(The prices are gross prices, and reflect the situation in September 2017.)

tariff H: heat at a discounted rate!

Let us see what you should know about tariff H. Since 16 April 2016, private customers may also file a request for a more favourable rate to be applied for the operation of appliances providing heating within the framework of a heating system using solar power or any other renewable energy sources.

Hence the operation of circulating pumps, compressors or heat pumps is the most efficient when this method is applied, it is worth considering choosing tariff H when installing the corresponding systems. However, it is only available in certain seasons, but it can be accessed 24 hours a day for a very generous price between 15 October and 15 April. While tariff Geo and H are both available for heat pumps, other systems using renewable energy may only be connected to the grid if the fees according to tariff H are applied.

Applying for tariff H and connection to the grid

While acknowledging that our already economic and environmentally friendly system can further benefit from the application of tariff H, the question arises to how the application process is completed.

To be able to connect to the grid where tariff H is applied, one shall contact the relevant electricity provider. The tariff is specified in a regulation, and is available everywhere in the country. The application form is available at the provider, and the data sheets of the appliances and equipment to be connected shall be submitted as well. This tariff can be requested as an additional power source even besides the type B tariff (controlled rate).

The system may only be connected to the grid by a registered professional, and a separate meter shall also be installed, as the appliance shall be connected to a nondetachable, separately measurable circuit with the help of a dual tariff meter.

How does a dual tariff meter look like? We gathered all the information necessary for interpreting the information shown on the display of a tariff H meter.

The OBIS code is in the top left corner: 181 refers to the discounted consumption (HT), and 182 refers to normal consumption (NT).

The information in the top row: when ERR is visible, it indicates malfunction, L1 refers to single phase connection, and L123 denotes 3-phase connection. The MBJ mark in the bottom row refers to magnetic manipulation, and +/-P shows the direction of power. The red LED on the display is constantly blinking in proportion to the consumption.

This is how a dual tariff meter looks like

Discounted rates: which one should you choose? Tariff H or Geo?

Based on the ideas mentioned above, it is reasonable to question whether we should choose tariff Geo or H, as both of them offer great rates, and work well with heat pumps. The team from KomfortZóna will help you decide.

The tariff Geo is only available on the service area of ELMŰ and ÉMÁSZ, it operates throughout the year, but is turned off for 2 hours twice every day. Tariff H is available everywhere in the country. It can only be accessed between October and April, but then it operates continuously.

The answer depends on how it is used. Do you use surface heating, or another appliance provides the heat? Do you use the same appliance for cooling during the summer?

If the building is properly insulated, and you use surface heating, then it will not be perceptible from the aspect of heating if the power using tariff Geo is turned off for 2 hours twice every day. If you use electricity also for cooling, then it is extremely favourable that during the summer you can benefit from the generous prices when using an air conditioning system, as these are available all year long.

If you are not using surface heating or heat pumps, then it is better to pick tariff H. The electronics in the heat pump does not tolerate the electricity being switched off twice a day if it happens during the defrosting cycle. As a result, if a fan-coil operates and heating is provided by a heat pump, tariff H is the best choice.

However, this will not cover your consumption for the whole year, you will have to provide other solutions outside of the heating period. If the building is properly insulated, and excessive cooling is not necessary, then you can still save some money if you calculate an average price from the full rate applicable during the summer and the discounted tariff H that can be used in the winter.

Therefore, it is worth considering using renewable energy sources and heat pumps with proper insulation when planning the new heating system, as thanks to tariff H, these can be operated for a very favourable electricity rate.