What does it mean if my fixed energy tariff ends in April 2026?

If your fixed tariff ends in April 2026, your unit rates and standing charge are fixed until your contract end date. When it ends, you’ll typically move onto your supplier’s default tariff (often a variable tariff) unless you choose a new deal. It can be worth comparing options before your fixed term ends so you’re ready to switch at the right time.

Can I switch energy supplier before my fixed tariff ends in April 2026?

Yes, you can usually switch before your fixed tariff end date. However, many fixed deals include an exit fee if you leave early. Check your tariff terms or latest bill to see whether an exit fee applies and weigh it against any potential savings from switching.

Will I pay an exit fee if I switch now?

It depends on your current tariff. Some fixed tariffs charge an exit fee for leaving early, while others don’t. If there is an exit fee, compare it with the savings you could make by switching—sometimes switching still works out cheaper overall.

When is the best time to switch if my fixed deal ends April 2026?

A common approach is to review your options in advance so you can act quickly if prices change. Many suppliers allow you to secure a new deal ahead of time, and some allow penalty-free switching in the final weeks of your fixed term. Always check your contract end date and exit fee rules first.

What happens if I do nothing when my fixed tariff ends?

If you do nothing, you’ll normally be moved onto your supplier’s default tariff, which may have different rates and could be more expensive than fixed alternatives. Switching or choosing a new tariff before your end date can help you avoid rolling onto a less competitive deal.

How do I switch to EnergyPlus?

To switch, choose a tariff and complete the online sign-up. You’ll need basic details like your address and current supplier, and ideally a recent bill or your meter point details (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas). EnergyPlus will manage the switch for you, and your supply won’t be interrupted. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

How long does an energy switch take in the UK?

Switching typically completes within a few working days under the UK’s faster switching process, though timings can vary by supplier and circumstances. You’ll be kept informed of your switch date, and there’s no disruption to your energy supply.

Will my gas and electricity supply be interrupted when I switch?

No. Your energy continues to flow through the same pipes and wires. Switching only changes who bills you and the tariff you’re on, so there should be no interruption to your supply.

What information do I need to switch tariffs?

It helps to have your address, a recent energy bill, your current supplier and tariff name, and meter details (MPAN for electricity and MPRN for gas). If you have a smart meter, submitting accurate readings during the switch can help ensure your opening balance is correct.

Can I lock in a fixed tariff now to protect against price changes?

A fixed tariff can provide price certainty by fixing your unit rates and standing charge for the contract term. If you’re considering switching ahead of April 2026, compare the total cost, contract length and any exit fees to decide whether fixing now suits your budget and risk preference.

Fixed energy tariff ending April 2026: should you switch now?

If your fixed deal runs out in April 2026, you don’t have to wait. Here’s how switching works in the UK, what it can cost, and how to decide (with realistic examples).

Check exit fees and timing before you move
Compare like-for-like: payment method, meter type and region matter
Understand what happens if you do nothing (default tariff / SVT)

Get your energy quote How switching works

Estimates only. Prices and availability vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms and any exit fees before switching.

Fast answer: if your fix ends April 2026, switching now can make sense — but only if the numbers (and exit fees) stack up

You can usually switch away from a fixed tariff before it ends. The main question isn’t the end date — it’s whether leaving early costs more (exit fee + any price rise on the new tariff) than staying put until a better time.

Switch now if…

Your current unit rates are high versus today’s options
Your exit fee is £0 or relatively small
You want budgeting certainty and accept fixed-term terms

Wait (or go flexible) if…

Your current fix is already competitive
Exit fees are high and would wipe out any benefit
You’re moving home soon (check portability and fees)

What happens if you do nothing?

When your fix ends, you’ll normally move onto your supplier’s standard variable tariff (SVT) unless you choose another deal. SVT prices can change (often in line with the Ofgem price cap, where applicable).

Key takeaway: The best time to switch is when your expected total cost on a new tariff (unit rates + standing charge + any exit fee) is lower than staying — for the period you plan to stay in the property.

Compare fixed vs variable tariffs (and switch when it suits you)

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs where available, so you can see fixed, variable and tracker-style options side by side. To keep comparisons fair, we focus on the things that genuinely change your bill:

Your region (distribution area affects standing charge and unit rates)
Meter type (credit meter vs prepayment; smart meters can affect eligibility)
Fuel (electricity-only vs dual fuel)
Payment method (monthly Direct Debit is often priced differently to pay-on-receipt)
Exit fees / minimum terms on fixes and some special deals

How switching works in the UK (simple version)

Find your current rates (unit rate + standing charge) and any exit fee in your online account or tariff information label.
Compare deals using your postcode, usage (kWh) and meter type.
Apply for the new tariff. In most cases your supply won’t be interrupted.
Cooling-off period: domestic energy switches typically include a cooling-off period (you can change your mind).
Switch completes and you’ll get a final bill from your old supplier.

Quick check: If your fix ends in April 2026, you may be considering switching well in advance. That’s fine — just treat the exit fee as part of the cost of moving, and consider whether you expect to stay in the property long enough to benefit.

Two realistic examples (with assumptions)

Scenario A: switching early makes sense

Assumptions: Dual fuel, monthly Direct Debit, typical household usage (electricity 2,700 kWh/year; gas 11,500 kWh/year). Current fix ends April 2026. Exit fees: £50 fuel (£100 total). You plan to stay put for at least 12 months.

Current tariff estimate: £155/month
New fixed tariff estimate: £142/month
Estimated 12-month difference: (£13 × 12) - £100 = £56

In this example, the exit fee reduces the benefit, but switching could still be worth it if the new tariff’s rates are lower and you’ll stay long enough.

Scenario B: staying put (for now) is safer

Assumptions: Electricity-only flat, payment on receipt of bill, lower usage (1,800 kWh/year). Current fix ends April 2026. Exit fee: £150. You may move within 6 months.

Current tariff estimate: £78/month
Best available estimate: £73/month
Estimated 6-month difference: (£5 × 6) - £150 = -£120

Here, the exit fee and short time horizon outweigh the lower monthly estimate. A better move could be to wait, or consider a no-exit-fee option if available.

Important: These examples are illustrative and use simplified assumptions. Your actual bill depends on your exact unit rates, standing charges, usage pattern, and any tariff-specific rules.

Get a personalised quote

Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with available home energy tariffs. No obligation — and you’ll see the key terms like exit fees and payment type.

What you’ll need: your current supplier name (if known), approximate annual kWh (or a recent bill), and whether you pay by Direct Debit, prepayment, or on receipt.

Fixed vs variable: quick comparison (UK household focus)

Use this table to decide what to compare when your fixed tariff ends in April 2026. Always check the tariff information label (TIL) and your personal projection based on kWh.

Feature	Fixed tariff	Standard variable (SVT)	Tracker / other variable deals
Price changes	Unit rates/standing charge usually fixed for term (check exceptions)	Can change; often aligned to Ofgem cap where applicable	Moves with a formula (e.g., wholesale/index-linked) — can rise or fall
Exit fees	Common (often per fuel); check if it applies until a set date	Usually none	Varies by product; may have none or smaller fees
Best for	Budget certainty; people staying put for the term	Short-term flexibility; those avoiding exit fees	People comfortable with price movement and reading terms carefully
What to check	Exit fees, end date, what happens at end, payment method rules	How often prices change; customer service; payment method options	The tracking formula, update frequency, caps/floors, fees, and risk

Decision checklist: who switching now suits (and who it doesn’t)

Switch now tends to suit you if…

You’ve checked your exit fees (and they’re manageable)
You’re on monthly Direct Debit and can access the cheapest pricing tier
Your current tariff’s unit rates/standing charge are clearly higher than today’s alternatives
You want cost stability for a set period (e.g., 12–24 months)
You’re not planning to move soon

Switching now may not suit you if…

Exit fees are high and you won’t stay long enough to recover them
You’re on prepayment and the deal is not available for your meter type
You’re in a complex setup (economy 7 / multi-rate, heat pump, EV tariff) and need a like-for-like comparison
You have debt on the meter/supplier (eligibility can affect switching)

Tip for April 2026 endings: set a calendar reminder for 6–8 weeks before your end date to re-check the market. Even if you switch earlier, it’s worth reviewing again before the fix actually ends.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

Most “should I switch now?” mistakes come down to comparing the wrong things. These are the big ones to watch when your fixed deal ends in April 2026.

1) Exit fees

Fixed tariffs often charge exit fees per fuel. Check whether the fee applies until the end date, or only up to a certain point. Include it in your switch calculation.

2) Standing charge differences

A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge (and vice versa). Standing charges vary by region and meter type — always compare both.

3) Payment method pricing

Many tariffs assume monthly Direct Debit. If you pay on receipt or use a prepayment meter, you may see different deals and different projections.

4) Meter type / tariff eligibility

Economy 7, multi-rate, smart meter requirements, and certain EV/heat-pump tariffs can limit availability. Make sure you’re comparing a tariff you can actually take.

5) Moving home

If you might move before April 2026, check whether your tariff can move with you, and what happens if it can’t. Some suppliers treat moving as ending the contract; others can transfer it.

6) Debt / switching limits

If you owe money to your supplier, switching may be restricted depending on the circumstances (especially for prepayment). Contact your supplier or Citizens Advice if you’re unsure.

Plain-English rule: Don’t judge a tariff by the headline “fixed” label. Judge it by your projected annual cost (based on kWh), plus exit fees, for the period you expect to stay.

FAQs: fixed energy tariffs ending April 2026

Can I switch before my fixed tariff ends in April 2026?

Usually yes, but you may pay an exit fee. Check your tariff’s terms (often shown in your online account and on the tariff information label). If there’s no exit fee, switching early is simpler.

How do I find my exit fee and end date?

Look in your supplier account under “Tariff details” or “Plan details”, or on recent emails/letters. You can also check the tariff information label (TIL). If it’s unclear, ask your supplier directly and keep a record.

Will switching affect my supply (will my gas/electric go off)?

In normal domestic switches, your energy supply stays on. The process is administrative (your meter stays the same). You should still provide meter readings when requested to help ensure accurate final bills.

Is a fixed tariff always cheaper than a variable tariff?

No. Fixed means the rates are set for the term (subject to the contract), not that it’s cheaper. A variable tariff may be lower or higher over time. Compare the projected cost for your usage and include any fees.

I’m on a prepayment meter — can I still switch?

Often yes, but deal availability can be narrower and switching can be affected by debt or meter compatibility. When comparing, choose “prepayment” so quotes match your situation.

Does my region really change my prices?

Yes. Electricity (and sometimes gas) standing charges and unit rates vary by region due to network costs. That’s why postcode is essential for an accurate comparison.

What should I do if I’m moving home before April 2026?

Check whether your current tariff can move with you and whether the new property’s meter type is compatible. If you’re likely to move soon, avoiding exit fees can be more important than chasing a slightly lower rate.

When should I start shopping around if my fix ends in April 2026?

A practical approach is to check prices now (to understand your current position), then check again closer to your end date (for example 6–8 weeks before). If exit fees are zero, you can be more flexible about timing.

Trust, transparency and how we assess “switch now” advice

Page details

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

How we assess whether switching early is worthwhile

We base “switch now vs wait” guidance on total expected cost and practical eligibility — not headlines. Our editorial approach:

Like-for-like comparisons using region, meter type, payment method, and fuel(s).
Total cost over a realistic time horizon (e.g., 6 or 12 months), including standing charges and any exit fees.
Risk and flexibility: fixed deals offer certainty but may lock you in; variable/tracker deals can move up or down.
User circumstances: moving home, prepayment constraints, Economy 7/multi-rate needs, and potential switching limitations due to debt.

Limitations: Market prices can change, and some tariffs have eligibility requirements or limited availability. Projections are only as accurate as the kWh usage and tariff details supplied.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on the price cap and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: energy — help with bills, debt, and switching issues.
GOV.UK: energy information — official updates and policy context.

Ready to see your best options before April 2026?

Compare fixed and flexible tariffs for your postcode and meter type, with key terms like exit fees shown clearly. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Get your energy quote Re-read the key takeaways

Reminder: If you’re currently fixed until April 2026, the smartest “switch now” decision usually comes down to exit fees, how long you’ll stay, and whether the new tariff’s standing charge and unit rates fit your usage.

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Updated on 31 Mar 2026