Could you be paying up to 50% more on hidden energy charges?

If your business has a half-hourly electricity meter, there’s a chance you’re paying extra charges without knowing it. These costs often get added in automatically and aren’t always easy to spot on your bill.

They’re known as default charges and in some cases, they could be adding as much as 50% to what you pay.

What are default charges and why do they happen?

Businesses with half-hourly meters need to have contracts in place with three separate providers:

• Meter Operator (MOP) – looks after the meter itself, including installation and maintenance.
• Data Collector (DC) – reads the meter and checks the data is accurate.
• Data Aggregator (DA) – pulls the data together so your supplier can bill you properly.

If your business hasn't actively appointed these providers, your energy supplier steps in automatically.

Sounds convenient, right?

Not quite.

These default contracts, sometimes called 'deemed contracts', are usually far from cost effective. Suppliers often set them at higher rates, knowing many businesses won’t question the charges, or might not even notice.

How do you know if you’re paying default charges?

Take a close look at your energy bill. Are there separate line items for MOP, DC, or DA services? If not, these charges may be wrapped up in your overall energy cost, typically higher than they need to be.

Another red flag is if you've moved premises or changed suppliers without explicitly arranging new MOP/DC/DA contracts. In these cases, your supplier will have quietly placed you onto default arrangements.

If your charges are shown separately but you don't remember agreeing to these terms, you’re likely paying default rates.

The cost of ignoring default arrangements

Default charges aren’t just slightly more expensive, they can be significantly higher, sometimes by as much as 50%. Over time, these charges can quietly erode your profits, putting unnecessary strain on your business.

And it's not just about cost. Default contracts typically come with minimal service, lack of transparency, and no incentive for suppliers to provide proactive support. This often leads to frustrations, inaccuracies, and wasted time trying to untangle confusing bills.

How to take back control

If you are on default charges, you don’t have to stick with them. There’s a way to sort it.

1. Start with your bill

Have a look at your latest electricity bill. Can you spot anything labelled MOP, DC, or DA? If it’s not clear, or it looks like it’s been bundled in, ask your supplier to break it down for you. You have every right to know what you're paying for.

2. Ask the right questions

If you’ve got contracts in place, check the basics: when did they start, when do they end, and what are the rates? If things feel vague or confusing, that’s a red flag.

3. Know you’ve got options

You don’t have to stick with what your supplier has set up. There are other providers out there who specialise in these services and often at a better price, with clearer terms.

4. Choose your own providers

When you’re the one choosing who handles your MOP, DC, and DA services, you’re not just saving money, you’re getting more control. It means you can set things up in a way that actually works for your business.

Troo can help you identify default charges

Managing your energy arrangements can feel complicated, especially when you're not sure exactly what you're paying for. But it doesn't have to be.

Troo’s mission is to help UK businesses make sense of the complex energy market. We're here to give you clarity around your current MOP, DC, and DA arrangements and help you spot if you’re unknowingly on costly default rates.

If you’re not sure what you’re paying for, we can take a look and let you know if default charges are showing on your bills and what you can do about it.

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