Sadly, yes. From 1 October 2025, Ofgem will raise the energy price cap again – this time by around 3%. For a typical household, that means annual bills of about £1,728, or an extra £3 a month if you pay by direct debit.

But here’s the thing: the cap doesn’t control your whole bill – only the unit rates and standing charges. So if you use more energy than average, you’ll pay more. If you use less, you’ll pay less. Either way, the direction is clear: electricity isn’t getting cheaper.

And if you’re on a specialist tariff, such as a heat pump tariff, you may feel the squeeze even more. Octopus Energy have confirmed their Cosy tariff will increase this October too.

What if you could flip the script?

While most households are stuck waiting for the next price cap announcement, some people are taking back control of their energy costs.

One of our customers in Surbiton has done just that. By combining solar panels, battery storage, and a heat pump, he’s managed to cut his average electricity cost down to just 6.2p/kWh – less than a third of the standard grid rate.

Here’s how his numbers stack up against the October price cap:

By generating and storing his own clean electricity, he’s not just cutting costs – he’s also removed gas completely, saving another £115 a year in standing charges. You can read his case study here.

Why heat pumps alone aren’t enough

Heat pumps are fantastic for reducing carbon emissions and heating your home efficiently. But on their own, they don’t shield you from rising electricity prices. Instead of gas, you end up depending even more on grid electricity – which still leaves you exposed to price cap changes.

The Real Solution: Generate, Store, and Save with Heat Pumps and Solar Panels

The most resilient homes don’t just switch fuels; they take control by producing and storing their own energy. That means:

• Solar panels to generate clean electricity
• Battery storage to hold onto it for when you need it most
• A heat pump, powered largely by your own supply

This is the combination that transformed our Surbiton customer’s bills – and it’s how more households can break free from the endless cycle of price rises and tariff tweaks.

What about a heat pump with just a battery?

Even if solar panels aren’t an option for your home, a heat pump and battery can still be a smart combination. With the right tariff, your battery can store cheaper off-peak electricity at night – which your heat pump then uses during the day.

This means:

• You avoid paying the highest daytime rates for heating.
• You still gain resilience against price cap changes.

It’s a simple way to get more control over your bills and make your heat pump work harder for you.

Take control this winter

This latest price rise might look small, but the bigger pattern is clear: energy costs are unpredictable, and customers are left with little control.

By combining solar, battery storage, and heat pumps, you can take charge of your home’s energy future. You’ll enjoy a warm, comfortable home with stable bills, powered largely by your own clean supply.

At Your Energy Your Way, we design and install bespoke systems that give homeowners exactly this kind of resilience. If you’d like to explore a bespoke system for your home, get in touch – now is the perfect time to start planning.

FAQs About Heat Pump and Solar Panels

Is it cheaper to run a heat pump with solar panels?

Yes – pairing a heat pump with solar panels can lower your running costs. Solar power can supply a significant share of your electricity needs, particularly in spring and summer when daylight hours are longer. In winter, you’ll still rely more on grid electricity, but with battery storage you can capture and use more of your own power. Overall, this combination reduces your dependence on the grid and helps protect you from rising energy prices. Read more details on costs and savings here: The Smartest Home Energy Retrofit: Cut Bills, Slash Carbon & Futureproof Your Home

Can a heat pump and battery work well without solar panels?

Definitely. With the right tariff, a battery can store cheaper off-peak electricity overnight. Your heat pump can then draw on that stored energy during the day, when rates are higher. This makes your system more cost-effective and gives you more control, even if your roof isn’t suited to solar.

Can I completely get rid of gas by installing a heat pump and solar panels?

Yes. A heat pump can replace your gas boiler for heating and hot water, which means you no longer need a gas supply. Solar panels and a battery can then cover a good portion of your electricity use, especially in spring and summer, but during darker winter months you’ll still need some grid electricity. Even so, combining a heat pump and solar panels can dramatically reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and standing gas charges.

Are heat pumps and solar panels suitable for older homes?

Yes. With the right system design, heat pumps and solar panels can work well in many property types — from Victorian semis to modern builds. A heat loss survey will confirm what upgrades, if any, are needed to get the best performance.

What support is available to help with costs?

Homeowners may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant for heat pump installation.