Fix and fall energy tariff deals (UK) — March 2026
A practical guide to “fix and fall” tariffs: what they are, when they can work, what to check (exit fees, T&Cs, meter type), and how to compare whole-of-market options.
- Understand how “fix and fall” pricing works (and when it doesn’t)
- Compare them to fixed, variable and tracker tariffs
- Use our checklist and examples to decide what suits your home
Estimates only. Eligibility, prices and exit fees vary by supplier, payment method, meter type and region.
Fast answer: are “fix and fall” deals worth it in March 2026?
A UK “fix and fall” tariff is usually a fixed-price energy deal that lets your unit rates drop if the supplier’s equivalent tariff price drops during the fix. It can make sense if you want price certainty and a route to benefit from supplier-led price cuts — but it’s not the same as a tracker, and it won’t necessarily follow the Ofgem price cap.
Key caveat: “Fix and fall” features and labels vary by supplier. Always check what triggers a reduction, how often it’s reviewed, and whether standing charges can change.
Good fit if you…
- want a fixed deal but dislike the feeling of being “stuck” if prices ease
- can pass supplier credit checks (where applicable) and meet eligibility rules
- are comfortable with exit fees and a set end date
Not ideal if you…
- need maximum flexibility (e.g., moving home soon)
- want prices to move up and down with the market (tracker may suit better)
- use a prepayment meter and have limited tariff availability
What to check first
- unit rates and standing charges
- exit fees (per fuel) and when they apply
- meter type: smart, standard credit, Economy 7, prepay
Compare fix and fall tariffs (whole-of-market)
Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to tariffs you’re likely to be eligible for — including fixed, variable, tracker and fix-and-fall options (where available). You’ll see the key terms that matter: exit fees, length, payment method and meter compatibility.
Tip: Your postcode matters because standing charges and regional network costs differ across Great Britain. (Northern Ireland tariffs are separate and usually not comparable in the same way.)
Before you start (30 seconds)
- Have a recent bill to hand (or know your monthly spend)
- Know your meter: credit, smart, prepay, Economy 7
- If renting, check your tenancy: you can usually switch if you pay the bills
Get your quote
How “fix and fall” tariffs work (plain English)
1) You start on a fixed rate
Your unit rate (p/kWh) is set for a term (often 12–24 months). Many deals also fix the standing charge, but not all — check the tariff information label.
2) The “fall” rule can reduce prices
If the supplier reduces prices on a defined reference tariff (or relaunches the same fix cheaper), your rates may reduce too. The trigger and timing differs by supplier.
3) It usually won’t go up during the fix
That’s the core trade-off: you’re protected from increases (subject to T&Cs), and you may benefit from decreases — but only within the supplier’s rules.
Important: A “fix and fall” tariff is not the same as an Ofgem price cap promise.
- The price cap applies to default tariffs (and some variable tariffs), not fixed deals.
- A supplier can cut prices without the cap changing (and the cap can change without your fix changing).
- Some “fall” clauses reference a supplier tariff, not a market index.
Fix & fall vs fixed, tracker and variable: quick comparison
Use this table to narrow down the type of tariff first. Then compare actual prices and terms for your postcode, meter and payment method.
| Tariff type | What changes over time? | Downside risk | Typical checks to make | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fix and fall | Usually fixed; may reduce if supplier-defined reference price falls | Low for increases during term; medium for missing wider market falls | Trigger for reductions, review frequency, exit fees, standing charge rules | Want certainty but don’t want to ignore potential price drops |
| Fixed | Prices stay the same for the fixed period (per T&Cs) | Low for increases; high opportunity cost if prices fall | Exit fees, what happens at end of term, DD requirements | Budgeters who value predictability |
| Tracker | Price follows an index/formula (supplier-defined) | Higher: your bills can rise with the index | Index details, update frequency, caps/floors, exit terms | Comfortable with movement; want transparency in the formula |
| Variable (SVT/default) | Supplier can change price; SVTs are constrained by the price cap | Medium: can rise; less “locked-in” | Current rates, cap period changes, any discounts that can end | Flexibility; short-term stopgap before switching |
Decision checklist (fix & fall)
- Is the “fall” trigger clear?
- Look for a named reference tariff or a defined comparison method. Avoid vague wording like “may reduce at our discretion”.
- How often are prices reviewed?
- Monthly/quarterly reviews are more responsive than “from time to time”.
- Are standing charges fixed too?
- Your bill depends on both. A low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge.
- What are the exit fees — per fuel?
- Exit fees are commonly charged if you leave before the end of the fixed term (check separate fees for gas and electricity).
Two realistic examples (with assumptions)
These scenarios are illustrative only to show how the “fall” feature can affect costs. Your rates vary by region, meter and payment method.
Scenario A: medium-use dual fuel household
- Usage assumption: 2,700 kWh electricity + 11,500 kWh gas per year
- Starting fix: 27.0p/kWh elec, 6.8p/kWh gas; standing charges 60p/day elec, 32p/day gas
- Fix-and-fall event: after 6 months, unit rates drop by 6% (standing charges unchanged)
Estimated annual cost (no drop): £1,764
Estimated annual cost (6% unit-rate drop for half the year): £1,728
Estimated difference: about £36/year
Scenario B: small flat, electricity-only
- Usage assumption: 1,800 kWh electricity per year
- Starting fix: 28.5p/kWh; standing charge 64p/day
- Fix-and-fall event: unit rate drops by 10% after 3 months
Estimated annual cost (no drop): £971
Estimated annual cost (10% unit-rate drop for 9 months): £930
Estimated difference: about £41/year
Why the differences look modest: standing charges and the fixed portion of the year reduce how much a mid-term unit-rate cut changes the annual total. Bigger usage and bigger drops increase the impact.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Fix-and-fall tariffs can be a smart compromise — but most disappointment comes from small print. These are the checks that tend to matter in real homes.
Exit fees (and timing)
Many fixed deals charge exit fees if you leave early. Check the fee per fuel, and whether it applies if you switch near the end of the term.
Standing charges may not “fall”
Some offers reduce unit rates but leave standing charges unchanged. If you’re low usage, standing charges can dominate your bill.
Payment method differences
Direct Debit tariffs can price differently from receipt-of-bill or prepayment. Compare like-for-like based on how you pay.
Meter-type availability
Some tariffs exclude Economy 7 (two-rate) meters or prepayment. If you have E7, check day/night rates and whether your pattern suits.
“Fall” wording can be narrow
Some deals only fall if that supplier launches the same tariff cheaper, not if the wider market drops. Read the tariff terms and the product label.
Moving home
Ask whether you can transfer the tariff to a new address. If not, you could face exit fees or be moved to a different product.
If you’re in debt to your current supplier: you may still be able to switch, but rules and practicalities vary. Citizens Advice has guidance on switching with energy debt.
FAQs: fix and fall tariffs (UK)
Do fix and fall tariffs follow the Ofgem price cap?
Not directly. The Ofgem price cap limits certain default and some variable tariffs. Fix-and-fall is usually a fixed product with its own rules for reductions.
Can the price go up during a fix and fall deal?
Typically unit rates are fixed for the term, but always check the tariff terms. Some charges (or non-energy elements) may change in limited circumstances. The tariff information label should show what’s fixed.
Are fix and fall deals available for prepayment meters?
Sometimes, but availability is often more limited for prepay (including smart prepay). If you can move to credit mode and are eligible, more deals may appear — but it depends on supplier criteria.
Will I pay exit fees if I switch away?
Many fixed products charge exit fees if you leave before the end date. Fees may apply separately for gas and electricity. Check the Key Facts/terms before you start a switch.
What happens when the fixed term ends?
If you don’t choose a new deal, suppliers usually move you to a variable tariff (often their standard variable tariff). Put a reminder in your calendar a few weeks before the end date to review options.
Is a tracker always better if prices are expected to fall?
Not always. Trackers can move up as well as down, and the formula matters. Fix-and-fall may suit people who want a ceiling on costs while still having a chance of reductions (under defined rules).
Do I need a smart meter?
Not necessarily. Some tariffs are open to standard credit meters; others are smart-only (especially time-of-use offers). If you have Economy 7, confirm the tariff supports two rates.
Can tenants switch to a fix and fall tariff?
Usually yes if you’re the bill payer, but you should check your tenancy agreement and ensure you can provide meter readings when you move out. If bills are included in rent, you typically can’t switch.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “fix and fall” tariffs
- Tariff structure: whether unit rates are fixed, whether standing charges are fixed, and what can change during the term.
- Fall mechanism: what triggers a reduction (named tariff/index), how often it’s reviewed, and whether reductions apply automatically.
- Total cost drivers: unit rates + standing charges + payment method pricing, modelled against example consumption levels.
- Eligibility and friction: meter type requirements (smart/E7/prepay), Direct Debit requirements, credit checks (if used), and regional availability.
- Customer flexibility: exit fees, moving-home terms, and end-of-fix outcomes.
Limitations: We can’t list every live deal on a static guide page because tariffs change frequently and can be personalised by region and meter type. Use the comparison form for current availability and exact pricing for your home.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem — regulator guidance, price cap information, consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice energy advice — switching, billing issues, debt and supplier problems.
- GOV.UK — official UK government services and energy-related guidance.
Ready to check today’s fix and fall options for your postcode?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs with the key terms up front (exit fees, length, meter compatibility). No guarantees — just clear options based on your details.
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