Fix and fall energy tariff deals in the UK this month
A practical guide to “fix and fall” tariffs (fixed now, with the option to drop if prices fall). See what they are, who they suit, what to check in the small print, and how to compare safely.
- Understand how price drops are applied (and when they aren’t)
- Check exit fees, unit rates, standing charges, and eligibility (meter & payment type)
- Use our form to compare whole-of-market options in minutes
Rates and availability change frequently and vary by region, meter type and payment method. Any costs shown are examples, not guarantees.
Fast answer: what are “fix and fall” energy deals?
A fix and fall tariff is a fixed deal that aims to protect you from price rises while also offering a mechanism to reduce your rates if the supplier’s equivalent prices fall later. The key point is that the “fall” part is not always automatic, and it’s often tied to specific conditions (for example, only when the supplier launches a new version of the tariff, or only for certain regions/meter types).
Quick check: If a tariff claims “fix and fall”, look for (1) how the price drop is calculated, (2) whether it’s automatic or you must switch product, and (3) whether exit fees apply if you need to move to a cheaper deal.
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
Unit rate & standing charge matter more than the label. “Fix and fall” isn’t a regulated tariff type—always compare the actual p/kWh and daily standing charge for your region.
Eligibility can be narrow. Some deals are limited by meter type (e.g., smart meter required), payment method (Direct Debit), or property profile.
Exit fees can block the “fall”. If the only way to access a lower price is to switch product and you face exit fees, the deal may not work out.
Compare fix and fall tariffs (and alternatives) in one place
If you want price certainty but don’t want to miss out if the market drops, comparing a fix-and-fall style deal against a standard fixed tariff and a variable tariff is the safest approach.
What you’ll need: postcode, whether you pay by Direct Debit or prepay, and whether you have a smart meter (if you’re not sure, that’s fine—choose “Not sure”).
How switching works (plain English)
- Compare tariffs available for your postcode, meter type and payment method.
- Choose a tariff after checking unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees.
- Apply—your new supplier coordinates the switch. You’ll keep energy supply throughout.
- Cooling-off—you typically have 14 days to change your mind (rules and timings can vary by supplier and circumstances).
Get your whole-of-market quote
How “fix and fall” tariffs work (what to look for)
Suppliers use different wording (for example, “fixed with downward flexibility” or “price drop promise”). The important thing is the mechanism—how the drop is triggered and applied. In the UK, you’ll usually see one of these models:
Model A: automatic rate reduction
Your unit rate/standing charge may be reduced during your contract if the supplier lowers rates for the same tariff. Check timing (e.g., within X days), scope (electricity only vs dual fuel), and whether it applies to all customers or only new sign-ups.
Model B: “switch to the new version”
You may need to move to a new tariff version to access lower pricing. That can be fine, but check whether you’d pay exit fees, lose a benefit, or reset your contract length.
UK-specific checks before you commit
- Meter type
- Single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter, or prepayment can change the tariff you’re offered. A deal that looks good for single-rate may not be competitive for Economy 7.
- Payment method
- The lowest rates are often for Direct Debit. If you need prepayment or receipt-of-bill payment, available tariffs can be different.
- Region
- Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain by distribution region. Always compare using your postcode rather than national averages.
- Exit fees and contract length
- If the market drops significantly, exit fees can reduce the benefit of moving. Also check if leaving during the final weeks is fee-free.
Editor’s note: “Fix and fall” is marketing shorthand. Treat it as a feature that needs verifying in the tariff terms, not a guarantee that you’ll always pay the lowest price during your contract.
Fix and fall vs fixed vs variable: quick comparison
Use this table to decide what to compare in your quote results. Exact features vary by supplier, so treat this as a decision aid, not a promise.
| Tariff type | What you pay | If prices rise | If prices fall | Common catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fix and fall | Fixed unit rate/standing charge for a term | Protected (within contract terms) | May reduce, depending on the tariff’s rules | Exit fees; drop may not be automatic; eligibility rules |
| Standard fixed | Fixed for the term | Protected | You typically keep paying the fixed rate | Exit fees; may become uncompetitive if market falls |
| Variable (incl. standard variable) | Rates can change with notice | Not protected | Your rates may drop when the supplier changes prices | Budgeting uncertainty; can be higher than good fixed deals |
Decision checklist: who fix and fall suits (and who it doesn’t)
Often suits you if…
- You want bill predictability but worry about committing at the “wrong” time.
- You’re happy to read the terms and confirm how price drops are applied.
- You can pay by Direct Debit and have a compatible meter (or are open to a smart meter).
- You’d prefer one tariff you can keep rather than chasing deals every few months.
May not suit you if…
- You’re on prepayment and have limited tariff access in your area.
- You’re likely to move home soon (exit fees and admin can make switching less worthwhile).
- You want the lowest price at all times and don’t mind switching often.
- The “fall” depends on switching product and the exit fee outweighs likely benefits.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario 1: Medium-use dual fuel household (Direct Debit)
Assumptions (illustrative): Electricity use 2,900 kWh/year; Gas use 12,000 kWh/year; single-rate electricity; Great Britain; prices shown are example-only.
| Item | Example fixed now | If rates drop later* |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate | 26.0p/kWh | 24.0p/kWh |
| Electricity standing charge | 55p/day | 55p/day |
| Gas unit rate | 6.5p/kWh | 6.0p/kWh |
| Gas standing charge | 30p/day | 30p/day |
| Estimated annual cost | ~£1,689 | ~£1,554 |
*This shows the impact if lower rates apply during your contract. Some fix-and-fall tariffs don’t reduce both unit rates and standing charges, and some require a product change.
Scenario 2: Electric-only flat (low-to-medium use)
Assumptions (illustrative): Electricity use 1,800 kWh/year; single-rate; example standing charge shown; prices vary by region.
| Option | Example unit rate | Example standing charge | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix and fall | 25.0p/kWh | 55p/day | ~£653 |
| Standard fixed (no fall feature) | 24.5p/kWh | 58p/day | ~£665 |
| Variable | 26.5p/kWh | 53p/day | ~£667 |
For lower-usage homes, standing charges can dominate. That’s why a “slightly lower unit rate” isn’t always better overall.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (read this before you switch)
Fix-and-fall style deals can be useful, but the value often hinges on the details below.
Exit fees
Check if there’s a fee per fuel (electricity and gas). If you’d need to leave the tariff to access lower pricing, an exit fee can cancel out the benefit.
“Fall” may be limited
Some tariffs only reduce the unit rate, not the standing charge. Others only match price drops within a defined window or under certain market conditions.
Regional pricing quirks
You might see a deal advertised as “from Xp/kWh” that doesn’t apply to your region. Always verify using a postcode-based quote.
Economy 7 / multi-rate meters
A tariff can look competitive on the day rate but be poor on the night rate (or vice versa). Always compare both rates against your actual usage pattern.
Prepayment constraints
Prepay customers may have fewer choices, and some tariffs are Direct Debit only. If you can switch payment method, compare both options and check any debt-related restrictions.
Timing expectations
Even if prices fall, suppliers may change tariffs at different times. A “fall” feature may not move in sync with headline news about wholesale prices.
Tip: When comparing, ask: “If a cheaper tariff appears next month, what exactly would I need to do to benefit—and what would it cost me to do it?”
Fix and fall tariffs: FAQs
Are fix and fall tariffs regulated in the UK?
Not as a distinct Ofgem-defined tariff category. The name is typically supplier marketing. What matters is the contract and tariff information: unit rates, standing charges, term length, exit fees and the stated method for any price reductions.
Will my price automatically go down if the Ofgem price cap drops?
Usually, a fixed tariff won’t change when the price cap changes. A fix-and-fall tariff may reduce rates only if the supplier’s rules say it will. Always check whether reductions are automatic or require you to move to a new tariff.
Do fix and fall tariffs have exit fees?
They often can, especially on longer fixed terms. Fees may be charged per fuel. Some tariffs are fee-free near the end of the contract—confirm in the tariff terms before switching.
Can tenants switch to a fix and fall tariff?
Often yes, if you’re responsible for paying the energy bill and your tenancy allows it. If you’re moving soon, consider contract length and exit fees. If bills are included in rent, you usually can’t choose the tariff.
Do I need a smart meter?
Not always. Some tariffs are available to traditional meters; others may require smart meters (particularly certain newer tariff types). If you’re unsure what meter you have, start a comparison with “Not sure” and confirm before you complete a switch.
Does “dual fuel” guarantee a discount?
No. Some suppliers price dual fuel competitively; others don’t. It’s common to see separate electricity and gas pricing that doesn’t materially improve when bundled—compare the total estimated annual cost for your usage.
What if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
Switching can be restricted if you owe money, especially on prepayment meters. Citizens Advice has guidance on switching with debt and your options for repayment plans.
What details should I compare on the tariff info?
At minimum: electricity and gas unit rates (p/kWh), standing charges (p/day), contract length, exit fees, payment method assumptions (Direct Debit vs prepay), and any conditions for a “price drop” feature.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page accountability
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: March 2026
How we assess “fix and fall” deals
We assess a fix-and-fall tariff feature by checking whether it provides a credible, clearly described pathway to lower prices during the contract, without relying on assumptions that most households won’t meet.
- Price mechanics: Is the reduction automatic? Does it apply to unit rate, standing charge, or both? Is it tied to a new tariff version?
- Total cost, not headline rate: We focus on estimated annual cost based on consumption, including standing charges.
- Eligibility filters: Meter type (single rate/Economy 7/smart/prepay), payment method (Direct Debit), and region.
- Friction & fees: Exit fees, contract length, and what happens if you want to move to a cheaper deal.
- Clarity: If the “fall” feature is vague, conditional, or hard to verify, we treat it as higher risk.
Limitations: Supplier pricing changes frequently. Deal availability can change daily and differs by postcode and meter/payment type. The scenarios on this page use illustrative rates to show how to think about the numbers.
Helpful UK sources
Ready to see fix and fall deals available for your home?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs by postcode, meter type and payment method. We’ll show you the rates and key terms that matter (including exit fees).
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