Meter types explained (LV, HV and EHV) For many businesses, electricity is treated as a fixed overhead -- something that cannot be changed. But in reality, how your site is connected to the electricity network can significantly influence what you pay , and many organisations are unknowingly on a setup that no longer suits their operations. Whether your supply is Low Voltage (LV), High Voltage (HV) or Extra High Voltage (EHV) impacts network charges, flexibility, and future growth. Understanding the difference could be the key to reducing costs and avoiding any unpleasant surprises. Low Voltage (LV): common, simple — and often overlooked Low Voltage (LV) supplies electricity at up to 1,000 volts and is the most common connection type for SMEs, offices, and retail units. LV customers usually benefit from: Straightforward billing Lower DUOS standing charges Minimal technical involvement However, simplicity can mask inefficiency. As businesses grow, extend operating hours or add energy-intensive equipment, LV sites can find themselves paying disproportionately higher network charges as red and amber unit charges make up a higher percentage of the costs. If your electricity costs have risen faster than your usage, your meter type could be part of the reason. High Voltage (HV): complexity that creates opportunity High Voltage (HV) connections operate between 1,000 and 22,000 volts and are typically used by manufacturers, large warehouses and energy-intensive commercial sites. HV supplies bring: Higher capacity charges Greater exposure to kVA related costs More detailed half-hourly consumption data While this can appear daunting, it also creates opportunity. Businesses that understand how and when they use electricity can actively influence costs, often achieving savings that are simply unavailable at LV. Many HV customers pay for more capacity than they need --or the wrong capacity altogether -- without realising it. Contact us today and we can conduct a kVA review that could potentially save £10,000s annually. Extra High Voltage (EHV): where energy becomes strategic Extra High Voltage (EHV) applies to supplies above 22,000 volts and is reserved for the UK’s largest electricity users. At EHV level: Network charges are highly bespoke Costs are closely linked to site-specific infrastructure Small demand changes can have large financial impacts For these businesses, electricity is not just a utility, it’s a strategic cost driver that requires ongoing oversight. Without regular review and proactive management, EHV sites can sleepwalk into avoidable six-figure cost increases. Why understanding meter type matters Meter type determines: How DUoS and other network charges are applied How much control you have over peak costs Whether your connection aligns with how your site actually operates today Many businesses inherit their meter type and never question it, even when their operations change dramatically. These changes in how a meter operates can require reviews of kVA capacities, meter type, and TCR bands . All of which can help towards reducing energy spend. How we help businesses take control As an energy broker, our role goes far beyond securing competitive unit rates. We help businesses: Understand whether their current meter type still fits Identify inefficiencies hidden within network charges Plan energy strategies that support growth, not restrict it If you’d like to understand whether your LV, HV or EHV supply is working for your business, or quietly working against it, a no-obligation review could uncover meaningful savings and future-proof your energy strategy.