aims to ensure vulnerable consumers are not excluded.
What This Means
This consultation outcome is crucial for shaping how consumers interact with a more flexible energy system. The focus on protecting vulnerable consumers during the smart meter rollout and MHHS implementation is commendable. We expect these measures to ensure that the benefits of a modernised grid are accessible to everyone, preventing digital exclusion and ensuring fair treatment for all bill-payers.
- Consumers: No immediate change to household bills, but worth watching.
- Businesses: Limited direct cost impact for businesses for now.
- Energy market: A structural or regulatory development to monitor.
From The Source
GOV.UK · 14 July 2026
This summary and analysis is based on reporting from GOV.UK. Read the full original article on their website.
Read on GOV.UKRelated Guides
Go deeper on the topics in this story.
Smart Meters in the UK
Are they worth it, and how to get one.
Read Guide GuideHow to Read Your Energy Bill
Decode every line on your gas or electricity bill.
Read Guide GuideEnergy Saving Tips That Work
Real savings from low-cost changes around the home.
Read Guide GuideHelp if You're Struggling with Bills
Warm Home Discount, hardship funds and more.
Read GuideRelated Calculators
Put the numbers to work for your own home.
UK Smart Meter Savings
Estimate your potential smart meter savings range from your habits.
Launch Calculator CalculatorUK Energy Bill Calculator
Estimate your full annual bill from kWh usage, unit rate and standing charge.
Launch Calculator CalculatorUK Energy Debt Repayment
Plan a manageable repayment timeline for energy arrears.
Launch CalculatorJoin The Free UK Energy Briefing
Receive weekly updates on energy prices, supplier changes, standing charges, power cuts and major UK energy developments.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Compare Related Suppliers
How the suppliers in this story score on our intelligence dashboard.
Octopus Energy
ImprovingOctopus continues to lead the UK market on customer service and complaint handling, backed by genuinely competitive smart tarif…
Compare SupplierOVO Energy
StableOVO is a competent mid-tier supplier with good digital tools and competitive fixes, held back by inconsistent customer service…
Compare SupplierBritish Gas
DecliningThe UK's largest supplier remains financially rock-solid but service and complaint metrics continue to lag the market, with sma…
Compare SupplierEDF Energy
StableEDF is a steady, financially robust supplier with mid-table service and fair fixed-tariff renewals.
Compare Supplier