When are exit fees charged?

Exit fees are usually charged if you switch supplier or move to a different tariff before your fixed-term contract ends. Check your tariff"s terms and conditions, as rules and amounts vary by supplier and product.

Are exit fees waived in the last 49 days of a fixed-term tariff?

Yes. Under Ofgem rules in Great Britain, suppliers must not charge exit fees in the final 49 days of a fixed-term domestic tariff. This lets you arrange a switch ahead of your end date without a fee.

How much are typical exit fees in the UK?

Typical exit fees range from about £30 to £60 per fuel (gas and electricity). Some tariffs have no exit fee, while others may be higher. Always check the exact amount for your plan.

How can I tell if my tariff has an exit fee?

Review your tariff information label, welcome pack, or online account. Your bills and contract terms will also state any exit fee and the tariff end date. If unsure, contact your supplier to confirm.

Will I pay an exit fee if I move home?

Policies vary by supplier. Many waive exit fees when you move because supply at the old address ends, but this isn"t guaranteed. Notify your supplier before you move and confirm whether any fee applies.

Can I switch and avoid paying an exit fee?

You can avoid fees by switching within the last 49 days of your fixed term, choosing a tariff with no exit fee, or waiting until your current tariff ends. Some deals may offer credits that offset a competitor"s exit fee—check terms carefully.

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes. After signing up to a new energy contract you typically have a 14-day cooling-off period. If you cancel within this window, you shouldn"t be charged an exit fee by the new supplier, though you"ll pay for any energy used.

Energy Exit Fees in the UK: Avoid Early Termination Charges

Q: What is an energy exit fee?

An energy exit fee (also called a termination or break fee) is a charge some suppliers apply when you leave a fixed-term tariff before its end date. It typically doesn"t apply to variable tariffs.

Know when suppliers can charge exit fees, how the UK \u201849-day rule\u2019 works for domestic customers, what businesses need to watch for, and the smartest ways to switch without penalties.

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What is an energy exit fee?

Exit fees (also called early termination charges) are costs some energy suppliers charge if you leave a fixed-term tariff before it ends. They are most common on fixed-rate deals for both electricity and gas. Exit fees help suppliers recover costs for energy they have already bought to cover your usage.

Domestic customers (households)

Exit fees typically range from \u00a315\u2013\u00a330 per fuel, sometimes higher on premium fixes.
Under Ofgem rules, suppliers cannot charge exit fees in the final 49 days of a fixed-term domestic tariff.
You also have a 14-day cooling-off period after you agree a new domestic deal to change your mind without penalty.

Business & microbusiness

Exit fees and notice terms depend on your specific contract; they can be a set charge or based on estimated losses.
No automatic 14-day cooling-off right for businesses; some suppliers voluntarily offer one \u2014 check your contract.
Most business contracts allow penalty-free switching only in a defined renewal window once notice has been served.

How much are exit fees?

There isn\u2019t a single UK-wide price cap on exit fees, but suppliers must state them clearly before you sign.

Domestic electricity or gas: commonly \u00a315\u2013\u00a330 per fuel; some deals may be higher. Dual-fuel deals often just charge per fuel (so leaving early could be \u00a330\u2013\u00a360).
Business energy: varies by contract and usage. Charges can be a flat fee or a calculated \u201closs of bargain\u201d based on remaining term and forecast consumption.

Energy Plus can check your tariff\u2019s small print for you and confirm whether leaving now would trigger a charge \u2014 and whether the savings from switching outweigh any fees.

UK rules and your rights

Domestic customers

49-day rule: You can start a switch in the final 49 days of a fixed-term domestic tariff without paying exit fees. Your current supplier can\u2019t charge an early termination fee during this window.
14-day cooling-off: After you agree a domestic contract, you can cancel within 14 days without an exit fee. If you used energy during this period, you\u2019ll just pay for what you used.

Business and microbusiness

Contract-led: Exit fees depend on the contract. Many business fixes require notice and only allow a switch at end of term without penalty.
Transparency: Suppliers must present key terms clearly. Always keep your contract, renewal window dates and notice requirements handy.

Unsure which rules apply to you? Our advisors can review your plan and give clear next steps.

How to avoid paying exit fees

Timing your switch

Domestic: schedule your switch within the last 49 days of your fixed term.
Business: note your contract\u2019s renewal window and required notice period; set reminders 90, 60 and 30 days before.
Ask your supplier if they\u2019ll waive the fee if you upgrade to another of their tariffs or due to a price rise (where terms allow).

Check for fee exemptions

Cooling-off: Domestic customers can cancel within 14 days. Some business contracts include a voluntary grace period \u2014 check yours.
House move: If you\u2019re moving home or premises, many suppliers won\u2019t charge an exit fee when you provide proof of move-in/move-out.
Contract changes: If your supplier changes key terms mid-contract, you may be able to leave without penalty.

Energy Plus can line up a new tariff to start as your old one ends, helping you avoid exit fees while keeping costs competitive.

Business energy: contracts, notice and exit fees

Business energy agreements vary widely. Here\u2019s what to check:

Contract end date: When does your fixed term end? Is there an automatic rollover?
Notice period: How far in advance must you serve notice (e.g., 30\u201360 days)? What\u2019s the accepted method (email, portal, post)?
Termination charges: Is it a flat fee, per-MWh formula, or \u201closs of bargain\u201d calculation?
Microbusiness protections: Check that key info appears on your renewal letters and that broker costs (if any) are clear.
Moving premises: Most suppliers allow termination on proof of move. Keep your lease or completion documents handy.

Our team negotiates with suppliers every day. We\u2019ll check your contract, compare renewal options, and manage notice so you don\u2019t get caught by avoidable fees.

Frequently asked questions about exit fees

Yes, when they\u2019re clearly disclosed in your contract. For domestic customers, exit fees can\u2019t be charged in the final 49 days of a fixed-term deal.

Often no, provided you give your supplier the required notice and proof of moving. Terms vary by supplier and contract, so always check.

Yes. If the saving from a new tariff exceeds the exit fee over your remaining term, switching can be worthwhile. We\u2019ll run the numbers for you.

If your supplier changes key terms, you may be able to leave without penalty. Contact us quickly so we can confirm your options and switch you in time.

Most prepayment tariffs don\u2019t use fixed-term exit fees in the same way as fixed credit-meter deals, but always check the tariff info provided by your supplier.

Free exit-fee check

Send us your latest bill or contract. We\u2019ll confirm if an exit fee applies and whether switching now would save you money.

Why switch with Energy Plus?

We compare leading UK suppliers in minutes.
We time your switch to avoid or minimise exit fees.
We handle all paperwork and supplier communication.
No hidden charges; clear, honest advice.

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Avoid exit fees and lock in a better rate

Whether you\u2019re a household or a business, our experts will confirm your rights, check for any penalties, and line up the best tariff to start as your current one ends.

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Quick glossary

Exit fee: Charge for leaving a fixed-term tariff early.

Cooling-off period: 14 days for domestic customers to change their mind after agreeing a contract.

Fixed-term tariff: Price per kWh and daily standing charge are locked for a set period.

Renewal window: Period near contract end when you can switch or renegotiate without penalty.

Notice period: Time you must inform your supplier before ending a business contract.

Dual fuel: Both gas and electricity supplied by the same supplier.

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