Compare current UK heat-pump tariff structures, smart-meter requirements and time-of-use windows. The cheapest option depends on the property’s real half-hourly electricity use, region and ability to avoid peak periods.
Quick answer: compare the shape, not one headline rate
There is no single cheapest heat-pump tariff for every UK home. The result depends on regional prices, standing charges, the amount of electricity used in each time window and whether the heat pump can avoid an expensive peak period. Compare a full-year estimate using the property's own half-hourly data, then confirm the live quote with the supplier before switching.
Current heat-pump tariff structures
These supplier structures were checked against the providers' live pages on 18 August 2026. They describe how the tariffs work, not a promise that a named tariff will be cheapest for a particular home.
- Cosy Octopus: three lower-price periods from 4am to 7am, 1pm to 4pm and 10pm to midnight, with a higher-price period from 4pm to 7pm. Octopus offers fixed and flexible versions. Check the live Cosy Octopus quote and eligibility.
- EDF Heat Pump Tracker: a discount against EDF's regional Standard tariff from 4am to 7am and 1pm to 4pm, without a separate peak rate. Prices track the price cap and vary by region. Check the live EDF Heat Pump Tracker details.
- E.ON Next Pumped: its cheapest window runs from 10pm to 6am, with lower-price periods from 6am to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm, and a higher-price period from 4pm to 7pm. Check the live E.ON Next Pumped quote.
- British Gas Heat Power: half-price electricity is credited for use from midnight to 7am and 1pm to 4pm. The fixed tariff also covers some other electric-heating, EV and battery homes. Check the live British Gas Heat Power terms.
Supplier availability, prices and terms can change. Use the links above for the current position rather than relying on a pence-per-kWh figure copied into an article.
How to compare tariffs for your property
- Download at least several weeks of half-hourly electricity use, including cold weather where possible.
- Apply every candidate tariff's regional unit rates and standing charge to the same usage profile.
- Model only realistic load shifting. A heat pump normally works best with steady, low-temperature operation, so aggressive on-off scheduling can reduce comfort or efficiency.
- Include all household electricity, not just an estimate for the heat pump.
- Check fixed-term dates, exit fees, export-tariff compatibility and what happens if the smart meter stops sending readings.
A tariff with the lowest off-peak rate can cost more overall if the property uses substantial electricity during its peak window. A flatter tariff can be better where demand cannot move.
Smart-meter and eligibility checks
The four tariffs above require a compatible smart meter and half-hourly readings. They also require the electricity account to be with the relevant supplier, and each provider has its own payment and equipment rules. Confirm that the supplier can communicate with the meter before assuming the advertised time-of-use rates will apply.
Heat-pump grants and running costs
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps with eligible installation costs in England and Wales; it does not guarantee lower running costs or approve a household for a tariff. Ofgem lists £7,500 for eligible air-to-water and ground-source systems, £2,500 for eligible residential air-to-air systems and a temporary £9,000 level for certain eligible off-gas-grid air-to-water or ground-source replacements until 31 March 2027. An MCS-certified installer applies on the property owner's behalf. Check the current Ofgem Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance.
Running cost depends on heat loss, system design, flow temperature, seasonal efficiency, hot-water demand, controls, electricity use and tariff. Compare the installation and tariff as one property-specific plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which heat-pump tariff is cheapest?
No supplier is cheapest for every home. Apply each tariff's live regional rates to the same half-hourly usage profile and include standing charges and peak-period use.
Do heat-pump tariffs need a smart meter?
The supplier tariffs compared here require a compatible smart meter that can send half-hourly readings. Check compatibility with the supplier before switching.
Can a property use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and a smart tariff?
Potentially, yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme concerns eligible installation cost, while the electricity tariff concerns ongoing energy charges. Each has separate eligibility and terms.
