About Bulb's smart tariff

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

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 currently 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 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.

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

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

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 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.