Best fix and fall energy tariffs UK (March 2026)
A practical, UK-focused guide to “fix and fall” tariffs—how they work, what to watch for, and how to compare them fairly for your home in March 2026.
- Understand what a fix-and-fall tariff actually does (and doesn’t do)
- See when it can beat a standard fixed tariff or a variable tariff
- Compare likely costs with clear assumptions and examples
Figures are illustrative and based on stated assumptions. Availability, rates and eligibility vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method.
Fast answer: are fix-and-fall tariffs “best” in March 2026?
A fix-and-fall tariff can be a good middle-ground if you want the budget certainty of a fixed deal but also want to benefit if the market falls (usually via a promised price reduction mechanism). In March 2026, they’re most likely to suit you if you’re worried about prices rising again but don’t want to be locked into a fixed rate that could look expensive if the Ofgem price cap drops later.
Important: “Fix and fall” is not a single Ofgem-defined product type. Suppliers use different rules (when prices fall, how much they fall, and how they measure “the market”). Always check the tariff terms, including exit fees, eligibility, and which prices can change (unit rates, standing charge, or both).
Key takeaways
- Best case: you lock in today, then pay less later if prices drop (per the tariff’s rules).
- Worst case: you pay a premium for the “fall” feature and prices don’t drop (or you don’t qualify for reductions).
- Look closely at: exit fees, standing charges, payment method, meter type, and how reductions are triggered.
Quick decision rule
If you’d switch again quickly when prices fall, a low/zero-exit-fee fixed (or a variable) can be simpler. If you value predictability and prefer to avoid timing the market, a fix-and-fall can be worth comparing—but only if the fall terms are clear and the overall cost stays competitive.
What “best” means here
Because availability changes daily and depends on your details, “best” in this guide means best fit for your situation (risk, budget, how long you’ll stay, and whether you have smart/prepay/Economy 7), not a single universal winner.
Compare fix-and-fall tariffs (and alternatives) for your postcode
Fix-and-fall deals are priced differently across Great Britain depending on your region (distribution area), payment method, and meter type. Use the form to see what’s available for your home and compare like-for-like.
What you’ll need
- Postcode (for regional rates)
- Whether you have a smart meter / prepay / Economy 7
- Rough annual use (or your latest bill)
What we show
- Estimated costs across eligible tariffs
- Exit fees and key terms (where provided)
- Whether it’s fixed, variable, or fix-and-fall
Reminder: Fix-and-fall reductions may apply only at certain review points (e.g., monthly/quarterly), may exclude standing charges, and may require you to stay on the tariff for a minimum period. Always read the tariff information label and full terms before switching.
How a fix-and-fall tariff works (plain English)
The “fix” part
Your unit rates (and sometimes standing charges) are set for a term (often 12 months). This helps with budgeting and protects against price rises during the term.
The “fall” part
If the supplier’s chosen benchmark falls (for example, a published cap level or their own reference tariff), your prices may reduce too—based on the tariff’s rules.
What’s often excluded
Not all tariffs reduce the standing charge, and some apply reductions only after a set date or at scheduled review points. Exit fees can also limit flexibility.
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Two realistic March 2026 scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative only to show how the mechanics can affect bills. Your actual results depend on your supplier, region, meter, and the tariff’s “fall” terms.
Scenario A: medium-use household, prices fall mid-term
- Assumptions
- Dual fuel, Direct Debit, credit meter. Annual use: 2,900 kWh electricity + 12,000 kWh gas. Standing charges: 60p/day elec, 32p/day gas.
- Tariff comparison (illustrative)
- Fixed: 26.0p/kWh elec, 6.5p/kWh gas. Fix-and-fall starts at 26.8p / 6.7p then reduces by 5% after month 6 if benchmark drops.
- Estimated annual cost impact
- Fixed: ~£1,733. Fix-and-fall: first 6 months ~£901, next 6 months after 5% drop ~£856 ? ~£1,757. In this illustration, the drop doesn’t fully offset the higher starting rate.
Scenario B: low-use flat, fixed looks expensive if prices drop more
- Assumptions
- Electricity-only, Direct Debit. Annual use: 1,800 kWh electricity. Standing charge: 60p/day.
- Tariff comparison (illustrative)
- Fixed: 27.5p/kWh. Fix-and-fall: starts 28.2p/kWh, then reduces by 10% if benchmark is lower at a quarterly review after month 3.
- Estimated annual cost impact
- Fixed: ~£727. Fix-and-fall: 3 months at 28.2p then 9 months at 25.38p ? ~£702. Here, the “fall” can outperform a higher fixed rate.
Why the outcomes differ: standing charges matter more for low users, and fix-and-fall only helps if the reduction is big enough and happens soon enough. If the tariff only reviews annually or excludes standing charges, the benefit can be smaller.
Fix-and-fall vs fixed vs variable (comparison table)
Use this table to shortlist the type that fits your needs, then confirm specifics (rates, exit fees, and reduction rules) when you compare offers for your postcode.
| Feature | Standard fixed | Fix-and-fall | Standard variable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection if prices rise | High (during term) | High (during term) | Lower (can increase with cap/changes) |
| Benefit if prices fall | Usually none (unless you switch) | Possible, depends on rules/trigger | Usually yes (tends to track changes) |
| Exit fees | Common | Common (check carefully) | Rare |
| Budget certainty | High | High (with possible reductions) | Medium/low |
| Best for | Households prioritising stability | Stability + want a defined way to benefit if prices drop | Those who want flexibility and can tolerate changes |
Decision checklist (fix-and-fall)
- Trigger: what exactly must fall (price cap? supplier reference rate?) and when is it checked?
- Scope: do reductions apply to unit rates only, or also the standing charge?
- Exit fees: how much per fuel, and do fees reduce over time?
- Eligibility: Direct Debit only? New customers only? Smart meter required?
- Meter type: single rate vs Economy 7; prepay vs credit; smart vs traditional.
- Region: compare in your postcode—standing charges vary by area.
Who it suits
- You want predictable bills but feel prices may drop later in 2026.
- You’re likely to stay put for most of the term (exit fees won’t sting).
- You prefer a rule-based reduction rather than chasing the market yourself.
Who it may not suit
- You’re moving soon, or want the option to switch quickly.
- You’re on prepay or have a complex setup (availability can be limited).
- The tariff’s reduction rules are unclear, infrequent, or exclude most of the bill.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Fix-and-fall tariffs can be genuinely useful—but only when you understand what can change, what can’t, and what you’ll pay if you leave early.
1) Standing charges can dominate
Even if unit rates fall, a high standing charge can keep your overall cost high—especially for low users and small flats.
2) The “fall” may be partial
Some tariffs only reduce electricity (not gas), only reduce unit rates (not standing charges), or only apply reductions at set review points.
3) Exit fees can block better deals
If the market drops sharply, you may want to switch—but exit fees can wipe out the benefit. Always check per-fuel fees and when they apply.
4) Payment method restrictions
Many sharper deals assume monthly Direct Debit. If you pay on receipt of bill or use prepay, available tariffs and rates may differ.
5) Economy 7 and smart tariffs
If you have Economy 7, your day/night split matters. A fix-and-fall deal may look good on headline rates but not match your actual usage pattern.
6) Northern Ireland differs
This guide is focused on Great Britain’s Ofgem-regulated retail market. If you’re in Northern Ireland, supplier options and pricing structures differ.
Tip: When you compare, look at the estimated annual cost for your usage and region, not just the headline unit rate. If you can’t find clear “fall” rules in writing, treat the tariff as a standard fixed deal and compare it on that basis.
FAQs
1) Are fix-and-fall tariffs regulated or standardised by Ofgem?
No. Ofgem regulates supplier conduct, billing and standards, but “fix-and-fall” isn’t a single standard product definition. Suppliers can set different triggers, review dates and reduction methods—so always read the tariff terms.
2) Does “fall” mean my price will definitely drop if the Ofgem price cap drops?
Not necessarily. Some tariffs link reductions to a cap level, but others may use different benchmarks or apply changes only at set checkpoints. A cap drop doesn’t guarantee your specific tariff will reduce.
3) Can I switch away if I find a better deal?
Usually yes, but check for exit fees and whether they apply per fuel. Also check if the tariff has a minimum period before any “fall” benefit applies—leaving early could mean you never see a reduction.
4) Are fix-and-fall tariffs available for prepay meters?
Sometimes, but availability can be more limited and prices can differ. If you’re on prepay (including smart prepay), compare using your meter type so you don’t shortlist tariffs you can’t actually get.
5) What about Economy 7 and dual-rate electricity?
With Economy 7, the best tariff depends on how much electricity you use at night vs day. A fix-and-fall tariff could still work, but you should compare using your real day/night split and check whether the “fall” applies to both rates.
6) Do I need a smart meter?
Not always. Some tariffs (especially time-of-use) require a smart meter, but fix-and-fall can be offered on standard credit meters too. Eligibility is supplier-specific.
7) Will my standing charge be fixed?
Depends on the tariff. Many fixed tariffs fix both unit rate and standing charge, but some structures allow certain elements to change. The tariff documents should state what is fixed and what can vary.
8) What’s the quickest way to check if a fix-and-fall deal is good value?
Compare the estimated annual cost against (a) a low-exit-fee fixed tariff and (b) your supplier’s standard variable tariff for your postcode and meter type. Then check exit fees and the reduction trigger rules to judge whether the “fall” feature is worth any premium.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial trust signals
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist (retail energy & tariffs)
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “best” fix-and-fall tariffs
Because tariff availability and pricing vary by region and customer details, we don’t publish a single “winner” for everyone. Instead, we help you identify the best fit using a consistent comparison method.
- Like-for-like cost: we focus on estimated annual cost for your usage, including standing charges.
- Risk and flexibility: we weigh exit fees and the likelihood you’ll want to switch before the term ends.
- Clarity of the “fall” mechanism: clear trigger, timing, and whether changes apply to unit rates and/or standing charges.
- Eligibility constraints: Direct Debit vs other methods, meter type (credit/prepay/smart), and Economy 7 suitability.
Assumptions and limitations (read this)
- Illustrations: scenario figures are examples to explain mechanics, not a forecast or a promise of savings.
- Rates change: suppliers can launch/withdraw tariffs quickly; results depend on the day you compare.
- Regional variation: standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region and can materially change outcomes.
- Terms vary: “fall” clauses differ by supplier and may not track the Ofgem price cap directly.
Ready to compare fix-and-fall tariffs for your home?
See what’s available for your postcode, meter and payment method. We’ll show whole-of-market options, with clear estimated costs and key terms.
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