What is a ‘fix and fall’ energy tariff in the UK?

Key takeaways

• It’s usually a fixed deal with potential downward adjustments.
• Downside protection is the main benefit: you’re typically shielded from rises for the fixed term.
• The “fall” may be automatic or on request — and can have conditions.
• Exit fees, eligibility (meter type, payment method) and timing can change the value.

What it’s not

• Not a promise you’ll get the lowest rate on the market.
• Not the same as being on a standard variable tariff (SVT).
• Not the Ofgem Price Cap (the cap limits SVT rates, not fixed deals).

Quick checks before you switch

• Is the reduction guaranteed or “may apply”?
• Does it track the supplier’s new customer tariff or something else?
• Are there exit fees, and do they reduce near the end?
• Is it available for your payment method (Direct Debit vs prepay)?

How fix and fall tariffs work (step by step)

Most fix and fall tariffs begin like any other fixed tariff: you agree a unit rate (p/kWh) and a standing charge (p/day) for a set term (often 12–24 months). The “fix and fall” feature adds a rule that can reduce your price if certain criteria are met.

1. You start on fixed rates — your unit rate and standing charge don’t go up during the fixed period (unless your contract allows specific pass-through charges; see caveats below).
2. The supplier defines a “fall trigger” — for example, if they release a cheaper tariff for the same product family, or if their pricing model reduces rates for your region and meter type.
3. Your price may reduce — either automatically, at set review points, or after you request it (depending on terms).
4. You stay protected from rises for the remainder of the term (subject to the contract terms and any permitted adjustments).

What to look for in the tariff documents

How the fall is calculated

Does it match a newer tariff’s unit rate/standing charge, apply a discount, or use another benchmark? Make sure both unit rate and standing charge are covered (some deals only adjust one).

When it can change

Is it monthly/quarterly, only once, or “at supplier discretion”? The more specific the timetable, the clearer it is for you.

What happens if you move home

Some fixed deals can move with you (if the supplier serves your new property), others end and may charge exit fees. Always confirm before switching if you might move within the term.

Get a quote (whole-of-market comparison)

Tell us a few details and we’ll show available home energy tariffs for your postcode, meter type and payment method — including fixed deals where available.

Decision checklist: who it suits

• You want price certainty but don’t want to miss out entirely if prices drop.
• You’d rather avoid frequent switching (but still want some downside protection).
• You can meet eligibility (e.g., Direct Debit, specific meter types, credit checks if required).
• You’re comfortable with clearly written terms for how reductions work.

Who it may not suit

• You may move home soon and can’t risk exit fees.
• You’re on prepayment and selection is limited (and prices can differ).
• You want the flexibility of an SVT/tracker and can tolerate price swings.
• The tariff’s “fall” rule is vague (e.g., “may reduce at our discretion”).

1) Exit fees can outweigh any benefit

Many fixed tariffs include exit fees per fuel. If prices drop and your fix and fall doesn’t reduce quickly (or at all), switching again could cost you.

2) The “fall” may be limited or conditional

Some products only allow one reduction, only at set review dates, or only if a specific replacement tariff is launched. Others require you to contact the supplier to request the lower rate.

Check: automatic vs on-request, review frequency, and whether reductions apply to standing charge too.

3) Different rates by region, meter and payment method

UK tariffs vary by distribution region and can differ significantly between Direct Debit, credit, and prepayment. Smart and Economy 7 setups can also change the effective cost.

Check: your meter (single-rate vs Economy 7), prepay vs credit, and whether your usage is day/night heavy.

Scenario A: prices fall mid-term, fix and fall reduces

Assumptions (example only): Dual fuel; electricity use 2,900 kWh/year; gas use 12,000 kWh/year; standing charges: electricity 50p/day, gas 30p/day.

If the tariff genuinely reduces, you get some benefit from falling prices without needing to switch. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on the starting price and the size/timing of the reduction.

Scenario B: prices fall, but the tariff doesn’t reduce (exit fee decision)

Assumptions (example only): Same usage and standing charges as above. Fix and fall starts at 27.0p/7.0p. Market later shows a standard fixed at 23.0p/6.0p. Exit fees: £60 per fuel (total £120).

• Estimated annual saving vs original rates: about £187/year (27/7 to 23/6) on these assumptions.
• But if you pay £120 to exit, your net benefit depends on how long is left and whether the cheaper rate lasts.

This is why the “fall” mechanism (and whether it’s automatic) matters as much as the initial price.

Is “fix and fall” an Ofgem tariff category?

No. It’s a marketing description used by some suppliers. The enforceable detail is in the tariff’s written terms and the Tariff Information Label (TIL).

Will my prices definitely go down if the Ofgem Price Cap falls?

Not necessarily. The Ofgem Price Cap applies to default/SVT tariffs. A fix and fall is a fixed deal, so any reduction depends on the product’s own “fall” rules, not the cap itself.

Do fix and fall tariffs have exit fees?

Often, yes. Exit fees are common on fixed deals and may apply per fuel. Always check the amount, when it applies, and any exceptions (for example, near the end of your term).

Does it work with smart meters and Economy 7?

It can, but availability varies. If you have Economy 7 or a time-of-use tariff, compare using your actual day/night split where possible — a single “average unit rate” can be misleading.

I’m a tenant — can I switch to a fix and fall tariff?

Usually yes, as long as you pay the energy bills and your name is (or can be) on the account. If you’re on a prepayment meter, tariff choice may be more limited.

What if my supplier launches a cheaper tariff after I join?

That’s exactly what some “fix and fall” products aim to address — but only if the terms link your price to a newer tariff or include a defined review. If not, you may need to switch (and consider exit fees).

Can my standing charge change on a fix and fall tariff?

On a typical fixed tariff, both unit rate and standing charge are fixed for the term. However, always check the contract terms for any permitted adjustments and whether the “fall” applies to standing charges as well.

How do I compare a fix and fall tariff properly?

Compare total estimated annual cost using your usage (kWh), check exit fees, and read how/when a reduction can happen. If you can’t identify the trigger and timing in plain language, treat it like a standard fixed tariff.

Page details

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

How we assess “fix and fall” tariffs

Because “fix and fall” is not a single regulated label, we evaluate it using a consistent checklist:

• Clarity: can an average household understand when prices can drop and by how much?
• Trigger: is the fall tied to a defined benchmark (e.g., a successor tariff) or discretionary?
• Scope: does it cover unit rates, standing charges, or both?
• Timing: are reviews scheduled (monthly/quarterly) or undefined?
• Consumer impact: exit fees, eligibility criteria, meter/payment restrictions, and moving home implications.