Our smart tariff is a new, 3 rate tariff for Bulb members with compatible smart meters. It's in 'beta', meaning we're still testing it.
To join the smart tariff, you need a compatible smart meter for electricity that can send us a reading every half hour. We’ll check to see if your meter is compatible when you sign up.
Apply to join the smart tariff
How it works
With our smart tariff, there are 3 different rates for electricity, depending on the time of day:
- peak - the most expensive
- off-peak - cheaper
- overnight - cheapest
These rates reflect the changing demand for electricity during the day. Demand is a lot higher in the late afternoon and early evening than overnight. So on the smart tariff, it costs less to use electricity outside of peak hours. On our standard tariff, it costs the same no matter when you use it.
The prices for each rate vary by region.
| Rate | Hours (weekdays) | Hours (weekends) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 4pm to 7pm | None - all hours are off-peak or overnight |
| Off-peak | 7am to 4pm, 7pm to 11pm | 7am to 11pm |
| Overnight | 11pm to 7am | 11pm to 7am |
The smart tariff could save you money
Some things we do at home use a lot of electricity, like running the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher. If these are things you can do, or already do, outside of peak hours (4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday) then the smart tariff could save you money.
And if you have an electric car, you'll make savings by charging it overnight.
Not all smart meters are compatible
Up until 2018, most smart meters installed in homes were first generation, or SMETS1. If you have a smart meter installed by Bulb, it will be second generation, or SMETS2.
Some first generation (SMETS1) smart meters are compatible
You can apply to join the smart tariff 'beta' if you have a first generation smart meter. We'll check to see if we can read it every half hour.
If we can, we'll sign you up.
If we can't, we'll let you know. We're hoping to be able to read more SMETS1 meters soon, so we'll be in touch when the situation changes.
The second generation (SMETS2) meters we're installing will be eligible soon
We're currently installing second generation (SMETS2) smart meters in members' homes.
Second generation meters are compatible with the smart tariff and we'll be making the tariff available to members with these meters soon.
If you've got a SMETS2 meter and you're interested in the smart tariff, let us know and we'll get in touch when we're able to switch you over.
Smart tariff prices
The rates you'll pay for off-peak, peak and overnight usage vary by region.
All prices include VAT at the applicable rate and are rounded to 2 decimal places. On your statements, VAT will be shown separately. You'll also pay a standing charge of 20.44p per day.
| Region | Off-peak rate (pence per kWh) | Peak rate (pence per kWh) | Overnight rate (pence per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East England | 11.28 | 41.44 | 7.59 |
| East Midlands | 12.18 | 30.78 | 8.20 |
| London | 12.19 | 29.75 | 7.46 |
| North Wales, Mersey and Cheshire | 12.86 | 34.16 | 8.61 |
| West Midlands | 12.50 | 31.58 | 8.58 |
| North East England | 13.15 | 27.84 | 8.58 |
| North West England | 12.07 | 33.47 | 8.08 |
| North Scotland | 14.23 | 25.20 | 10.28 |
| South Scotland | 13.01 | 26.50 | 8.71 |
| South East England | 11.67 | 41.94 | 7.91 |
| Southern England | 12.35 | 32.63 | 8.15 |
| South Wales | 13.53 | 30.22 | 9.03 |
| South West England | 12.31 | 40.44 | 9.05 |
| Yorkshire | 12.68 | 26.15 | 8.65 |