Do I need a smart meter to switch to a heat pump or time-of-use tariff?

In most cases, yes. Time-of-use tariffs typically require a compatible smart meter so your electricity usage can be billed at different rates depending on the time of day. If you don"t have one, check whether your supplier can install a smart meter before you switch.

Will a heat pump tariff definitely make my bills cheaper?

Not always. Savings depend on your home"s heat demand, insulation, heat pump efficiency (COP/SCOP), and how much usage you can move into cheaper hours. Some tariffs have higher peak rates or standing charges, so it"s important to compare the full yearly cost based on your real usage pattern.

When is a heat pump electricity tariff most likely to be worth it?

It"s often worth it if you can pre-heat your home or your hot water cylinder during off-peak periods, you have a well-insulated property, and you can avoid heavy electricity use during peak times. Homes with flexible heating controls, weather compensation, and well-sized radiators/underfloor heating can benefit most.

Can I use a heat pump tariff if I don"t have a hot water cylinder?

Yes, but your ability to shift energy use may be lower. A hot water cylinder makes it easier to store heat produced during cheaper periods. Without one, focus on whether your heating controls let you run the heat pump more during off-peak windows without affecting comfort.

What should I compare before switching tariffs?

Compare (1) peak and off-peak unit rates, (2) standing charge, (3) how many off-peak hours you get and when they occur, (4) exit fees or contract length, and (5) whether your heat pump and controls can schedule heating/hot water to those times. For the most accurate result, estimate annual cost using your expected heat pump kWh split across peak and off-peak periods.

Will switching to a heat pump tariff affect the rest of my household electricity use?

Yes. All electricity in the home is usually billed on the same time-of-use rates, so appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, EV charging) can also benefit if you run them off-peak. If most of your usage happens at peak times, a time-of-use tariff can increase costs.

How can I maximise savings on a heat pump electricity tariff?

Improve insulation and draught-proofing, use smart scheduling to heat more during off-peak hours, keep flow temperatures as low as comfort allows, and ensure the heat pump is correctly sized and commissioned. If you have a hot water cylinder, heat water in cheaper periods. Monitor usage for a few weeks after switching and adjust schedules to reduce peak-time consumption.

Where can I get help comparing heat pump tariffs and estimating savings?

You can use Energy Plus cost-saving advice and comparison tools to understand tariff options and what"s likely to be cheapest for your usage. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/

Should I switch to a heat pump electricity tariff in the UK?

Q: Should I switch to a heat pump electricity tariff in the UK?

You should consider switching if you have a heat pump, can run it more during off-peak hours, and your home is well insulated. A heat pump or time-of-use tariff can reduce running costs when you shift heating and hot water to cheaper periods. Compare total annual costs (not just the off-peak rate), including any higher peak unit rates, standing charges, and your expected heat pump usage.

Q: What is a heat pump electricity tariff?

A heat pump electricity tariff is usually a time-of-use tariff that offers cheaper electricity at certain times (often overnight or other off-peak windows). It can suit heat pump households that can schedule heating and hot water to run more in the cheaper periods, helping lower bills without changing the heat pump itself.

If you’ve got a heat pump (or you’re planning one), the right electricity tariff can cut running costs without changing how you heat your home. Compare whole-of-market UK deals with EnergyPlus and see which tariffs fit your usage pattern.

Check if a heat pump tariff (or smart tariff) could lower your p/kWh at key times
Whole-of-market comparison for homeowners (not just one supplier)
Get personalised options based on your meter, postcode and heating habits

Compare heat pump-friendly tariffs Learn what to look for

EnergyPlus is a home energy comparison service. We’ll suggest suitable tariffs based on the details you share. Availability varies by meter type, region and supplier.

Compare heat pump electricity tariffs (whole-of-market)

A “heat pump tariff” usually means an electricity plan that can work well for heat pumps because it rewards when you use power (for example, cheaper off-peak or cheaper rates at certain hours). Some suppliers market these directly to heat pump owners; others are smart tariffs that can be just as effective.

EnergyPlus compares UK home energy tariffs across the market to help you find options that match:

Your meter (smart meter / standard credit / prepayment availability varies)
Your likely heating profile (steady low-level heat vs timed blocks)
Your property and household pattern (work-from-home, school runs, weekends, etc.)
Your postcode (regional pricing and network costs influence standing charge & unit rate)

Quick reality check: A tariff can’t make a poorly set-up heat pump efficient—but it can reduce the cost of each kWh you use at the most important times. If you can shift hot water or top-up heating to cheaper windows, savings can be meaningful.

Get matched tariffs for your home

Fill in a few details and we’ll show suitable electricity tariff options for heat pump households.

Mobile-friendly: If you’re viewing on a smaller screen, the form should stack underneath the content for easy completion.

What is a heat pump electricity tariff?

In the UK, there isn’t one official tariff type called a “heat pump tariff”. Instead, suppliers typically offer plans that can be well-suited to heat pumps because they provide cheaper electricity at specific times or encourage smoother, lower-cost consumption.

Time-of-use tariffs

Different unit rates depending on time (e.g., off-peak vs peak). Works well if you can run hot water and some heating when rates are lower.

Smart tariffs

Often require a smart meter and can have half-hourly pricing. Some are designed for EV charging but may still benefit heat pumps depending on your schedule.

Heat pump branded tariffs

A supplier may bundle a “heat pump tariff” with specific rates or conditions. Always compare unit rate, standing charge and hours—not just the label.

Important: Heat pumps typically run best with steady, lower-temperature heating. A tariff that is only cheap for a short window may not suit every home—unless you use it mainly for hot water heating or small “top-ups”.

Should you switch? A practical checklist

Switching to a heat pump-friendly electricity tariff can be worth it, but only if it matches how your home uses energy. Use the checklist below to decide whether comparing tariffs is likely to pay off.

More likely to benefit

You have a smart meter (or can get one) and can access smart/time-of-use deals
Your hot water cylinder can heat on a schedule (e.g., during off-peak hours)
You’re comfortable shifting some usage (dishwasher, laundry, immersion backup) to cheaper times
Your heat pump is used heavily in winter (higher annual electricity consumption)
You’re on a poor-value standard variable tariff and haven’t compared in a while

Be careful / double-check

Your home needs heat most during peak hours and you can’t shift demand
A tariff has a very low off-peak price but a high peak rate or standing charge
You’re on legacy multi-rate heating (e.g., older setups) and are unsure about compatibility
You rent and cannot change meter type or heating controls easily
You’re considering a tariff tied to extra devices or strict conditions—read the details first

Tip: If you’re unsure, compare anyway. Even if a time-of-use plan isn’t ideal, you might still find a single-rate tariff with a lower unit rate or standing charge for your postcode.

How to choose a heat pump electricity tariff (UK)

When people search “should I switch to a heat pump electricity tariff”, they usually want to know what to compare beyond the headline price. Here are the factors that most often change the outcome.

Confirm your meter situation. Many smart/time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter that records half-hourly usage. If you don’t have one, you may be limited to single-rate deals.
Look at your heat pump usage pattern. Heat pumps are typically most efficient when providing steady heat. If you mainly rely on scheduled hot water, you may benefit more from off-peak windows.
Compare the whole tariff shape. Don’t just compare the cheap rate. Check peak rate, standing charge, and how many hours are “cheap”.
Check any rules or hardware requirements. Some tariffs need specific apps, payment methods, or usage permissions. Make sure you’re happy with the terms.
Sanity-check your likely annual cost. A slightly higher unit rate can still win if the standing charge is lower (or vice versa). A whole-of-market comparison makes this easier.

What to compare (quick table)

Tariff element	Why it matters for heat pumps	What to watch out for
Unit rate(s) (p/kWh)	Your heat pump uses electricity to move heat; a lower effective unit rate can reduce running cost.	A very low off-peak rate can be offset by expensive peak pricing.
Standing charge (p/day)	Fixed daily cost that affects annual spend regardless of usage.	High standing charges can reduce savings, especially in milder months.
Cheap hours / schedule	Useful for hot water heating and any flexible loads.	If the window doesn’t match your routine, you may pay more overall.
Price certainty	Fixed tariffs can make winter bills more predictable.	Some smart tariffs vary; check how often rates change and how they’re set.
Exit fees & terms	Flexibility matters if you’re still tuning your heat pump settings.	Fees can make switching again expensive if the tariff isn’t a good fit.

Best practice: For many heat pump homes, the biggest gains come from (1) correct system settings and (2) choosing a tariff that aligns with hot water and any flexible usage—not from chasing the lowest advertised off-peak price.

Heat pump tariff costs & savings: what’s realistic?

Your potential savings depend on how much electricity your heat pump uses and how much of that usage can land in cheaper periods. Two households with the same heat pump can see very different results.

Where savings often come from

Lower effective p/kWh by using cheaper hours for hot water heating
Reducing standing charge if an alternative tariff has a better daily rate for your area
Better matching if you have EV charging, solar export, or battery storage alongside a heat pump
Tariff fit for households that can run appliances off-peak too

What can reduce or erase savings

High peak rates when your home needs the most heat
Cheap windows that don’t align with your cylinder schedule or daily routine
High standing charge that outweighs unit rate benefits
Exit fees that lock you in while you’re still learning how your system behaves

A simple way to sense-check a time-of-use tariff

Step 1: Estimate what percentage of your electricity use can sit in the cheaper period(s). For many heat pump homes, the most controllable chunk is hot water heating.

Step 2: Compare the weighted average unit rate against a simple single-rate option. If the weighted average isn’t clearly lower (after standing charge), the time-of-use tariff may not be worth the complexity.

Step 3: Consider comfort. Heat pumps typically like steady operation; don’t choose a tariff that pressures you into stop/start heating if that risks comfort or efficiency.

Regional note: Electricity standing charges and unit rates can vary by region. A “good deal” in one postcode may not be best in another—so always compare with your postcode.

Common mistakes when switching heat pump tariffs

If you’re switching electricity tariffs for a heat pump, avoid these frequent pitfalls that can lead to higher bills or unnecessary hassle.

Only comparing the cheapest rate

A low off-peak p/kWh can be undone by high peak pricing or a high standing charge. Compare annual cost estimates, not just one number.

Assuming heat pumps should “charge up”

Unlike storage heaters, many heat pumps perform best with steady operation. If you can’t shift heat demand, prioritise a strong single-rate deal.

Not checking requirements

Some smart tariffs require a smart meter, an app, certain payment methods or data permissions. Confirm suitability before you switch.

Heat pump electricity tariff FAQs (UK)

Do I need a smart meter for a heat pump tariff?

Not always. Many time-of-use and smart tariffs do require a smart meter, but you can still compare single-rate tariffs that may be competitive for heat pump households. If you want access to a broader range of heat pump-friendly plans, a smart meter can help.

Will a heat pump tariff lower my bills automatically?

Only if the tariff matches your usage. If you can shift hot water heating or other loads to cheaper periods, you may reduce costs. If most of your heating demand falls into expensive peak hours, a time-of-use tariff could cost more than a good single-rate deal.

Are heat pump electricity tariffs available across the whole UK?

Availability and pricing can vary by region, meter type and supplier. Some tariffs are offered nationwide, while others depend on smart meter setup or supplier criteria. That’s why comparing with your postcode is important.

I have solar panels or a battery—does that change the best tariff?

It can. If you generate electricity or store it, you may benefit from tariffs that complement your export, charging and heating schedule. You’ll often want to consider both the import prices (what you buy) and how your system can shift usage.

How long does it take to switch electricity supplier in the UK?

Switching is often completed in a few working days, but timings can vary by supplier and circumstances. Your electricity supply won’t be interrupted during the switch.

What information should I have to compare tariffs accurately?

Your postcode, whether you have a smart meter, and (ideally) a recent bill or annual usage estimate. If you know when you typically heat hot water or when your home is occupied, that also helps match tariff types to your routine.

Still unsure? Use the comparison form and we’ll surface suitable options based on your details.

Why homeowners use EnergyPlus

Whole-of-market focus

We compare a wide range of UK home energy tariffs so you can see options beyond the supplier you’re already with.

Matched to how you use energy

Heat pump households aren’t one-size-fits-all. We consider meter type, postcode and practical usage patterns.

Clear next steps

You’ll know what to check (rates, standing charge, terms) and which tariffs are most likely to suit a heat pump setup.

What customers say

“We weren’t sure whether a ‘heat pump tariff’ was just marketing. The comparison made it clear which options actually fit our routine and hot water schedule.”

Homeowner, England

“Switching felt complicated with a smart meter. EnergyPlus narrowed it down so we could choose confidently.”

Homeowner, Scotland

Ready to see if switching could cut your heat pump running costs?

Use our quick form to compare whole-of-market UK electricity tariffs that may suit heat pump homes—based on your postcode and details.

No supply interruption when you switch
Compare unit rates, standing charges and terms
Options for smart and single-rate households

Start my comparison

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026