As heavy snow from Storm Goretti blankets Birmingham and amber weather warnings take effect, new data reveals a significant financial advantage for a specific group of energy customers. Octopus Energy has announced that its customers using heat pumps are seeing substantial savings, with up to £360 per year being wiped from their heating costs compared to those using traditional gas boilers.
Heat Pumps Prove Their Mettle in the Cold Snap
The energy supplier, which rivals firms like EDF, EON, OVO, and British Gas, conducted a survey of 1,800 people during the recent winter freeze. The findings directly challenge common concerns about heat pump performance in low temperatures. According to Octopus, 90% of heat pump owners reported satisfaction with their home's warmth during the cold weather. This compares to a slightly lower figure of eight out of ten (80%) for gas boiler users.
Overall performance satisfaction followed a similar trend, with 85% of heat pump users happy with their system's operation. The data suggests that modern heat pumps are effectively designed for British winters, maintaining comfort even during severe cold snaps.
Smart Tariffs Deliver Major Cost Savings
Beyond comfort, the financial argument for heat pumps is becoming increasingly powerful. Octopus credits specially designed smart tariffs for making the technology cheaper to run. Its Cosy Octopus tariff is identified as the key driver for the impressive annual savings of up to £360 when compared to the costs faced by a gas boiler customer on a standard tariff.
This translates into greater customer contentment with running costs. The survey found that 66% of heat pump users were satisfied with what they pay, while less than half (44%) of gas boiler owners felt the same way about their expenses.
Dispelling the Myths of Winter Performance
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, addressed the persistent doubts surrounding heat pumps. "Every winter we hear the same worry that heat pumps won’t cope when temperatures drop – and every winter the data tells a different story," she stated.
"Customers with heat pumps are staying just as warm as those with gas boilers, and they’re happier with the experience overall – especially when it comes to running costs. Modern heat pumps are built for British winters, cold snaps included."
The announcement and supporting data arrive as the UK contends with the impacts of Storm Goretti. The storm has brought significant snowfall to areas including Birmingham, prompting the Met Office to issue amber and yellow weather warnings for Friday, January 9, 2026.
