Cheapest fixed energy tariff for a flat in the UK (right now)

Find the cheapest fixed deal for your flat using live whole‑of‑market prices for your postcode, meter and payment type. We’ll show what “cheap” really means for flats, what to check before you lock in, and how to avoid common switching pitfalls.

  • Works for flats with single-rate, Economy 7 and smart meters (where available)
  • Clear checks for exit fees, standing charges and tariff end dates
  • Includes realistic examples and a decision checklist for renters and owners
Get your fixed tariff quote How to find the cheapest fix

Estimates vary by postcode, meter type and usage. Fixed tariffs can include exit fees and may not always beat the Ofgem price cap.

Fast answer: cheapest fixed energy tariff for flat UK now

The cheapest fixed energy tariff for flat UK now is the lowest‑priced fixed deal available for your exact postcode, meter type and payment method on the day you check. Because flats often have lower usage, standing charges and exit fees can matter as much as the unit rate—so compare using your annual kWh and check total annual cost.

Key takeaway #1

For many flats, the “cheapest fix” is the one with the lowest total annual cost, not the lowest headline unit rate.

Key takeaway #2

Fixed tariffs can include exit fees and may end up costing more than a variable tariff if wholesale prices fall.

Key takeaway #3

Your meter setup (single rate vs Economy 7 vs smart) can change which fixed deals you can access and what looks “cheap”.

Quick check before you switch: confirm your tariff end date and any early exit fee on your current plan. If you’re renting, check whether you’re responsible for the energy account (you usually are if the bill is in your name).

How to find the cheapest fixed tariff for your flat

A “cheap” fixed tariff for a flat is the tariff that gives the lowest estimated total cost for your usage, after you factor in standing charges, payment method and any exit fees. To get an accurate result, you need three things: your postcode, your meter type and a reasonable estimate of annual usage (kWh).

  1. Check your meter type: single-rate, Economy 7 (two-rate) or smart. Look on a recent bill, your in-home display, or ask your supplier.
  2. Use your best usage estimate: your last 12 months’ kWh is best. If you don’t have it, start with your bill’s “estimated annual consumption”.
  3. Compare on total annual cost: don’t choose on unit rate alone—standing charges are often a big share for low-usage flats.
  4. Check the contract details: fix length, what happens at the end, exit fees, and whether prices include VAT (household tariffs should).

Flats are different: if your flat has electric heating or a hot-water cylinder on Economy 7, a “cheap” fixed tariff can depend heavily on how much electricity you use overnight vs daytime.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers you can reuse)

Scenario A: small 1‑bed flat (low usage)

Assumptions
Single-rate electricity, no gas. Annual usage 1,800 kWh. (Typical for a small all‑electric flat with modest heating needs.)
What to prioritise
A fixed tariff with competitive standing charges and no/low exit fee may beat a lower unit rate with higher standing charges.

Scenario B: 2‑bed flat with gas + electricity

Assumptions
Dual fuel. Annual usage 2,500 kWh electricity and 8,000 kWh gas. (Common where gas is for heating/hot water.)
What to prioritise
A fixed tariff that’s strong on gas unit rate can matter more than small electricity differences, but always compare the combined total.

These kWh figures are examples only. Your bills may be higher or lower depending on insulation, heating type, occupancy and how you use hot water.

Get your cheapest fixed tariff options

We’ll show whole‑of‑market fixed tariffs available for your flat. It’s quick, and we use your details to match eligibility (postcode, meter, payment method).

Start your comparison

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If you don’t know your usage (kWh)

Start with the “estimated annual consumption” on your bill. If you’ve just moved in, a safe approach is to compare tariffs using a couple of usage levels (low vs medium) and choose the one that stays competitive in both.

Compare fixed tariff types (what matters for flats)

You won’t always see the same set of fixed tariffs for every flat. Availability and price depend on your region, meter type, how you pay, and sometimes your smart meter setup. Use this table to focus on the features that most affect flat bills.

Fixed option Best for Watch-outs (common in flats) What to check before choosing
12‑month fixed Most renters and owners who want stability without locking in too long. Exit fees if you move; could be beaten by new deals later. Exit fee amount, end date, and the supplier’s process if you move home.
18–24‑month fixed Households wanting longer price certainty. Higher chance you’ll pay exit fees if you move during the term (common for tenants). Exit fees, and whether the tariff allows a transfer to a new address.
Fixed with Economy 7 rates All‑electric flats with storage heaters or timed hot‑water heating. If you use lots of daytime electricity, costs can rise quickly. Your day/night split; whether your meter is actually set to a two-rate tariff.
Dual fuel fixed Flats with gas heating/hot water and mains electricity. “Bundle convenience” isn’t always the cheapest overall. Compare total annual cost against taking separate deals (where available).

Decision checklist: who a fixed tariff suits (and who it doesn’t)

A fixed tariff may suit you if…

  • You want predictable monthly payments for budgeting.
  • Your current variable tariff is meaningfully higher than the best fixes available for your flat.
  • You expect to stay put for most of the fixed term (or exit fees are low).
  • You’re happy trading possible future drops for stability now.

A fixed tariff may not suit you if…

  • You’re likely to move soon and the exit fee would outweigh the benefit.
  • You’re on (or near) a competitive variable tariff and prefer flexibility.
  • Your usage is uncertain (e.g. recent move) and you might need to change tariff type.
  • Your flat’s heating is changing (new storage heaters, heat pump, new tenancy rules).

Tenant tip: you can normally switch supplier if you pay the bills, but you should not remove/replace meters without permission. If your tenancy includes energy in the rent, you may not be able to switch.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (especially for flats)

The cheapest fixed tariff on paper isn’t always the cheapest after you account for how flats are billed. Here are the issues we see most often when people compare fixed deals for a flat.

1) Standing charges dominate low usage

If your flat uses relatively little energy, a higher standing charge can wipe out a better unit rate. Always compare estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.

2) Exit fees when you move

Fixed tariffs often have early termination fees. For tenants, that matters because moving mid‑term is common. Check the fee and whether the tariff can be transferred to your new address.

3) Economy 7 mismatches

If your meter is Economy 7 but you mostly use energy in the day (e.g. working from home), you might pay more. If you’re unsure, check whether your electricity bill shows two rates.

4) Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt pricing

Many tariffs price differently by payment method. If you switch payment type later, your price may change. Compare using the way you’ll actually pay.

5) Prepayment and smart meters

If you’re on prepayment (or need to be), your available fixed deals can be different. Some properties also have meter constraints. Use your postcode quote to filter what’s truly available.

Important: what we do (and don’t) mean by “cheapest”

We mean the lowest estimated total annual cost among fixed tariffs available for your details at the time you compare. We don’t promise any supplier will always be cheapest, and we don’t publish fixed unit rates here because they change frequently and vary by region and meter type.

FAQs

What is the cheapest fixed energy tariff for a flat in the UK right now?

It’s the fixed tariff with the lowest estimated total annual cost for your postcode, meter type and payment method on the day you check. Because availability and pricing vary by region and meter setup, the only accurate way to identify the cheapest option is to run a live comparison for your flat.

Are fixed tariffs always cheaper than the Ofgem price cap?

No. The Ofgem price cap limits the maximum price of certain variable tariffs (not a cap on your total bill), and fixed tariffs can be above or below it. Whether a fixed deal is cheaper depends on your region, meter type, usage and the fixed rates available when you compare.

I live in a flat with Economy 7. Should I choose a fixed Economy 7 tariff?

Only if your home actually benefits from cheaper night electricity—typically storage heaters, immersion heaters on a timer, or a meaningful share of usage overnight. If most of your electricity is daytime, an Economy 7 setup can cost more. Check your bill to see if you’re billed on two rates and estimate your day/night split before fixing.

Can I switch energy supplier if I rent a flat?

Usually yes, if the energy account is in your name and you pay the bills. You should still check your tenancy agreement for any clauses about the supplier, and you must not interfere with meters without permission. If utilities are included in your rent, you typically can’t switch.

Do fixed tariffs have exit fees in the UK?

Many do, but not all. Exit fees vary by tariff and can apply if you leave before the end date (including if you move home). Always read the tariff information before committing, and weigh any exit fee against the potential benefit of fixing.

What details do I need to compare fixed tariffs accurately for my flat?

At minimum: your postcode, whether you have gas and/or electricity, your meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart/prepayment) and a good annual usage estimate in kWh. If you can, use your last 12 months’ usage from bills or your online account to make comparisons more reliable.

Why does the cheapest fixed tariff differ by postcode?

Energy prices include regional network costs and are set differently across electricity distribution areas and gas regions. Suppliers also price based on meter type and payment method. That’s why “the cheapest fixed tariff” is not a single UK-wide deal—it’s specific to your location and setup.

Will switching to a fixed tariff interrupt my energy supply?

In normal circumstances, no—switching supplier is an administrative change. Your gas and electricity keep flowing through the same pipes and wires. You may need to provide meter readings, and you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier and a welcome pack from the new one.

How we assess “cheapest fixed tariff for a flat”

Our approach (transparent and practical)

  • We focus on total cost: the cheapest option is the lowest estimated total annual cost for the user’s details, not a headline unit rate.
  • Flat-specific checks: we highlight standing charges, Economy 7 fit, and likely moving/exit fee risk for tenants.
  • Eligibility matters: results depend on region, meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart/prepayment), and payment method.
  • No invented tariff data: we do not publish supplier-specific tariff names or live rates here because they change frequently and vary by postcode.

Limitations (what can change your result)

Tariff availability can change daily. If your meter is misclassified (e.g. Economy 7 set up but billed as single-rate), comparisons can be misleading. Estimated annual costs are only as good as the kWh you input—using the last 12 months’ usage gives the best outcome.

Ready to see the cheapest fixed deals for your flat?

Get live fixed tariff options matched to your postcode and meter type—then choose the best balance of price, exit fees and term length.

Get your energy quote Re-check the comparison checklist

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Updated on 20 Jul 2026