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Fixed price energy

Find out what a fixed energy tariff is and whether you should sign up for one in our guide.
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Fixed price energy

What is a fixed price energy tariff?

A fixed energy tariff is a type of energy deal where the unit rates and standing charges are fixed for the length of the deal.

How do fixed energy tariffs work?

Fixed price gas and electricity tariffs guarantee that their unit rates won't go up or down. This is attractive because it offers price certainty against an unpredictable energy market.

However, signing up for a fixed price energy plan doesn't mean you'll be paying the same amount for your energy bill each month. If you use more energy one month than another, the bills you will receive will differ accordingly. The rate you pay for each unit of energy will be frozen for the duration of the contract, not the total bill.

Fixed price plans also sometimes include an early exit fee, which you will have to pay if you decide to switch tariff before the end of your contract.

A fixed price gas and electricity tariff can be a gamble. If energy prices rise, you stand to make some big savings against a standard variable tariff. If they don't, you could end up paying over the odds and be faced with an early exit fee should you decide to switch.

Why do I need to know when my fixed price plan ends?

The date your fixed price energy plan ends should be one that's marked in your diary. Our video explains why.

What should I do when my fixed price plan ends?

When your fixed plan is about to end, the first thing to do is find out which plan your supplier will be moving you to. This will probably be your supplier's standard variable tariff, although some suppliers may offer you the chance to fix your prices again.

Once you know what energy plan you're being moved to:

If you're thinking about switching to a fixed energy deal, you can compare energy prices to see what's currently available by entering your postcode below.

Run an energy comparison

Enter your postcode below to compare energy prices and get started on your energy switch.


Should I fix my energy prices?

It's up to you whether to choose a fixed price energy deal or not. Fixed price energy tariffs are usually a solid option, offering security at the very least, plus big savings when you switch at the right time.

Fixed energy deals are returning to the market. If you're eligible for a fixed deal, you may want to take it to be certain about the price you'll pay and protect yourself against future price cap rises. However, there are some caveats to be aware of - check out our dos and don'ts of fixing your energy deal here.

Many fixed price energy plans offer better value than standard variable tariffs, and even the slightly more expensive options will save you money if energy prices rise in the near future.

Case study "Thanks to a friend’s suggestion I first used Uswitch to switch my energy provider last year. I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the process was. I loved that all I had to do was pick the deal I wanted and everything else would be taken care of. There was no disruption in service, and I was paying about £20 less every month on a fixed plan."

Charles, Uswitch customer

How else can I control my energy prices?

The simplest way to ensure your energy costs don’t go up, whether you choose fixed price energy or not, is to control your usage. Whether prices go up or down, if you can reduce your usage you will always be in control of your energy bills.

The simplest changes can be made around the home. Checking for draughts around windows and doors is simple, and installing draughtproofing is cheap and easy to do. It will also save you a lot of money, with an estimated 30% of heat in the home lost through draughts. The most common culprits are around doors and windows, but you should also check floorboards, loft hatches and letterboxes.

Other simple changes include dropping the thermostat by just one degree and checking your timers are accurately set up, particularly after the clocks go forward or backwards. We have a selection of energy-saving guides here.

You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to control your heating remotely and in some cases even adapt your home’s temperature to best suit your needs, without you having to lift a finger. The data a smart thermostat provides should also enable you to work out the most energy-efficient way to heat your home as well as save money.

Another way to cut your usage is to generate your own energy. Solar panels or wind turbines allow you to produce your own energy which you can then use, reducing your overall energy consumption.

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