What is a fix-and-fall energy tariff?

A fix-and-fall energy tariff is a deal where your unit rates are fixed for an initial period, then automatically move onto a follow-on rate (often variable) after that. It can be useful if you want short-term price certainty now, with the option to benefit if prices fall later—depending on the follow-on terms and any exit fees.

Are fix-and-fall tariffs cheaper than standard variable tariffs in January 2026?

It depends on the specific supplier, region, payment method and your usage. A fix-and-fall tariff can be cheaper than a standard variable tariff if the fixed period rate is competitive and the follow-on rate doesn’t jump sharply. The best approach is to compare your annual cost (not just unit rates) before switching.

Who should consider a fix-and-fall deal?

Fix-and-fall deals can suit households and small businesses that want price certainty for a set time, but also want flexibility after the fixed period ends. They may be a good fit if you expect to review your tariff again later and you understand what the tariff switches to when the fixed part ends.

What should I check before switching to a fix-and-fall tariff?

Check: (1) the length of the fixed period, (2) the unit rates and standing charge during the fix, (3) what the tariff changes to after the fixed period, (4) any exit fees and when they apply, (5) whether prices differ by payment method (Direct Debit vs. prepay), and (6) any additional discounts or conditions.

Do fix-and-fall tariffs usually have exit fees?

Some do and some don’t. Exit fees are most common during the fixed period. If you might switch again soon, prioritise deals with low or no exit fees or confirm when the fee no longer applies.

Can I switch energy tariffs if I’m in debt to my supplier?

You may still be able to switch, but rules can vary depending on the type of meter and the amount owed. If you’re on a prepayment meter, debt can sometimes be collected through the meter. If you’re in credit or only owe a small amount, switching is often possible—check your supplier’s policy and any industry rules that apply.

How do I compare fix-and-fall deals accurately?

Use your annual kWh usage (or your last 12 months’ bills) and compare the estimated yearly cost including both unit rates and standing charges. If the tariff changes after the fixed period, note what you’ll pay next and set a reminder to review before the fixed period ends.

Can I switch with a smart meter?

Yes—most customers with smart meters can switch supplier and tariff. In some cases, smart functionality may be affected temporarily, but the meter should still work and your supply won’t be interrupted.

What’s the quickest way to find a better tariff and switch?

Gather your postcode, current supplier, current tariff name (if available) and your annual usage. Then compare tariffs and switch online. If you want help choosing between a fix-and-fall deal and other options, use Energy Plus guidance and comparison tools at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to identify potential savings and start your switch.

Fix and Fall Energy Tariff Deals UK (January 2026)

Compare whole-of-market fixed, tracker and “fix and fall” style options for your home in January 2026. See what’s available for your postcode and switch with confidence.

Whole-of-market comparison for home gas and electricity
Check if a fixed deal now could beat a later price drop
See exit fees, standing charges and unit rates clearly
Quick form — we’ll match tariffs to your usage and meter type

Compare January 2026 deals How fix & fall works

For UK households only. Results depend on postcode, meter type and available tariffs. Switching is subject to supplier eligibility and credit checks where required.

Find the best “fix and fall” energy approach for January 2026

In the UK, “fix and fall” isn’t usually a formal tariff type. It’s a strategy: fix your unit rates now to protect against rises, while keeping the option to move to a cheaper deal later if prices drop. Whether that works depends on exit fees, the current rate level, and what’s likely to happen to prices.

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market home energy comparison service. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you compare:

Fixed tariffs (with and without exit fees)
Variable and tracker-style options (where available)
Tariffs suited to your meter: credit, prepay, smart, Economy 7 (where applicable)
Deals with competitive standing charges (often overlooked)

January 2026 tip: the “right” move isn’t just about the headline unit rate. If you may want to switch again soon, focus on exit fees, tariff length, standing charge, and whether your usage pattern is more day/night or peak/off-peak.

Get matched to available deals

Complete the form and we’ll use your details to help compare relevant home energy tariffs for your area.

Prefer to research first? Use the jump links above to understand exit fees, standing charges, and the best times to switch in January 2026.

Accessibility & mobile layout: The form is displayed beneath content on smaller screens to keep it easy to complete.

Why people use a fix-and-fall strategy

Budget certainty now

A fixed unit rate can reduce bill volatility in winter and help plan monthly costs, especially if your usage rises.

Option to switch later

If prices fall, a low or zero exit fee can make it practical to move to a cheaper tariff without major penalties.

Clearer comparisons

Whole-of-market comparison makes it easier to spot differences in standing charges, contract length, and payment method pricing.

Avoid common switching traps

Some “cheap” fixes look good on unit rate but have higher standing charges or longer terms. We help you check the full picture.

Stay protected if markets move fast

Energy pricing can change quickly. Fixing can protect against sudden increases, while an exit plan keeps flexibility if costs fall.

How “fix and fall” works (UK home energy)

A fix-and-fall approach aims to balance protection and flexibility. You choose a tariff that gives you a stable rate today, but you avoid getting locked in if better deals arrive later in 2026.

Check your current tariff status. Are you on a standard variable tariff (SVT), a fixed tariff, or a tracker? Note any exit fees and end dates.
Compare fixed deals for January 2026. Look at unit rates and standing charges for your region, payment method and meter type.
Prioritise low exit fees if you might switch again. This is the key to “fix and fall” — it limits the cost of moving to a cheaper deal later.
Choose a sensible contract length. Shorter fixes (where available) can reduce “lock-in” risk, but may not always be cheapest.
Set a review point. Many households review after 6–12 months, or sooner if market prices change significantly.

Important: No one can guarantee where energy prices will go. The goal is to make a decision you can live with: manage downside risk (price rises) while keeping a realistic route to benefit if prices fall.

What to check on any January 2026 tariff

To compare properly, don’t just look at “per kWh” pricing. In the UK, bills are typically made up of unit rates plus a daily standing charge, and fixed deals may include exit fees.

Tariff feature	Why it matters for “fix and fall”	What to look for
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Drives the cost of the energy you use.	Compare gas and electricity separately; check if rates differ by payment method.
Standing charge (p/day)	Can outweigh unit-rate savings for low users.	Look at total annual cost estimate, not only unit rate.
Exit fees	Key cost if you plan to switch when prices fall.	Prefer low or £0 exit fees if flexibility is important.
Tariff length	Long contracts reduce flexibility.	Balance price vs lock-in; consider shorter terms if you expect changes.
Meter compatibility	Not all deals fit all meters.	Check smart, prepay, Economy 7 (where applicable), and dual fuel vs single fuel.
Discounts & payment rules	Some prices assume Direct Debit or online-only.	Confirm how you pay and whether the quote includes discounts.

Quick check: If the exit fee is higher than the likely savings from switching later, the “fall” part of fix-and-fall may not stack up. That’s why comparing total costs is essential.

January 2026: should you fix now or wait?

The best choice depends on your risk tolerance and your current tariff. Use these practical decision rules to guide your next step.

Fix is often sensible if…

You want stable bills and prefer certainty over chasing the lowest possible price.
You’re currently on an SVT and you’ve seen better fixed deals available for your postcode.
You can get a fix with low/£0 exit fees so you can switch again if prices fall.
Your household usage is higher (standing charge differences matter less than unit rates).

Waiting or going flexible may suit if…

You’re already on a competitive fix with no immediate end date pressure.
The fixed deals available have high exit fees and you expect to want to move soon.
You’re a low user and the standing charges on fixes are noticeably higher.
You can manage bill variability and prefer flexibility (subject to what’s available).

A simple “break-even” way to think about exit fees

If you fix now but might switch later, ask: How many months of savings would it take to recover any exit fee?

Example: If switching later would save you £15/month but the exit fee is £120, it takes 8 months to break even. If you expect prices to fall and you’d switch sooner than that, an exit fee could wipe out the benefit.

Check deals & exit fees for my postcode

Regional considerations across the UK

Energy prices can vary by region due to network costs and supplier pricing. That’s why postcode-based comparison matters.

England & Wales

Standing charges and unit rates can differ by distribution area. Always compare total annual cost for your exact postcode.

Scotland

Availability and pricing may differ across regions. Economy 7 and smart meter options can vary by supplier.

Northern Ireland

The market and switching process can differ from Great Britain. We’ll highlight what applies based on your postcode and supply region.

Tip: If you’ve moved recently, your “typical usage” may be different in your new home. A quick review of recent bills (or meter reads) can improve tariff matching.

Common mistakes when trying to “fix and fall”

Only comparing unit rates

Two tariffs can have similar unit rates but very different standing charges. Always compare the estimated annual cost for your usage.

Ignoring exit fees

If your plan relies on switching when prices fall, a high exit fee can remove the benefit. Check fees per fuel (gas/electric) and per account.

Choosing a long fix “just in case”

Longer fixes can be fine for stability, but they reduce flexibility. If you expect change, consider shorter terms or lower-fee options.

Not checking meter type

Some tariffs require smart meters, certain payment methods, or don’t suit Economy 7 patterns. Match the tariff to how your home actually uses energy.

Compare properly (postcode + usage)

FAQs: Fix and fall energy tariff deals (UK, January 2026)

Is “fix and fall” an official tariff?

Usually no. It’s a consumer approach: take a fixed tariff now, but choose one that still allows you to switch later (often by keeping exit fees low) if market prices drop.

Can I switch a fixed tariff before the end date?

In many cases, yes — but you may pay an exit fee. Some fixes have £0 exit fees or waive fees near the end of the term. Always check the tariff’s terms.

Do tracker tariffs help with “fall” pricing?

A tracker-style tariff (where available) may move up and down with a reference price. That can help you benefit if prices fall, but it can also increase your bills if prices rise. Consider your comfort with variability.

What information do I need to compare deals accurately?

Your postcode, current supplier and tariff (if known), payment method (Direct Debit/prepayment), and your approximate annual usage. If you don’t know usage, recent bills can help estimate it.

Will switching disrupt my supply?

Switching supplier should not interrupt your gas or electricity supply. The physical energy comes through the same network; billing and customer service change to the new supplier.

Does EnergyPlus compare the whole market?

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Availability depends on suppliers serving your region and compatible tariffs for your meter and payment method.

Start my January 2026 comparison

What customers value about our comparisons

“The explanation of standing charges and exit fees helped me choose a fix that I can leave if prices drop.”

Homeowner, West Midlands

“Quick to fill in. I got options that actually matched my meter and payment method.”

Tenant, Greater Manchester

“Clear comparison and no confusing jargon. I felt confident switching.”

Homeowner, Scotland

Trust focus: We prioritise clarity on total costs, contract terms, and any fees so you can make an informed decision for your household.

Ready to compare fix & fall options for January 2026?

Tell us your postcode and contact details, and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs — including exit fees and standing charges — so you can choose a deal that suits your next move.

Matched to your region and meter type
Designed for households, not businesses
Clear explanation of costs and flexibility

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026