Fixed Energy Tariff Ending? What to Do

Fixed energy deals don't last forever. When yours finishes, you'll be moved onto a new tariff whether you pick one or not. That's not a disaster, but it is a decision, and it's better made by you than for you.

Here's what actually happens when a fix ends, and a simple plan for the weeks before it does.

what happens if you do nothing

Your supplier will move you onto its standard variable tariff (sometimes called the default tariff). The unit rates and standing charge on that tariff are limited by Ofgem's price cap, which is reviewed every three months. So your rates can go up or down each quarter.

You won't be cut off and you won't be charged a penalty. But you're no longer protected from rises, and you might be paying more than you need to. The cap limits the rates, not your total bill, so the more you use, the more you pay.

the 49-day window

This is the bit worth remembering. You can switch without paying exit fees in the last 49 days of a fixed deal. Your supplier has to write to you before your fix ends, roughly six to seven weeks ahead, telling you the end date and what you'll pay if you stay.

So the moment that letter or email lands, you're free to shop around without a penalty. Don't wait until the last day.

step 1: gather three numbers

Before you compare anything, dig out:

your end date and any exit fees, from your supplier's letter or online account.
your annual usage in kWh for electricity and gas. It's on your annual statement and usually in your online account. This matters far more than the typical household figures in adverts.
a fresh meter reading. If you have a smart meter that's sending readings, great. If not, take one now and again on switch day.

step 2: compare on the right things

An energy price has two parts:

the unit rate: what you pay for each kWh you use
the standing charge: a fixed daily amount you pay whatever you use

If your usage is low, the standing charge makes up a bigger slice of your bill, so a tariff with a cheap unit rate but a hefty standing charge might not suit you. If your usage is high, the unit rate matters more.

Compare energy deals side by side. Add your postcode for accurate local prices (we use it once and never store it), or skip it to browse typical prices for your region.

step 3: decide fixed or variable

There's no universally right answer. It comes down to how much you value certainty.

fix again if you want to know what your rates will be for the next year or two, and you're happy to accept you won't benefit if prices fall. Check the exit fees, in case you move house.
stay variable if you'd rather follow the price cap up and down, and you're comfortable with your bill changing each quarter.

A useful check: compare the new fixed rates against the current standard variable rates. A fix priced well above the cap is a bet that prices will rise a lot. A fix close to or below it is often worth a look.

step 4: switch (it's easier than you think)

You only need to contact your new supplier. They handle the move, and switches usually go through within a few working days. A few things to know:

you'll have a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind after you sign up.
your supply doesn't stop. Same pipes, same wires, same meter. Only the bill changes.
give a meter reading on switch day, so your old supplier's final bill and your new supplier's first bill both start from the right number.
if you're in credit, your old supplier should refund the balance after your final bill. Chase it if it doesn't turn up.
smart meters normally keep working in smart mode after a switch. If yours stops sending readings, tell your new supplier.

If you owe your current supplier money, they may be able to object to the switch. Prepayment customers can usually still switch with smaller debts, which move across to the new supplier.

step 5: set a reminder for next time

Whatever you choose, put the new end date in your calendar now, with a reminder about seven weeks before. That's your next exit-fee-free window.

the short version

when your fix ends, you move to the standard variable tariff, which is capped but not cheap by default
you can leave without exit fees in the last 49 days of a fixed deal
find your annual usage in kWh and take a meter reading
compare energy deals on both unit rate and standing charge
your new supplier does the switching for you

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