Smart Energy Action Plan: links and further information

You are viewing this page because you have followed the link or the QR code in your printed Smart Energy Action Plan.

The links that we included in your Smart Energy Action Plan are listed below. Use these to find out more about the technologies and services that have been recommended to you.

This page also lists technologies and services that are included in other people’s Smart Energy Action Plans and which are not relevant to you. You can ignore these.

Quick links

Use these links to jump to the part of the page you want:

First steps

Smart meters

What are smart meters? And how can they benefit you? Read our page on smart meters to find out.

Find out how to request a smart meter installation at the Smart Energy GB “Get a smart meter” page.

In-home displays

Buy an Ivie Ibud in-home display that connects with your smart meter and shows exactly how much energy you’re using in real time.

Read about the benefits of accessible in-home displays, designed with additional features for people who are blind, partially sighted, or have difficulties with dexterity or memory loss.

Digital technology

If you would like to investigate funding for digital technology, like laptops and tablets – perhaps through the Glasspool’s Flexible Frontline Fund – contact your local Citizens Advice: Find your local Citizens Advice and enquire about funding for digital tech.

Digital skills

If you feel you would benefit from support with using digital technologies such as smart phones or computers, the following organisation could help:

Lloyds Bank Academy
Learn My Way
Age UK IT training – for older people only. Services vary by region; use this website to find out what’s on offer near you.

Some local libraries will have information on assistance with digital skills in your area. Look up your closest public library here.

Get usage aware

How much energy do the different appliances in your home use?

Solar energy

Solar PV: how it works, the costs, the installation process and the grants available.

Getting the best from your solar PV panels: maximise the benefit by thinking differently about how and when you consume electricity at home.

Heat pumps

What to consider when installing a heat pump.

Smart energy offers

Demand-shifting schemes

Find out more about the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS). This rewards people for changing the times when they use the most electricity. Is taking part for you? We’ll help you decide.

There are also other service providers that offer demand-flexibility schemes all year round, for example:

Static time-of-use tariffs

There aren’t many static time-of-use tariffs currently available to customers who don’t have any smart energy technology. However, Tomato Energy’s Lifestyle tariff does offer cheap rates at night and at two shorter periods during the day.
Tomato Energy Lifestyle Tariff

British Gas offers an add-on to their normal tariffs which helps customers save on their energy bills by providing half-price energy at specific times every Sunday.
British Gas – PeakSave Sundays

Night storage heaters and Economy 7

Want to learn more about night storage heaters and how they work? See our night storage heaters webpage.

Find out more about Economy 7 tariffs and whether they are right for you.

If you have a Dimplex Quantum storage heater, you may be able to sign up to the Dimplex Quantum Economy 7 tariff. Night-rate electricity on this tariff is priced at 9.9p/kWh, which around 22% cheaper than most other Economy 7 tariffs. See the British Gas website for more information about the Dimplex Quantum Economy 7 tariff.

To check the compatibility of your night storage heater with the Dimplex Quantum Economy 7 tariff and instructions on installing and setting up your Quantum Hub, see here (PDF).

Find out more about Octopus Energy’s Snug Octopus tariff. On this tariff, you get up to six hours of charging between 00:30 and 06:30 at 9p/kWh. This is around 30% cheaper than typical Economy 7 night-rates. You will also get an extra hour boost for your heating in the afternoon, providing you with the full seven hours charging that you would usually get on Economy 7.

Dynamic time-of-use tariffs

These tariffs have a different rate for electricity for every half hour of the day. The two dynamic time-of-use tariffs that we are aware of are listed below. Note that this is subject to change. We think that in future these tariffs are likely to be offered by more suppliers.

Octopus Energy’s Agile tariff
Tomato Energy’s Agile tariff

Heat pump time-of-use tariff

EDF’s heat pump tracker tariff doesn’t have any peak hours, so if you have a heat pump, you will automatically save money by switching to this tariff. If you are then able to move some of your electricity consumption to off peak times, you’ll save even more money on your bills.

EDF Heat pump tracker tariff

Smart devices

Smart plugs monitor a device’s current, voltage, and energy consumption, providing real-time reports on via a phone app. Find out more about them here.

Learn more about smart thermostatic radiator valves.

Smart immersion heaters allow you to remotely control and set schedules for your water heating via phone or tablet. Find out more about T Smart Immersion Heaters.

If you have a Mixergy smart hot water cylinder, you can control when you heat water using the Mixergy app. See the Mixergy website for more information, and to download the app and user guide.

Export tariffs (for solar PV or batteries)

To compare the different export rates available to you, see the ECO Experts comparison page.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Compare EV tariff prices online using the Love My EV tariff comparison tool.