Cheapest fixed energy tariff UK (no lock-in): how to find it

Fixed deals can still be flexible. This guide shows how to compare UK fixed tariffs with low or no exit fees, what “no lock-in” really means, and how to spot the true cheapest option for your home.

See what “no lock-in” means (and when exit fees still apply)
Compare fixed tariffs fairly: unit rates, standing charges, and payment method
Realistic examples with numbers and the common pitfalls to avoid

Get your fixed tariff quote How to compare “no lock-in” deals

Estimates and availability vary by postcode, meter type, usage and payment method. We compare whole-of-market options where available, including tariffs with exit fees and without.

Fast answer: the “cheapest fixed tariff with no lock-in” depends on your postcode and meter

In the UK, the cheapest fixed tariff that feels “no lock-in” is usually a fixed deal with £0 exit fees (or fees that are waived in specific situations). But prices vary by region, payment method, meter type (credit, prepayment, smart) and whether you need Economy 7 or have electric-only.

Important: “No lock-in” isn’t an official Ofgem label. Suppliers may still have terms (e.g., a fixed end date, eligibility criteria, or exit fees on some fixed products). Always check the tariff information label and the exit-fee line before switching.

What to compare first

Unit rate (p/kWh)
Standing charge (p/day)
Exit fee (per fuel)

Usually best for

People who want price certainty
Renters who may move soon (if exit fees are £0)
Homes budgeting monthly by Direct Debit

Quick reality check

Cheapest overall may not be “£0 exit fee”
Standing charges can outweigh unit-rate savings
Prepayment and Economy 7 deals differ

If you’re looking for flexibility and a fixed price, focus your comparison on fixed-term tariffs with £0 exit fees (or clearly stated fee waivers), then compare the estimated annual cost for your usage and postcode.

Compare fixed tariffs (including low/£0 exit fee options)

Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with available home energy tariffs for your postcode. You can then filter for fixed deals and check whether there’s an exit fee.

Tip: Have a recent bill handy if possible. Your current payment method and whether you have a smart meter, prepayment meter or Economy 7 can change the cheapest available fixed deal.

How to compare “no lock-in” fixed deals in 5 steps

Filter to fixed tariffs (choose your preferred term, e.g., 12 months).
Check the exit fee for electricity and gas separately (some charge per fuel).
Compare total estimated annual cost (not just the unit rate) for your usage.
Verify payment method (Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt vs prepay) and any discounts.
Read key terms: price protection period, what happens at end of fix, and any fees waived if you move.

Get your quote

We’ll use these details to provide an estimated comparison. Fields marked * help us find the right tariffs for you.

Looking specifically for no exit fees? After you get results, shortlist fixed tariffs and check the exit fee line for both fuels. If you’re unsure, compare the estimated annual cost and

Fixed tariff “no lock-in” comparison: what to look for

Use the table below to decide whether a fixed tariff is genuinely flexible for you. The cheapest tariff for your home is typically the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your usage in your region — not necessarily the one with the lowest headline unit rate.

Tariff type	Price certainty	Exit fees	Who it suits	What to double-check
Fixed (12–24 months) with £0 exit fees	High (unit rates usually fixed)	£0 (check per fuel)	Renters, movers, anyone wanting flexibility	Standing charge, end-of-fix rollover, eligibility
Fixed with exit fees	High	Often £50–£200+ (varies)	Households staying put, happy to commit	Total exit fee for gas + electric; moving-home rules
Variable (incl. standard variable tariff)	Lower (rates can change)	Usually £0	Short-term flexibility, waiting for better fixes	How often supplier changes prices; budget impact
Tracker (if available)	Medium (tracks a reference, may move daily/weekly)	Can be £0 or a fee	People comfortable with price movement	How it tracks, caps/limits, price change frequency

Decision checklist: is a £0-exit fixed tariff right for you?

You want price certainty for budgeting (especially over winter).
You might move and don’t want to pay to leave early.
You can pay by Direct Debit (often the best-priced payment method).
You’ve checked the standing charge isn’t unusually high for your region.
You understand the end-of-fix process (what tariff you go onto next).

Who it may not suit

You’re on prepayment and have limited fixed options locally.
You use very little energy — a high standing charge could make “cheap” deals expensive.
You prefer maximum flexibility and are comfortable with variable prices.
You’re not sure about your meter type (e.g., Economy 7) — wrong assumptions can skew comparisons.

Remember: “Cheapest” is personal. Two households in different regions can see different winners even on the same tariff name because network costs vary by area and standing charges can differ.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

If you want a fixed tariff with minimal commitment, these are the most common reasons people end up on a deal that isn’t truly the cheapest for them.

1) Standing charges can outweigh a low unit rate

A tariff can look “cheap” on p/kWh, but a higher daily standing charge may make it more expensive over a year—especially for low-usage households or small flats.

2) Exit fees may apply per fuel and per account

Some fixes charge an exit fee for electricity and

3) “No lock-in” may still have terms

A £0 exit fee reduces risk, but the supplier can still require you to meet criteria (e.g., Direct Debit, paperless billing) or restrict the tariff by meter type.

4) Payment method changes pricing

Direct Debit often has different rates vs pay-on-receipt. If you compare deals assuming Direct Debit but intend to pay quarterly, you may not get the same prices.

5) Economy 7 and smart tariffs need the right setup

Economy 7 has day/night rates. If your usage split is different from the assumption, the “cheapest” option can change. Smart-only tariffs may require a communicating smart meter.

6) End-of-fix: what happens next matters

At the end of a fixed tariff, you may roll onto a variable tariff. Put a reminder in your calendar to review options before the fix ends.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are illustrative to show how exit fees and standing charges change outcomes. They are not quotes. Assumptions are stated so you can adjust for your household.

Scenario A: renter may move in 6 months

Assumptions: Dual fuel, Direct Debit, average usage: 2,700 kWh electricity + 11,500 kWh gas per year (typical Ofgem-style illustration). Leaving after 6 months.
Tariff option 1 (fixed with £0 exit fees): Estimated annual cost: £1,720. Six-month cost estimate: ~£860. Exit fee if moving: £0.
Tariff option 2 (cheaper fixed but with exit fees): Estimated annual cost: £1,660. Six-month cost estimate: ~£830. Exit fee (electric + gas): £160.
What’s cheaper in practice?: If you leave at 6 months, option 2 could cost ~£990 (£830 + £160) vs option 1 at ~£860. In this scenario, the “cheaper” tariff becomes more expensive because of the exit fee.

Scenario B: low-usage flat focused on standing charge

Assumptions: Electric-only flat, low usage: 1,800 kWh/year. Comparing two 12-month fixes, both £0 exit fees. Region and supplier offers vary.
Tariff option 1 (lower unit rate, higher standing charge): Unit rate: 24p/kWh. Standing charge: 70p/day. Estimated annual: (1,800×£0.24) + (365×£0.70) = £432 + £255.50 = £687.50.
Tariff option 2 (higher unit rate, lower standing charge): Unit rate: 26p/kWh. Standing charge: 50p/day. Estimated annual: (1,800×£0.26) + (365×£0.50) = £468 + £182.50 = £650.50.
What’s cheaper in practice?: Option 2 is ~£37/year cheaper even though the unit rate is higher, because the standing charge is lower. For low-usage homes, standing charge is often the deciding factor.

Caveat: These scenarios assume usage spread evenly across the year for simplicity. Real bills vary seasonally (gas especially). Use your annual kWh from bills for the most accurate comparison.

FAQs: cheapest fixed energy tariffs with no lock-in (UK)

What does “no lock-in” mean for a fixed tariff?

Usually it means you can leave without paying an exit fee. It doesn’t always mean the supplier can’t change other terms, or that the tariff is available to everyone. Always confirm the exit fee amount and who qualifies.

Are there genuinely £0 exit fee fixed tariffs in the UK?

Sometimes, yes. Availability changes, and some suppliers offer £0 exit fee fixes in certain regions or for certain meter types. The key is checking the tariff details for your postcode at the time you apply.

Can my supplier block me from switching if I’m on a fixed deal?

In most cases you can still switch, but you may have to pay an exit fee depending on your tariff terms (unless you’re within any fee-free switching window near the end of the fix, if applicable). If you’re in debt, rules can be different.

Is a fixed tariff always cheaper than a variable tariff?

No. Fixes trade flexibility for certainty. A variable tariff can be cheaper at times, but it can also rise. The right choice depends on your risk tolerance, budget needs, and what’s available for your postcode and meter.

Do prepayment (PAYG) customers get the same fixed deals?

Not always. Prepayment tariffs can have different pricing and fewer fixed options. If you have a smart prepayment meter, some suppliers offer more choice—but it’s still postcode- and supplier-dependent.

What’s the difference between unit rate and standing charge?

The unit rate is what you pay per kWh of energy used. The standing charge is a daily fixed amount that contributes to network and metering costs. Both matter when deciding what’s cheapest.

If I move home, do I pay an exit fee?

It depends on the tariff. Some suppliers waive exit fees if you move and can’t transfer the tariff, while others don’t. If moving is likely, prioritise £0 exit fee fixes or check the supplier’s moving-home policy before applying.

How long does switching take in the UK?

Switching timelines can vary by supplier and circumstances (including meter type and any issues with your account). Your new supplier should keep you updated, and you won’t be left without energy during a switch.

If you’re unsure: Get results first, then shortlist 2–3 fixed tariffs and compare (1) total estimated annual cost, (2) standing charge, and (3) exit fees. Those three usually decide the real “cheapest no lock-in” option.

Trust, editorial standards and how we assess “cheapest”

Page details

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: June 2026

How we assess “cheapest fixed tariff UK (no lock-in)”

When we say “cheapest”, we mean the lowest estimated annual cost for a given household profile in their postcode, using the tariff’s published rates and charges. For “no lock-in”, we look for £0 exit fees (or clearly stated fee waivers) and highlight where terms still matter.

Inputs that change results: postcode/region, electricity-only vs dual fuel, payment method, meter type (credit/prepayment/smart), Economy 7, and annual kWh usage.
What we compare: unit rates, standing charges, tariff term, exit fees (per fuel), and any stated eligibility requirements.
Limitations: supplier pricing and availability can change quickly; not all tariffs are available to all meter types; illustrative examples may not reflect your actual seasonal usage profile.
What we don’t do: we don’t promise savings, and we don’t present a single universal “cheapest” tariff because UK pricing is regional and personalised.

Sources and further reading (UK)

Ofgem (GB energy regulator) — guidance on the retail market, switching, and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: Energy — independent help on bills, switching, and complaints.
GOV.UK: Energy — official information and support schemes.

Note: Policies and market conditions can change. Always check the supplier’s tariff information and terms before agreeing to a contract.

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Updated on 2 Jun 2026