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Fixed-price energy tariffs are the best way to lock your energy bills down for one or two years. You can use a fixed-rate energy deal to make sure you’re not at the mercy of a fluctuating market if the price per unit looks like it'll go up.
Fixed-rate deals usually last between 12 and 24 months, but they don’t mean your bill will be the same each month. You lock down the price you pay per unit, but not how many units you consume. The more energy you use in a month, the more you’ll pay – the same as ever.
The other main type of energy deal is the standard variable-rate tariff. These allow for market changes, so a surge in global energy prices can mean higher bills than expected – but if the prices fall, you’ll be paying less.
Fixed-rate tariffs are often cheaper than variable-rate deals, though you may pay a premium for the security of signing a longer deal at a set rate
Oil and gas prices can spin on a dime, but they can be very attractive indeed when they’re low. Fixed tariffs let you take advantage of favourable market conditions
Because you know how much each unit will cost, you can take control of your bills. If you end up with an expensive month, you’ll know you need to cut back on usage
When switching is available, you can be with your new supplier within five working days with no interruption to your service. Everything is handled by your new provider, so all you need to do is compare energy prices and go.
Pop in your postcode and tell us about your energy usage – using your most recent bill will give you the best results.
We’ll browse the market for deals and show you what you can get if you switch suppliers with us.
Once you’ve started your switch you won’t need to do a thing – your new provider will take care of everything.
Fixed-rate tariffs ultimately depend on the conditions of the energy market – if wholesale prices are high, fixed deals will be less attractive. Generally speaking though, if market conditions are good and you shop around, a fixed-rate tariff will be better value than a variable-rate one.
When your fixed-rate agreement comes to an end, your supplier will probably switch you over to a standard variable-rate tariff, meaning your prices will no longer be fixed. And while variable tariffs can be good value, they’re often less economical than the fixed tariffs they replace. It’s always worth shopping around a month or two before your fixed tariff comes to an end.
The amount you pay for your energy will depend how much you use. The prices you see quoted are based on average consumption as defined by Ofgem, the market regulator.
In normal circumstances, the cheapest tariff on the market will usually be a fixed-rate, fixed-term dual fuel (gas and electricity) deal, paid monthly by direct debit.
Note that it is the price per unit of energy that is fixed – the amount you pay will vary in line with your usage.
With a variable rate tariff, the rate per unit can go up or down, leaving you vulnerable to price hikes.
Variable rate deals are also known as ‘default’ tariffs. If you are on a fixed-term deal and do not switch at the end of the term, you will move to your supplier’s default tariff. If you haven’t switched for a few years, or ever, you’re likely to be on a default tariff.
Fixed-rate tariffs tend to be cheaper than variable rate alternatives, usually by a significant margin. According to Ofgem, the cheapest dual fuel tariff in June 2019 cost £873 a year, while the average price of dual fuel variable rate tariffs from the ‘big six’ energy suppliers was £1,254 – a difference of £381.
There are two price caps: one for standard variable rate or default tariffs, and one for prepayment tariffs. These are calculated and managed by Ofgem and limit the amount that suppliers can charge their customers.
At the time of writing (March 2023), the price cap stands at £4,279 for customers on standard variable tariffs and £4,358 for households on pre-payment tariffs.
The caps are usually reviewed quarterly. And Ofgem has confirmed that as of 1st April 2023, the price cap is due to fall to £3,280 for the average household on standard variable tariffs and £3,325 for prepayment tariffs.
However, you won't be paying these prices. And that's due to the government's Energy Price Guarantee. It's due to remain at this level until at least the end of June.
This temporarily supersedes the price cap and for the time being effectively caps the average household's energy bill at £2,500. It's due to remain at this level until the end of June 2023.
The Energy Price Guarantee is due to remain in force in some form until 1st October 2024.
But the level of support may decrease in future, depending on movements in the wholesale energy market.
It is possible to switch from a prepayment meter to a credit meter if you are not in debt to your current provider. You might have to go through a credit check.
Some suppliers charge a fee to change your meter, but there are plenty who don’t, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
If you are unable to switch from your prepayment meter, you may be able to switch to a cheaper prepayment tariff.
A quick price comparison will show you the suppliers that could save you money.
We help you compare prices from all the energy suppliers in the UK, so you can find the right deal for your needs.
It only takes a few minutes to compare. All you have to do is answer some simple questions, and we'll show you tariffs and offers from all the energy companies.
Due to unprecedented market conditions, switching isn't available right now
But in normal circumstances, we can help you switch to tariffs from most companies directly through MoneySuperMarket. Just click the green button, answer a few more questions, and you’re done.
If you’d prefer to talk to someone, you can call us on 0800 177 7087. We can answer any questions you might have, and even switch you to a new deal over the phone.
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