What does it mean when a fixed energy tariff is ending?

When your fixed tariff ends, your unit rates and standing charges are no longer protected by the fixed-term agreement. If you don’t choose a new deal, you’ll usually be moved onto your supplier’s default variable tariff, which can change over time.

Should I switch energy supplier before my fixed tariff ends?

In many cases, yes—shopping around before your fixed deal ends can help you avoid rolling onto a more expensive variable tariff. It also gives you time to compare fixed vs variable options and choose a plan that suits your budget and risk preference.

When is the best time to switch if my fixed tariff is ending soon?

A common approach is to start comparing deals 4–8 weeks before your fixed tariff ends. Many suppliers allow you to agree a new tariff in advance, so you can line up a switch to start when your current fixed term finishes.

Will I pay an exit fee if I switch early?

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave before the end date. Check your tariff information or account for any early exit fee and compare it with the potential savings from switching. Many tariffs also allow penalty-free switching close to the end of the fixed term.

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

If you do nothing, you’ll typically be moved to your supplier’s standard variable tariff (SVT) or an equivalent default tariff. Prices on variable tariffs can change, so your bills may increase or fluctuate.

Is a new fixed tariff always cheaper than a variable tariff?

Not always. A fixed tariff provides price certainty for the term, while a variable tariff can go up or down. The best option depends on current market prices, your usage, and whether you value stability over potential short-term savings.

How can I compare energy tariffs quickly?

To compare tariffs, gather your postcode, current supplier and tariff (if known), and a recent bill showing your estimated annual usage (kWh) for gas and electricity. Then compare unit rates, standing charges, contract length, exit fees and any discounts. You can review options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ and choose a plan that matches your needs.

What details do I need to switch energy supplier in the UK?

Typically you’ll need your address and postcode, your current supplier, and your meter details (standard/credit, smart meter or prepayment). A recent bill helps with accurate usage figures. You may also need your bank details for Direct Debit.

How long does an energy switch take?

Switching is usually completed within a few working days once the new supplier starts the process, although timings can vary. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted, and your meters and pipes/wires stay the same—only billing and customer service change.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter?

Yes. You can switch with a smart meter. In some cases, smart features may be temporarily limited during the switch, but you’ll still receive energy as normal and your meter will continue to record usage.

Is it worth fixing my energy prices right now?

Fixing can be worth it if you want predictable bills and prefer protection from potential price rises. If you think prices may fall, you might prefer a variable tariff or a shorter fix. Comparing today’s deals against your expected SVT costs can help you decide.

What should I look for in a fixed energy deal?

Focus on the unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day), the length of the fix, any exit fees, payment method requirements (e.g., Direct Debit), and whether the tariff is available in your region. Also check customer service and billing preferences (online-only vs paper).

Fixed energy tariff ending soon? What to do next (UK switching guide)

If your fixed deal is about to end, you don’t need to guess. Use this guide to understand what happens at end of contract, whether to switch now, and how to compare UK tariffs safely (including exit fees, meter types and payment methods).

Check your end date and any exit fee window before you switch
Compare like-for-like: unit rates, standing charges, and your payment & meter type
Know your fall-back tariff (your supplier’s standard/variable) and the risks of waiting

Get your energy quote How switching works

Estimates only. Tariffs, eligibility and fees vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method.

Fast answer: should you switch before your fixed tariff ends?

In most cases, it’s worth checking the market 4–6 weeks before your fixed deal ends. If you’re inside any exit-fee-free window, switching earlier can help you avoid being moved onto your supplier’s standard/variable tariff when the fix ends. If you’re outside the window, the right move depends on whether the exit fee is likely to outweigh any difference in estimated costs.

Key point: Don’t compare by monthly Direct Debit alone. Compare using your unit rates (p/kWh), standing charges (p/day), and your actual usage (kWh). Monthly payments can be adjusted by suppliers and aren’t a reliable price comparison.

When switching now often makes sense

You’re within your supplier’s exit-fee-free period
Your fix ends soon and your supplier’s variable tariff looks higher
You can get a competitive fix with terms you’re comfortable with

When waiting can be reasonable

You’d pay an exit fee and the difference is small
You’re moving home imminently and need flexibility
You need to resolve a meter/billing issue first

What to check today (5 minutes)

Contract end date in your online account or latest bill
Any exit fee and when it stops applying
Your meter type (smart / credit / prepayment)

Compare tariffs the safe way (UK): what we’ll ask for

To show options that match your home, we typically need postcode (for regional network costs), payment method (e.g. Direct Debit vs prepayment), and meter type. If you have your annual usage (kWh) from a bill, comparisons become much more accurate.

Good to know: When you switch, your energy supply changes but your pipes and wires stay the same. For most homes, the process is admin-only.

How switching works (typical steps)

Compare tariffs that match your meter and payment type.
Apply with your chosen supplier (you’ll normally need address details and a start date).
Cooling-off period applies for many switches (terms vary).
Readings are used to close your old account and open the new one (smart meters can help, but aren’t required).
Final bill from your old supplier and ongoing bills from your new supplier.

Before you switch: quick documents checklist

From a recent bill

Tariff name + end date
Unit rates + standing charges
Annual usage (kWh), if shown

From your meter/account

Meter type (smart/credit/prepay)
Economy 7 or multi-rate (if applicable)
Current balance if prepayment

Get a whole-of-market quote

Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with tariffs available for your home. We’ll use your info to contact you about your quote.

First name

Surname

Postcode

Used to show tariffs available in your region (network charges vary across Great Britain).

Telephone

Optional but helpful if we need to confirm meter or tariff details for accuracy.

By submitting, you agree we can use your details to provide your quote and contact you about your options. You can ask us to stop at any time. Tariff availability and prices are subject to change.

If your fix ends within 14 days: you can still compare. The key is checking whether your current tariff has an exit fee and when it applies.

Fixed vs variable: what you’re really choosing

When your fixed tariff ends, your supplier will usually move you onto a standard/variable tariff (name varies by supplier). The big decision is whether to take a new fixed deal for price certainty, or stay variable for flexibility. The “right” answer depends on your exit fees, how long you plan to stay, and whether you can accept price changes.

Feature	Fixed tariff	Variable / standard tariff	Best for
Price certainty	Unit rates/standing charge fixed for the term (subject to terms)	Can change (often aligned to price cap movements, but varies)	Budgeting and avoiding surprises
Exit fees	Common (especially mid-contract)	Usually none	People unsure they’ll stay put
Good if prices fall?	You may miss out unless you pay an exit fee to move	You benefit sooner from reductions (if your tariff drops)	Those prioritising flexibility
Common gotchas	Exit fees; not comparing standing charge; assuming DD = cost	Rates can rise; “standard” often costs more than best available deals	Anyone who checks rates regularly

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

Switching now often suits you if…

Your fixed deal ends within ~6 weeks and you want to avoid defaulting to a standard/variable tariff
You can lock in a deal you’re comfortable with (term length, exit fees, customer service)
You have a smart meter, or can provide accurate readings
You pay by Direct Debit and want predictable budgeting (while understanding DD can change)

Switching now may not suit you if…

You’d pay an exit fee and you’re only a few weeks from the end date
You’re on a complex set-up (multi-rate/Economy 7, heat pumps) and need a like-for-like tariff check
You’re in the middle of a billing dispute and need an accurate opening reading first
You’re moving home very soon and prefer to keep things simple

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how exit fees and timing affect the decision. They are illustrative estimates only and don’t reflect any particular supplier’s current pricing.

Scenario A: fixed tariff ends in 3 weeks (no exit fee)

Assumptions: Dual fuel, Great Britain. Electricity use 2,900 kWh/year and gas use 10,500 kWh/year. Current fixed ends in 21 days. Exit fee: £0. Estimated difference between supplier’s standard/variable vs a new fixed: £18/month (based on rates/standing charges and usage).
What happens if you do nothing: You may roll onto the standard/variable tariff at the end date. Over 3 months, the estimated extra cost is £54 (3 × £18).
What switching now could change: If you can start a new tariff around the end date, you could avoid that higher period (subject to availability and timings).

Scenario B: fixed tariff ends in 10 weeks (exit fee applies)

Assumptions: Dual fuel. Exit fee is £50 if you leave today. Exit fee becomes £0 within the last 49 days (your supplier’s terms may differ). Estimated saving of a new fix vs staying on your current fix for 10 weeks: £8/month.
If you switch today: You might save roughly £20 over 10 weeks (about 2.5 months × £8), but you’d pay a £50 exit fee. Net result: about £30 worse off (estimated).
If you wait until the exit fee is £0: You keep your existing fix for a few more weeks and then switch without the fee. This can be a better balance if prices are similar.

How to use the scenarios: replace the estimated monthly difference with a figure based on your own usage and the tariff rates you’re offered. Then compare that against any exit fee you’d pay by switching early.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

Energy switching is usually straightforward, but the details matter. These are the issues that most often cause bill shock, delays, or “it looked cheaper but wasn’t”.

1) Exit fees and timing

Fixed deals may charge an exit fee if you leave early. Check your tariff terms and whether fees stop applying within a certain period before the end date. If an exit fee applies, compare it against the estimated difference in cost.

2) Standing charge differences

A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. This is especially important for smaller homes/low usage, or second homes where daily charges dominate.

3) Meter type & eligibility

Not all tariffs are available for all meter types (smart, traditional credit, prepayment, Economy 7/multi-rate). Always filter comparisons to your exact set-up.

4) Direct Debit amounts aren’t the price

Suppliers can adjust monthly payments based on seasonal use, debt/credit on your account, or updated readings. Use the tariff rates and your kWh usage to compare.

5) Economy 7 and off-peak use

If you have Economy 7 (or other multi-rate), check both day and night unit rates and your real split. A tariff can look cheap on one rate but expensive overall if your usage pattern doesn’t match.

6) Moving home or renting

If you’re moving soon, a long fixed term with exit fees can be inconvenient. Tenants can usually switch if they pay the bills, but check your tenancy terms and keep accounts in your name.

Prepayment meters: tariff availability can be different and credit checks may vary. If you’re switching with debt on your meter/account, there may be restrictions until the balance is resolved (supplier policies vary).

FAQs

What happens when my fixed energy tariff ends?

Most suppliers move you onto their standard/variable tariff when your fixed term ends. Your supply won’t stop, but your rates may change. Check your supplier’s end-of-fix communications and your account for the follow-on tariff name and rates.

Can I switch before my fixed tariff ends?

Yes, but you may be charged an exit fee depending on your tariff terms and timing. If an exit fee applies, weigh it against the estimated difference in costs between staying put and switching early.

How do I find my fixed tariff end date and exit fees?

Look in your online account, your tariff confirmation email/letter, or the “Tariff information” section on a recent bill. Exit fees (if any) should be shown in the tariff terms. If you can’t find them, ask your supplier to confirm in writing.

Will switching affect my smart meter?

In many cases, your smart meter should continue to work, but smart functionality can vary by supplier and meter type. Even if smart features are limited temporarily, you can still switch and submit readings if needed.

Is it worth fixing again, or staying on a variable tariff?

Fixing can help with budget certainty, while variable can offer flexibility if prices fall. The decision depends on your risk tolerance, how long you’ll stay in the property, any exit fees, and the difference between available unit rates and standing charges for your usage.

Do I need my MPAN or MPRN to switch?

Not always, but it can help. Your MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) are on your bill. If you don’t have them, your address and postcode are often enough to start a comparison, then confirm details later.

Can renters switch energy supplier in the UK?

Usually yes if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills, but check your tenancy agreement for any restrictions and keep the account in your name. If the landlord pays the bills, the landlord normally chooses the supplier.

Will my switch be blocked if I owe money?

It depends. Some debt situations can restrict switching (particularly with prepayment meters), while others can be handled via repayment arrangements. If you’re in arrears, check your supplier’s policy and seek independent advice if needed.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page accountability

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

How we assess “switch now vs wait”

This guide uses a consumer-first approach based on the practical trade-offs UK households face at end of contract.

Inputs that change outcomes: postcode region, meter type (including multi-rate), payment method, and household usage (kWh).
Cost comparison method: we compare estimated annual cost using unit rates + standing charge multiplied by usage, then factor in any exit fee as a one-off cost where relevant.
Timing assumption: we recommend checking 4–6 weeks before the end date because it balances time to compare with the risk of rolling onto a standard tariff.
Limitations: supplier terms and market pricing change; some tariffs have eligibility rules; exact switching timelines vary; any example numbers are illustrative and not a promise of savings.

Independent UK sources we use

We link to these to help you validate key concepts (rights, processes, and definitions). Specific tariff prices are not sourced from these organisations.

Ready to switch before your fix ends?

Get a whole-of-market quote matched to your postcode, meter and payment type. No jargon—just clear options and key terms like exit fees and standing charges.

Get your energy quote Review the comparison checklist

Reminder: Always confirm your end date and any exit fee before committing. Tariff availability can change quickly, and not every tariff is available in every region or for every meter type.

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Updated on 1 Mar 2026