Energy Tariffs

Many electricity suppliers offer tariffs with cheaper rates during off-peak hours—usually overnight or midday—when electricity demand is low. These are called Time-of-Use, Smart, or Dynamic tariffs. The ZEB can also work with EV tariffs, if you have an electric vehicle already. With the right tariff, you can enjoy significant savings while making your energy use greener.

Finding the best tariff depends on your lifestyle and what other green technologies you have at home, like an electric vehicle or home battery. We’ve created this guide to help you better understand the different types of tariffs available and how they can work for your ZEB.

For your ZEB to operate cost-effectively, you’ll want a Time-of-Use or Dynamic tariff. Here’s what to look for:

• At least 4 hours of off-peak pricing: It takes 4.5 hours to fully charge your ZEB, so aim for a tariff that offers at least 4 off-peak hours each day.
• Off-peak rates around one-third of peak rates: For comparable running costs to gas boilers or heat pumps, look for tariffs where the off-peak rate is about one-third of the peak rate (e.g., off-peak 9p/kWh, peak 27p/kWh).

Pro tip: Time-of-Use tariffs are often hard to find on price comparison websites. A good starting point is the EV tariff page on MoneySavingExpert.

You’ve probably heard terms like “peak” and “off-peak.” But what do they mean for the environment?

During peak times, electricity demand is high, and National Grid relies on fossil fuel power stations (especially gas) to meet that demand. Off-peak times, on the other hand, are when renewable sources like wind and solar contribute more energy to the grid. By using electricity during off-peak hours, you help reduce the need for gas power stations and make better use of clean, renewable energy.

The ZEB’s Smart Charging system takes things a step further, optimising your heating schedule to save you even more. Here’s how it works:

• Maximised Efficiency: Your ZEB only charges with the amount of heat you need, based on weather forecasts and your heating habits. This reduces wasted energy from standing heat losses (heat emitted from the ZEB’s casing to the surroundings) and avoids you paying for more than you need.
• Optimised for Savings: Our smart algorithms identify the cheapest periods on your electricity tariff and the greenest times on the grid, ensuring your ZEB heats your home at the lowest possible cost and environmental impact.

With the right tariff and smart charging, your ZEB not only keeps you warm but also helps you save money and reduce your carbon footprint — making it a win for both your wallet and the planet.