As part of the UK’s Clean Power Action Plan, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – DESNZ – has announced a new regulatory framework that will require heat pumps and related devices to be sold “smart-ready”. This update aligns them with existing standards for electric vehicle chargers and supports the broader aim of reducing energy costs for households while enabling smarter energy use.
What Does ‘Smart-Ready’ Mean for Heat Pumps?
From 2025, hydronic heat pumps, standalone electric water heaters, heat batteries and hybrid systems up to 45 kW will need to support smart functionality. This means these systems must be capable of integrating with time-of-use tariffs, allowing homeowners to shift energy consumption to cheaper periods. The government estimates this could save consumers approximately £100 annually compared to traditional gas boilers.
New standards will also include cybersecurity requirements to protect users as these systems become more connected. Consumers will be able to access flexible pricing without being tied to a single energy supplier, ensuring greater choice and competition in the market.
A Step Toward Energy Efficiency and Lower Bills
Smart heat pump compatibility is a key step in encouraging the wider uptake of energy-efficient technology. With the right tariff, devices such as air source heat pumps can take advantage of off-peak electricity prices, reducing both energy bills and grid strain during peak hours.
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The move is expected to complement broader changes to the UK’s energy infrastructure. Initiatives like dynamic load management and smart grid integration will become increasingly important as more households adopt low-carbon heating systems. By allowing heat pumps to interact with real-time pricing data, users are empowered to reduce their energy use at peak times.
Efforts to modernise domestic heating and align it with other smart systems are particularly important at a time when at least 6.1 million households are in fuel poverty.
Ensuring technology works flexibly across providers and tariffs is essential in making long-term energy savings accessible to all.