Scottish Power Heat Pump Tariff: Rates, Eligibility and Full Review

Not everyone wants to schedule their heating around off-peak windows. Scottish Power's SmartGen tariff takes the opposite approach to time-of-use products like Octopus Cosy — offering a flat reduced rate of around 15-18p per kWh for all your electricity, all day. No scheduling, no peak penalties, no complexity.

The trade-off? You will not achieve the deepest possible savings. But for homeowners who value simplicity and predictability, Scottish Power delivers guaranteed savings of around £320 per year over a standard tariff with zero effort beyond switching.

What Scottish Power Offers Heat Pump Owners

Scottish Power's approach differs from smaller, more agile suppliers like Octopus. Rather than a bespoke time-of-use product, they offer their SmartGen tariff — a flat reduced rate that benefits high-electricity households including those with heat pumps.

The appeal of this tariff is simplicity. You do not need to schedule your heating around cheap windows — you simply pay a lower rate for all electricity, all day long. For homeowners who find time-of-use scheduling too complex or impractical, this is a genuine advantage.

Eligibility Requirements

To access Scottish Power's heat pump-specific tariffs, you typically need:

• Registered heat pump: Evidence of a heat pump installation (MCS certificate preferred)
• Smart meter: Recommended for SmartGen, required for time-of-use options
• Scottish Power customer: You need to be, or switch to, a Scottish Power electricity customer
• Regional availability: Some tariff variations are only available in certain regions

Despite the name, Scottish Power supplies electricity across Great Britain. Contact them directly to confirm what is available at your postcode.

How Much Can You Save?

Scottish Power saves you approximately £320 per year over a standard tariff — a solid saving for zero scheduling effort. Octopus Cosy can save an additional £60-150 on top, but only if you actively manage your heating schedule and can shift 60%+ of usage to off-peak windows.

For homes with poor insulation where the heat pump needs to run throughout the day, SmartGen's flat lower rate can actually work out cheaper than Cosy, because you avoid paying Cosy's peak rate (33p/kWh) during the 4-7pm window.

Pros and Cons of Scottish Power's Heat Pump Tariff

Who Should Choose Scottish Power?

Scottish Power's heat pump tariff is best suited to:

• Homeowners who want simplicity: If scheduling around off-peak windows feels too complex, a flat reduced rate is ideal
• Poorly insulated homes: If your home loses heat quickly and needs the heat pump running throughout the day, a flat lower rate saves more than a time-of-use tariff where you end up paying peak rates
• Risk-averse customers: Fixed-price contracts give certainty that variable time-of-use tariffs cannot
• Existing Scottish Power customers: If you are happy with your supplier and want savings without switching

Scottish Power vs Other Suppliers

• vs Octopus Energy: Octopus offers more tariff choices and potentially deeper savings but requires active scheduling. Scottish Power is simpler
• vs British Gas: Scottish Power's dedicated heat pump tariff is more competitive than British Gas's general offerings
• vs EDF: EDF's GoElectric offers time-of-use pricing with overnight savings. Scottish Power's flat rate is simpler but less flexible
• vs E.ON: E.ON's Next Drive offers overnight cheap rates. SmartGen may suit those who cannot shift usage overnight

For a full side-by-side comparison, see our heat pump tariff comparison guide.

Is Scottish Power's Heat Pump Tariff Worth It?

Yes, if simplicity and predictability matter to you. Scottish Power will not deliver the absolute lowest running costs possible — that crown belongs to a well-optimised Octopus Cosy setup. But it will deliver guaranteed savings over a standard tariff with zero scheduling effort.

For a homeowner who has just installed a heat pump and feels overwhelmed by the technology, Scottish Power's straightforward approach has real appeal. You can always switch to a time-of-use tariff later once you are more confident with your system. Check the best heat pump tariff guide for our overall recommendation across all UK suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scottish Power's heat pump tariff available in England?

Yes, despite the name, Scottish Power supplies electricity across Great Britain including England and Wales. Their heat pump tariff options are available nationwide, though exact rates vary by region. Contact them with your postcode for specific pricing.

Can I get a fixed-price heat pump tariff from Scottish Power?

Yes, Scottish Power typically offers 12-month fixed-price deals for heat pump customers. This gives you rate certainty that variable tariffs from other suppliers cannot match. Check current availability, as fixed deals come and go.

Do I need two meters for Scottish Power's heat pump tariff?

No, a single smart meter covers your entire household electricity supply. The tariff applies to all your electricity usage. You do not need a separate meter for the heat pump.

What if Scottish Power does not have a heat pump tariff when I check?

Tariff availability changes. If their dedicated heat pump product is not currently available, ask about their best fixed-rate deal and compare it to other suppliers. Scottish Power periodically launches and withdraws specific tariff products based on market conditions.

Can I combine Scottish Power's heat pump tariff with solar panels?

Yes. Solar panels will reduce your grid electricity consumption, saving you money regardless of your tariff. Scottish Power also offers export tariffs for surplus solar generation.

How does Scottish Power compare on customer service?

Scottish Power has historically received lower customer satisfaction scores than smaller suppliers like Octopus, but they have invested significantly in improving service. As a Big Six supplier, they have extensive phone support and a nationwide network of engineers, which some customers prefer to digital-first suppliers.