Intelligent Go tariffs explained

Intelligent time-of-use (TOU) tariffs offer a way for UK homeowners to manage their electricity costs by providing variable rates based on demand, making energy cheaper during off-peak hours. These tariffs are particularly beneficial for homes with high-energy appliances like electric vehicles (EVs) and home batteries, enabling significant savings and more efficient energy use.

Intelligent tariffs can help you make the most of your energy, offering clear pricing and insights into your usage. Click here to see how Fuse Energy can help you take control of your energy bills.

Understanding intelligent time-of-use tariffs

What are intelligent tariffs?

Intelligent tariffs, also known as smart time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, are energy plans where the price of electricity changes throughout the day. Instead of a single flat rate, you pay less during "off-peak" hours when demand on the grid is low, and more during "peak" hours when demand is high. This pricing structure encourages households to shift their energy consumption to periods when electricity is cheaper and often greener, as more renewable sources are typically active.

This approach aligns with the principle of abundance over scarcity, allowing consumers to use more energy when it is plentiful and affordable, rather than constantly trying to use less.

How do they work with smart meters?

Smart meters are crucial for intelligent tariffs, as they record your energy consumption in half-hourly increments and automatically send this data to your energy supplier. This granular data allows suppliers to apply the correct variable rates for each period, ensuring accurate billing based on when you actually use electricity. While smart meters are ideal for intelligent tariffs, some dual-rate manual meters can also enable access to these tariffs. Eligibility for off-peak or dual-rate tariffs is determined by your meter's configuration, known as its Standard Settlement Configuration (SSC) in the industry. A customer with a dual-rate manual meter can switch to an off-peak tariff if their supply has a supported dual-rate SSC.

The transparency and control offered by smart meters are similar to the features Fuse Energy provides through its app, giving customers clear insights into their usage and costs. For those without a smart meter, Fuse Energy can arrange a free smart meter upgrade once you have switched in.

Benefits of intelligent tariffs for homeowners

Intelligent tariffs offer several advantages for homeowners looking to optimise their energy use and reduce costs.

Saving money on electricity bills

The primary benefit of intelligent tariffs is the potential for significant savings on electricity bills. By shifting energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours, you can take advantage of considerably cheaper rates. For example, off-peak rates can be significantly lower than the Standard Variable Tariff rate, which is 26.11p per kWh for electricity under the Ofgem Price Cap from 1 July to 30 September 2026. This can lead to substantial savings, especially for households with high overall consumption.

The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to Ofgem's medium Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs) effective from 1 July 20261. By strategically using cheaper off-peak electricity, homeowners can reduce the cost of this consumption.

Optimising EV charging

Electric vehicle (EV) charging can account for a significant portion of a household's electricity consumption. Intelligent tariffs are particularly well-suited for EV owners, allowing them to charge their vehicles during cheap overnight periods. Some tariffs are designed to automatically schedule EV charging during these low-cost windows, ensuring your car is ready when you need it while minimising costs. Some tariffs even extend the cheap rate to the entire home during these charging periods. You can learn more about EV charger installation to get started.

Managing home battery storage

For homes with battery storage systems, intelligent tariffs enable further optimisation. Batteries can be charged from the grid during cheap off-peak hours and then discharge that stored energy to power the home during more expensive peak times. This strategy maximises the value of the stored energy and reduces reliance on the grid during high-cost periods. If you have solar panels, a battery can also store excess solar generation for use later, further increasing self-consumption and savings.

Eligibility and requirements

To access intelligent time-of-use tariffs, certain conditions typically need to be met.

Do you need a smart meter?

While a smart meter is typically required for intelligent tariffs, some dual-rate manual meters can also be compatible. These meters provide the half-hourly consumption data necessary for accurate billing under a variable rate structure. If you have a manual meter, you can still switch to a standard tariff and may be eligible for a free smart meter upgrade after switching to Fuse Energy.

Compatible devices and appliances

For tariffs that offer automated optimisation, your electric vehicle or its charging equipment must be compatible with the energy supplier's system. This often means having a smart EV charger that can communicate with the energy supplier's platform, or an EV with integrated smart charging capabilities. Similarly, smart home devices and home battery systems can be integrated to maximise the benefits of these tariffs.

Maximising your savings

Making the most of an intelligent tariff requires a proactive approach to energy management.

Smart scheduling for appliances

Shifting energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours is key to maximising savings. This could involve running washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers overnight. Smart plugs, thermostats, and appliance timers can automate this process, programming devices to switch on during the cheapest periods. This automation makes it easier to adopt energy-saving habits without constant manual adjustments.

Monitoring your energy usage

Regularly monitoring your energy consumption patterns is crucial. Smart meter data, often accessible through your energy supplier's app, provides insights into when you use the most electricity. By understanding your usage habits, you can identify further opportunities to shift consumption to off-peak times and adapt your behaviour for greater savings. Knowing how to read your smart meter can help you keep track of your usage.

Choosing the right intelligent tariff

Selecting the ideal intelligent tariff depends on your specific energy needs and lifestyle.

Assessing your energy needs

Before choosing a tariff, assess your household's current energy consumption patterns. Consider when you typically use the most electricity, whether you own an EV or a home battery, and how flexible you can be in shifting your energy use. Tariffs are not one-size-fits-all; the best option will align with your equipment, meter setup, and willingness to adapt your usage.

Key factors to consider

When comparing intelligent tariffs, pay close attention to the off-peak rates, the duration and timing of charging windows, and any specific eligibility requirements for your EV or home setup. While Fuse Energy does not offer a tariff specifically named Intelligent Go, its dual-rate tariffs and smart meter capabilities provide similar opportunities for smart energy optimisation. This approach helps rebuild the energy system by incentivising efficient use and making energy more transparent and controllable for homeowners.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.