From 1 October 2026, VAT on domestic electricity bills will be reduced from 5% to 0%, as part of government measures designed to help ease the cost of household energy. The change is expected to save the average UK household around £45 per year and will be applied automatically to electricity bills, including many fixed-rate tariffs.
While any reduction in energy costs is welcome, many homeowners may be wondering whether this change will make a significant difference to their overall household bills. The reality is that although lower electricity VAT will provide some savings, one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs remains improving how efficiently your home uses energy.
Why the VAT Cut Matters
The VAT reduction applies only to electricity and not to gas. This reflects the UK's ongoing shift towards greater electrification, including the increased use of technologies such as heat pumps and other low-carbon heating solutions. As electricity becomes slightly more affordable, homeowners may find it increasingly worthwhile to consider energy-efficient upgrades that help them make the most of every unit of energy they use.
Taking Control of Your Heating Costs
For many households, heating remains one of the largest contributors to energy bills. Yet many homes still rely on older thermostats or simple timers that can result in energy being used when it's not needed.
Modern smart heating controls can help homeowners manage their heating more effectively. By allowing you to create personalised schedules, adjust temperatures remotely and heat only the rooms you are using, smart controls can help reduce wasted energy while maintaining comfort throughout the home.
Research cited by Drayton suggests that upgrading from a basic non-programmable thermostat to a best-practice smart thermostat system could help some households save up to 30% on annual heating bills, although actual savings will vary depending on the property and how the system is used.
Looking Beyond the VAT Cut
The reduction in electricity VAT is good news for consumers, but long-term savings are more likely to come from making your home as energy efficient as possible. Whether you're considering smarter heating controls, improving insulation or exploring low-carbon heating technologies, small changes can add up to meaningful savings over time.
As energy prices continue to fluctuate, having greater control over your home's heating system can help you stay comfortable while keeping costs under control. The 2026 VAT cut may offer an immediate boost, but combining it with smarter energy management could deliver even greater benefits for your household.
Get Wiser With Your Energy
Wiser makes it simple to save energy in complete comfort. From multi-room heating to Smart Modes, our efficiency-focused smart thermostats are packed with energy-saving features that could save up to 30% on annual energy bills.
There's a Wiser kit for any home and our new 2nd Generation kits give you more automation possibilities than ever with a range of fully compatible smart home sensors and power modules.


