How to switch to a heat pump tariff in the UK
Compare whole-of-market heat pump-friendly electricity tariffs and switch online in minutes. We’ll help you find options that fit how your heat pump runs—without the jargon.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not limited to one supplier)
- Find tariffs suited to heat pumps: off-peak, time-of-use and smart options
- See estimated costs based on your usage and postcode
- Switch with confidence—clear terms, no confusing add-ons
For domestic properties in Great Britain. Tariff availability depends on your meter type, region and supplier criteria.
Compare heat pump tariffs and switch online
A heat pump tariff is usually an electricity tariff designed to reward when you use power—often with cheaper rates overnight or at specific times. If your air source or ground source heat pump does most of its work during off-peak periods (or can be scheduled to), the right tariff can reduce running costs.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market UK domestic energy tariffs (where available), including time-of-use (TOU) deals and other options that may suit heat pump households. Complete the form to see available deals for your postcode and usage profile.
Before you start (2-minute check)
- Do you have a smart meter? Many TOU tariffs need one.
- Is your heat pump on electricity only, or do you also have gas (for hot water / backup)?
- If you have solar/battery, note how often you export—some tariffs pay more for export.
Prefer to read first? Jump to how switching works or see tariff types and meter requirements.
Get heat pump tariff options
Fill in your details and we’ll show available home energy tariffs for your area. It’s the quickest way to check if a heat pump-friendly tariff could suit your household.
Why switching to a heat pump tariff can help
Heat pumps typically run for longer, steadier periods than boilers. That makes your timing and unit rate especially important. The right tariff can suit how your home heats and uses hot water—particularly if you can shift some demand overnight or away from evening peaks.
Lower off-peak running costs
Time-of-use tariffs can offer cheaper electricity at set times (often overnight). If your system pre-heats your home or hot water then, you may reduce average cost per kWh.
Better fit for smart controls
Many modern heat pumps can be scheduled. Matching schedules to tariff windows can help without sacrificing comfort—especially for hot water cycles.
Potentially improved home electrification
If you’re moving away from gas, you may benefit from reviewing both unit rate and standing charge to suit higher electricity use.
Options for EV / solar households
Some tariffs bundle features that can suit heat pumps plus EV charging or solar export—helpful if your home has multiple electrified loads.
No change to your heat pump
Switching tariff doesn’t usually require changing your heat pump. It’s about picking a better supply contract for how you already use electricity.
Clearer understanding of costs
Comparing whole-of-market makes it easier to spot when a low off-peak rate is offset by a higher peak rate or standing charge.
How to switch to a heat pump tariff (step-by-step)
Switching energy supplier or tariff in the UK is usually straightforward. In most cases, you’ll keep the same physical meter and your supply won’t be interrupted. The key for heat pump households is choosing a tariff that matches your real-world demand pattern.
- Gather your details: postcode, current supplier, whether you have a smart meter, and an estimate of electricity usage (kWh) if you have it.
- Check your heat pump schedule: when does it mainly run—overnight, daytime, or early evening? Hot water is often the easiest load to shift.
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs: look beyond the headline off-peak price—review peak rate, standing charge, and any requirements (smart meter, direct debit, app use).
- Confirm contract terms: length, exit fees, price changes, and whether it’s a fixed or variable tariff.
- Submit your switch: complete the online sign-up. Your new supplier handles the process, including notifying the old supplier.
- Take a final meter reading: on switch day (or when requested), submit readings to avoid billing issues.
- Optimise your settings: align hot water and any flexible heating periods with cheaper windows where practical—without compromising comfort.
Tip for best results
If you can, find your last 12 months’ electricity usage in kWh. Heat pump homes can vary widely by property insulation, flow temperature, hot water demand and occupancy. Better inputs = a more accurate comparison.
Heat pump tariff types (and what you’ll need)
Not every “heat pump tariff” is labelled as such. Many are simply electricity tariffs that suit homes with flexible demand. The best choice depends on your meter, how much energy you use overnight, and whether you can avoid high-priced peak periods.
| Tariff type | Best for | Common requirements | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-rate (standard) | Heat pump homes with steady usage and limited ability to shift demand | Any meter type | Can be more expensive than TOU if you can shift hot water/heating |
| Time-of-use (TOU) | Households that can run hot water or some heating off-peak | Usually a smart meter; supplier-specific eligibility | Peak rates can be high—avoid switching if most usage is at peak times |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Legacy setups or homes already on multi-rate meters | A compatible multi-rate meter (often already installed) | Timing windows vary by region; may not be optimal for modern heat pumps |
| Smart/export or bundled (solar/battery/EV) | Electrified homes with solar PV, battery storage or EV charging | Smart meter; sometimes a compatible charger/inverter | Bundles can look cheap but add conditions; compare total cost carefully |
Do I need a smart meter for a heat pump tariff?
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter because your usage is billed at different rates across the day. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch supplier, but TOU options could be limited.
Can I switch if I’m in a fixed deal?
You usually can, but you may pay an exit fee. It can still be worthwhile if savings outweigh the fee—compare with accurate dates and terms before switching.
Costs and savings: what to compare for heat pump homes
With a heat pump, your electricity usage is usually higher than a typical gas-heated home. That means a small difference in unit rate can make a noticeable change. But heat pump tariffs can also include a trade-off—cheap off-peak rates paired with expensive peak rates.
The 5 numbers to check
- Peak unit rate (p/kWh)
- Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh) and the exact hours
- Standing charge (p/day)
- Contract length and exit fees
- Price change rules (fixed vs variable; review dates)
A practical way to think about it
Ask: What % of my electricity use can realistically happen off-peak? Hot water heating, some pre-heating, and battery charging (if you have one) are common candidates.
If most of your usage is during busy evening hours, a TOU tariff with a very high peak price may cost more overall—even if the off-peak price looks attractive.
Important: don’t compare on off-peak price alone
Some tariffs advertise very low night rates but have higher day rates or standing charges. Whole-of-market comparison helps you judge the overall annual cost, not just one number.
Common mistakes when switching heat pump tariffs
1) Ignoring standing charges
Heat pump homes often focus on p/kWh, but standing charges can vary significantly by tariff and region. Compare total projected cost, not just unit rates.
2) Choosing TOU without changing behaviour
If your heat pump and hot water usage stays mostly in peak hours, a TOU tariff may increase bills. Consider whether you can shift hot water cycles or pre-heat sensibly.
3) Not checking meter compatibility
Some tariffs need a smart meter or specific configuration. If your meter can’t support multi-rate billing, you may be limited to single-rate options until it’s upgraded.
4) Estimating usage too low
Underestimating kWh can make a tariff look cheaper than it will be. Use last year’s usage if available—especially if this is your first winter with a heat pump.
FAQs: switching to a heat pump tariff
Will switching supplier interrupt my electricity supply?
Normally no. Switching is administrative. You’ll typically only need to provide meter readings around the switch date so your final and first bills are accurate.
Do heat pump tariffs exist across all UK regions?
Availability varies by supplier and region. Pricing and standing charges also vary regionally. That’s why postcode-based comparison is important.
What if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Some tariffs and suppliers have restrictions for prepayment. You may still be able to switch, but options can be more limited. Enter your details and we’ll show what’s available.
Is a “heat pump tariff” different from a normal electricity tariff?
Often, it’s a normal domestic electricity tariff that happens to suit heat pump usage—typically by offering lower prices at certain times. The key difference is how well the tariff structure matches your heat pump’s operating pattern.
Can I keep my current supplier and just change tariff?
Sometimes yes, but you may find better value by comparing across multiple suppliers. Whole-of-market comparison helps you see both: alternative tariffs and alternative suppliers.
Should I change my heat pump settings after switching?
Only if it makes sense for comfort and efficiency. Small, sensible shifts—like scheduling hot water during cheaper windows—can help. Avoid drastic changes that reduce comfort or increase flow temperature unnecessarily.
Need help choosing? Start with the comparison form above, then review tariff details carefully. If you want to optimise your running costs further, consider tracking when your heat pump draws most power (many systems and smart meters provide half-hourly usage views).
Trusted switching support for UK households
Whole-of-market approach
We compare across a wide range of UK home energy tariffs so you can see options beyond your current supplier.
Clear, practical guidance
Heat pump tariffs can be confusing. We focus on what matters: rates, hours, standing charges, and real-world fit.
What customers say
“We moved to a tariff that matched our hot water schedule—our bills are finally predictable.”
— Homeowner, England
Trust indicators (what to expect)
- No interruption to your electricity supply during a standard switch
- You’ll see key tariff details clearly before you commit
- Support focused on domestic switching (home energy only)
Ready to switch to a better heat pump tariff?
Use our whole-of-market comparison to check heat pump-friendly electricity tariffs available in your area. Start with your postcode and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
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