What is the cheapest electricity tariff for a heat pump in the UK?

There isn’t one single tariff that’s cheapest for everyone. The lowest-cost option depends on your heat pump’s run times and whether you can shift usage to cheaper hours. Many households save most with time-of-use tariffs (e.g., off-peak or overnight rates) if they can run the heat pump more during low-rate windows. Compare tariffs based on your estimated kWh usage and how much can be moved to off-peak periods.

Are heat pump tariffs worth it compared with a standard variable tariff?

Heat pump-friendly tariffs can be worth it if your home can take advantage of lower-rate periods. If most of your heating demand falls during peak hours and you can’t shift consumption, a simple tariff may be similar or cheaper overall. The best approach is to compare the total annual cost using your expected heat pump electricity usage and your household’s typical demand pattern.

Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest heat pump electricity rates?

Often, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs that offer cheaper off-peak rates require a smart meter to measure half-hourly usage. If you don’t have one, you may be limited to standard tariffs. If available, arranging a smart meter can unlock more heat pump tariff choices.

Which tariff type is best for a heat pump: fixed, variable, or time-of-use?

It depends on how you heat your home and your risk preference. Fixed tariffs can protect you from price changes for a set term. Variable tariffs can rise or fall with market or cap changes. Time-of-use tariffs can be cheapest if you can shift more heating, hot water, or other electricity use into low-rate periods. Compare on total cost, not just the headline unit rate.

How can I cut the cost of running my heat pump on any tariff?

To reduce running costs: (1) use weather compensation and a steady low flow temperature, (2) avoid frequent on/off cycling, (3) improve insulation and draught-proofing, (4) schedule hot water heating for cheaper hours if you’re on a time-of-use tariff, and (5) keep radiators/UFH balanced and filters clean. Small efficiency gains can significantly reduce kWh use over the heating season.

Is an off-peak or overnight tariff good for heat pumps?

It can be, but it depends on your property and controls. Heat pumps generally work best running steadily, so heavy overnight-only heating isn’t always ideal. However, many households can still save by shifting hot water, EV charging, appliances, and some heat pump demand (where appropriate) into off-peak windows, while keeping comfortable daytime temperatures efficiently.

Will switching tariffs affect my heat pump warranty or performance?

Switching electricity tariff typically doesn’t affect your heat pump warranty. Performance is mainly influenced by system design, flow temperature, controls, and insulation. If moving to a time-of-use tariff, use sensible schedules that maintain stable indoor temperatures and avoid extreme setbacks that force the heat pump to work harder.

How do I compare heat pump electricity tariffs accurately?

Compare tariffs using: unit rates by time band (if applicable), standing charge, contract length and exit fees, and your estimated annual kWh (including how much you can shift off-peak). If you have a smart meter, using half-hourly data gives the most accurate comparison. For a faster decision, calculate expected annual cost on each tariff rather than focusing on the lowest headline rate.

Can solar panels help reduce heat pump electricity costs?

Yes. Solar PV can offset daytime heat pump consumption, especially in shoulder seasons. Savings depend on how much solar you can self-use. Adding a battery may increase self-consumption and help you use cheap off-peak electricity too, but it needs a cost-benefit check based on your usage and tariffs.

Where can I get help choosing the right heat pump tariff?

You can start by reviewing the guidance on this page and then compare options based on your heat pump usage and whether you can shift demand to cheaper hours. For tailored recommendations, contact Energy Plus via https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to discuss your home, meter type, and typical consumption patterns.

Heat pump electricity tariff UK: cheapest rates for your home

Compare whole-of-market electricity tariffs that can suit heat pumps (including off-peak options), estimate likely running costs, and switch in minutes. EnergyPlus helps you find a cheaper electricity rate for your heat pump without the hassle.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a shortlist)
See if a heat pump tariff with off-peak rates could cut costs
Works for air source & ground source heat pumps, with or without solar/battery
Fast quote: postcode + usage details (or estimated)

Compare heat pump tariffs How heat pump tariffs work

For domestic properties in Great Britain. Availability of specific tariffs varies by region, meter type and supplier.

Compare heat pump electricity tariffs in the UK (whole-of-market)

If you run a heat pump, your electricity tariff matters more than most households. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat efficiently, so a cheaper unit rate (and the right off-peak windows) can reduce your annual running costs.

EnergyPlus compares tariffs across the market and highlights options that can suit heat pumps, including:

Single-rate electricity (simple pricing all day)
Time-of-use tariffs (cheaper off-peak periods)
Economy-style tariffs where available (often legacy, meter-dependent)
Smart meter tariffs designed for flexible demand (varies by supplier)

Tip: The “cheapest heat pump electricity tariff” isn’t always the lowest headline unit rate. For many homes it’s the tariff that best matches when your heat pump runs, your hot water schedule, and whether you can shift some usage to off-peak.

Get your cheapest heat pump tariff quote

Fill in what you know — we’ll estimate the rest and show suitable tariffs.

Postcode

Meter type

Payment method

Annual electricity use (kWh)

Don’t know? Leave blank — we’ll estimate based on home size and heating pattern.

Heat pump type

Read FAQs

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your quote. We’ll use your details to provide comparison results and switching support.

Why heat pump homes should compare electricity tariffs

Running cost is mostly unit rate

Unlike gas boilers, a heat pump’s cost is driven by electricity prices. Even small differences in pence per kWh can add up over a winter.

Off-peak can work with hot water

If you can heat your cylinder or pre-warm your home in cheaper windows, a time-of-use tariff may reduce your blended rate.

Standing charges vary

Some “cheap” tariffs come with higher standing charges. We show total estimated cost so you can compare fairly.

Smart meter options are expanding

Heat pump-friendly tariffs often require a smart meter. If you have one (or can get one), more options may be available.

Solar & batteries change the maths

Export rates, import rates and battery charging windows can make a big difference. We consider your setup when comparing.

No guesswork on tariff features

We help you spot restrictions (e.g. peak pricing, minimum terms, exit fees) so you choose a tariff you’ll stick with.

How heat pump electricity tariffs work (and what “cheapest” really means)

In the UK, most suppliers don’t label a product as a “heat pump tariff”. Instead, heat pump households typically save by choosing the right pricing structure for their demand profile.

Key tariff parts to compare

Tariff component	Why it matters for heat pumps
Unit rate(s) (p/kWh)	A heat pump can significantly increase annual kWh. Lower import rates often have the biggest impact.
Standing charge (p/day)	If your usage is modest (well-insulated home), a higher standing charge can erode savings.
Off-peak window	Best if your hot water schedule or buffer tank can run in those hours (without sacrificing comfort).
Peak pricing	Some time-of-use tariffs have expensive peak periods. If your heat pump runs heavily then, costs can rise.
Contract terms	Check exit fees, price certainty, and whether rates can change mid-term.

What makes a tariff “heat pump-friendly”?

Competitive day rate if your heat pump runs steadily throughout the day
Meaningful off-peak discount if you can shift hot water or pre-heating
Reasonable standing charge relative to your usage
Predictable pricing so winter bills don’t surprise you
Compatible meter requirements (often smart meter for time-of-use)

Comfort-first reminder: A heat pump is usually most efficient when it maintains steady temperatures. Chasing off-peak hours at the expense of comfort (or by making the system work harder later) may not save money overall.

How EnergyPlus finds your cheapest rates

We collect essentials (postcode, meter type, payment method, usage/estimate).
We compare whole-of-market tariffs available for your region and meter.
We rank by estimated annual cost so you see true “cheapest” based on your inputs.
You choose and switch with clear next steps and support.

Which electricity tariff is best for a heat pump?

Use this quick guide to narrow down the type of tariff that could deliver the cheapest running costs for your home. We’ll then validate availability and pricing for your postcode.

Single-rate (flat rate) electricity

Often best if your heat pump runs evenly across the day and you can’t shift much usage.

Simple bills
No peak-price risk
Focus on lowest unit rate + standing charge

Time-of-use (off-peak) tariffs

Can be ideal if you have a hot water cylinder schedule, buffer tank, or battery charging.

Cheaper off-peak import
Needs good control strategy
Usually requires a smart meter

Economy-style (legacy off-peak meters)

May suit some properties but availability and rates vary widely by region and meter configuration.

Fixed off-peak window
Day rates can be higher
Not always the cheapest overall

Not sure what you’re on now? Start your comparison anyway. Select “Not sure” for meter type and we’ll guide you through what matters for your available tariffs.

Heat pump running costs: what affects your bill most?

Your heat pump’s electricity use depends on the home’s heat demand and how efficiently the system is set up. The most important factors are:

Insulation and draught-proofing (less heat needed = fewer kWh)
Flow temperature (lower is typically more efficient)
Heat pump efficiency (SCOP) and system design
Hot water settings and cylinder losses
Tariff structure (flat vs time-of-use, standing charge)

When comparing “cheapest rates”, always consider your total annual cost (unit rate(s) + standing charge), not just a single headline price.

Quick comparison checklist

Check	What to do
Off-peak hours	Confirm they suit your hot water schedule and typical heating demand.
Peak rate	If you’re home in evenings, make sure peak pricing won’t dominate your usage.
Standing charge	Compare across suppliers; it varies by region and can be significant.
Exit fees	If you might switch again soon, consider flexible/no-exit-fee options.

Ready to see your cheapest rates? Use the comparison form and we’ll show the best matches for your postcode and meter type.

Regional and meter considerations in Great Britain

Electricity prices and tariff availability can differ across regions in Great Britain, and some time-of-use products depend on smart meter compatibility. That’s why we ask for your postcode and meter type before showing “cheapest” heat pump rates.

If you have a smart meter

More time-of-use and smart tariffs may be available
More accurate billing and smoother switching for certain products
Better fit if you’re coordinating heat pump schedules, EV charging, or batteries

If you’re unsure about your meter

Check your bill for “single rate”, “day/night” or multiple registers
Look at your meter for more than one reading label (e.g. Rate 1 / Rate 2)
Select “Not sure” in the form — we’ll still show suitable options

Note: This page is for domestic energy comparisons in Great Britain. If you’re looking for Northern Ireland tariffs, availability differs by market structure.

Common mistakes when choosing a heat pump tariff

Only comparing the off-peak rate

If the peak/day rate is high, you can end up paying more overall — especially during cold spells.

Ignoring standing charges

A “cheap” unit rate with a high standing charge may not be cheapest for your annual usage.

Over-shifting heating to off-peak

Large temperature setbacks can reduce comfort and efficiency. Steady heating often performs best.

Not updating your usage estimate

After installing a heat pump, your electricity usage typically rises. Old figures can mis-rank tariffs.

Assuming all suppliers support your meter

Some tariffs depend on smart meter compatibility or specific metering setups. We filter by availability.

Switching without checking exit fees

If you’re mid-fix, exit fees may change the true “cheapest” choice right now.

FAQs: cheapest heat pump electricity tariff in the UK

Is there a dedicated “heat pump tariff” in the UK?

Some suppliers market smart or off-peak tariffs that can suit heat pumps, but most savings come from choosing a tariff structure (flat or time-of-use) that matches your home’s heating and hot water pattern. Availability depends on region and meter type.

Do I need a smart meter for the cheapest heat pump rates?

Not always. Many competitive single-rate tariffs don’t require a smart meter. However, a smart meter can unlock time-of-use tariffs with cheaper off-peak periods, which may suit some heat pump setups.

What details do I need to compare tariffs accurately?

The best inputs are your postcode, payment method, meter type and annual electricity usage (kWh). If you don’t know your kWh, you can still start — we can estimate based on typical heat pump consumption and home information.

If you’re newly installed, your last year’s electricity use may not reflect heat pump heating, so estimating your new demand is important.

Will off-peak tariffs definitely reduce heat pump bills?

Not guaranteed. Off-peak tariffs help if you can shift a meaningful portion of usage into the cheaper window (commonly hot water, some pre-heating, or battery charging). If most usage stays in peak hours, a flat-rate tariff may be cheaper overall.

Can I switch if I’m on a fixed tariff?

Usually yes, but there may be exit fees. When you compare with EnergyPlus, we recommend checking your current contract end date and any early exit charges so you can make a true cost-based decision.

Is this service for businesses?

No — this page and comparison form are for UK domestic energy (home use) only.

Compare tariffs now

Why homeowners use EnergyPlus

Whole-of-market comparison

We compare widely across available UK domestic tariffs so you can focus on the options that fit your home and meter.

Heat pump-aware guidance

We help you understand unit rates vs standing charges, and when off-peak can (and can’t) reduce costs.

Clear switching journey

No confusing jargon. Choose a tariff, confirm details, and switch with support if you need it.

What customers say

“We moved to an off-peak tariff that matched our hot water schedule. The comparison made it obvious which deals were genuinely cheaper once standing charges were included.”

Homeowner, South East England

“I didn’t know our meter limited certain tariffs. EnergyPlus filtered options for our postcode and we switched without any drama.”

Homeowner, Scotland

Want the cheapest rates for your heat pump? Start your comparison.

See the cheapest heat pump electricity tariffs for your postcode

Compare whole-of-market domestic electricity rates, including off-peak options where available, and switch with confidence.

Quick form — no complicated setup required
Results ranked by estimated annual cost
Clear view of unit rates, standing charges and terms

Start now

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Domestic energy only. Tariffs and savings depend on availability, meter compatibility and your usage profile.

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Updated on 24 Dec 2025