About Bulb's smart tariff

1. Bulb
2. Payments and referrals
3. Smart tariff

Our smart tariff is a 2 rate tariff for Bulb members with compatible smart meters. It's in 'beta', which means we're still testing it.

To join the smart tariff, you need a second generation (SMETS2) smart meter for electricity that can send us a reading every half hour. We're only signing up a small number of members during this testing phase.

Apply to join the smart tariff

How it works

With our smart tariff, there are 2 different rates for electricity:

• Peak - the most expensive
• Off-peak - cheaper

These rates reflect the changing demand for electricity during the day. Demand is 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. 

The timings are based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT):

During British Summer Time (BST), which is the last Sunday in March, to the last Sunday in October, the hours change to:

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 you start using these appliances outside of peak hours, the smart tariff could save you money.

And if you have an electric car, you'll make savings by avoiding peak times when you charge it.

Not all smart meters are compatible

You can apply to join the smart tariff beta if you have a second generation smart meter (SMETS2).

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.

Smart tariff prices

The rates you'll pay for peak and off-peak 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.