Fixed energy deals ending soon? Lock in before the July price cap rise
From 1 July 2026 the Ofgem price cap jumps +13% to £1,862 a year for a typical dual-fuel home. The cheapest fixed deals still undercut it by hundreds of pounds — but they can be withdrawn at short notice. Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs with EnergyPlus and lock in before your fix ends.
- July cap confirmed at £1,862/yr — today's best fix is £1,602 (E.ON Next)
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
- Switching is free, takes ~5 working days, and works even without a smart meter
Energy comparisons are based on the details you provide. Prices, availability and savings vary by region, meter type and usage.
Your fixed energy tariff is ending — act before the cap rises
When a fixed energy tariff ends, most UK suppliers move you onto their standard variable tariff (SVT), which tracks the Ofgem price cap. That cap rose +13% to £1,862/yr on 1 July 2026 (up from £1,649 today), so doing nothing now is likely to cost you more from July.
The good news: the best fixed deals on the market in July 2026 still sit well below both caps — from £1,602/yr — and locking one in shields you from the rise. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs across the UK. Use the form to request a comparison and we'll highlight suitable options based on your postcode, meter type and preferences.
Tip: The cap is a unit-rate cap, not a total-bill cap — your actual bill depends on how much you use. Check your fixed deal's end date on your latest bill or online account so you can lock in a new rate before you roll onto the SVT.
What we'll ask for (and why)
- Postcode – prices vary by region and network area
- Contact details – so we can send your tailored comparison
- Your name – to keep your enquiry accurate
Request your home energy comparison
Complete the form and we'll help you compare tariffs available for your home before the July cap rise.
Already on a variable tariff? You're directly exposed to the +13% July rise. Comparing a fixed deal now could save hundreds versus staying on the SVT.
Cheapest UK fixed energy tariffs — July 2026
All of the deals below undercut the £1,862 July price cap for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit household. Figures are typical annual costs and move with the market — availability can be withdrawn quickly, so the headline rate you see today may not last.
Why these beat doing nothing: roll onto the SVT and you'll be capped at £1,862/yr from 1 July — that's around £200–£260 more than the cheapest fixes above. Octopus 12M Fixed (£1,632) carries no exit fee, so you stay free to move if better deals appear. E.ON Next and EDF charge £25 per fuel (£50 dual fuel) if you leave early.
The July 2026 price cap: what's changing
Ofgem confirmed the new cap on 27 May 2026. For July–September 2026 it rose to £1,862/yr for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit home — a +13% increase on the current £1,649 cap, driven mainly by higher wholesale gas prices linked to Middle East conflict.
Figures are GB direct-debit averages; regional and payment-method variations apply. A fixed tariff taken out now protects you from this increase for the length of the fix.
What happens when a fixed energy deal ends in the UK?
For most UK homes, when your fixed tariff reaches its end date you'll typically be moved to your supplier's standard variable tariff (SVT), which tracks the Ofgem cap. Your supply continues as normal — the main change is the unit rate and standing charge you pay, and from 1 July that SVT is +13% higher.
You won't be cut off
Your gas and electricity keep running. Ending a fixed tariff is a pricing change, not a supply interruption.
Costs are rising from July
Roll onto the SVT and you'll pay the £1,862 July cap rates. A fixed deal from £1,602 locks your rates and shields you from the increase.
Key terms to know (quick glossary)
- Fixed tariff: unit rates (and sometimes standing charges) are fixed for a set period.
- SVT (standard variable tariff): price can change with the cap; the default when your fix ends.
- Standing charge: a daily charge for being connected to the network.
- Unit rate: the price per kWh of gas or electricity you use.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
With the cap rising on 1 July, the goal is simple: lock in a tariff that fits your household before today's best fixes are withdrawn. EnergyPlus is built around that decision.
Whole-of-market approach
We look across the market so you can compare available home energy tariffs without relying on a single supplier's offers.
Clear, UK-specific guidance
Understand SVT vs fixed, exit fees, the July cap and what can affect prices in your region.
Designed to reduce hassle
Provide your details once, get a tailored comparison, and lock in before the rise with confidence.
Good to know: Switching is free and usually completes in around 5 working days — and you can switch even without a smart meter. Tariff availability can depend on payment method, meter type (including smart and prepayment), and whether you want dual fuel or electricity only.
How switching works when your fixed tariff is ending
Switching energy supplier in the UK is usually straightforward and free, typically taking around 5 working days. Your gas and electricity supply stays on; what changes is the company billing you and the tariff you're on.
- Check your end date and any exit fee window. Some fixed deals have exit fees if you leave early. Many suppliers waive the fee near the end of the contract — check your terms.
- Compare available tariffs for your home. The cheapest July 2026 fixes start at £1,602/yr and all beat the £1,862 July cap. Prices differ by region, meter type, and dual fuel vs electricity only.
- Choose the right structure. A fixed tariff locks your rate and protects you from the July rise; a zero-exit-fee fix like Octopus also keeps you flexible.
- Start the switch. You'll be asked for basic details. Your new supplier handles most of the process — no smart meter required.
- Take meter readings. Provide readings (or smart meter data) around the switch date to help ensure accurate final and opening bills.
What can affect which tariffs you see?
- Your postcode (regional network charges)
- Your meter type (credit, smart, prepayment)
- Payment method (e.g., Direct Debit)
- Whether you need economy/complex tariffs (where applicable)
- Any debt on your current account
- Green tariff preferences
Best time to act if your fixed deal ends soon
With the cap rising +13% on 1 July 2026, acting sooner protects more of your budget. Timing also matters because you may want to avoid early exit fees while limiting time on a higher SVT. The right moment depends on your contract terms and the deals available when you compare.
Reminder: If you're unsure about exit fees, check your welcome email, tariff terms, or your online account. If you tell us your end date, we can factor it into your options.
Common mistakes when a fixed energy tariff ends
Waiting until after 1 July
The cap rises +13% on 1 July. Today's best fixes can be withdrawn at short notice, so comparing now locks in a better rate.
Ignoring standing charges
Low unit rates can be offset by higher standing charges. Always look at both when you compare.
Assuming one tariff suits everyone
Household usage patterns differ. A tariff that works for a low-usage flat may not suit a larger home.
Forgetting meter readings
Accurate readings reduce billing issues at the switch point — especially if you don't have a smart meter.
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FAQs: fixed energy tariff deals ending soon (UK)
Will my bills go up when my fixed deal ends?
Very likely from July. If you roll onto the SVT you'll pay the £1,862 July cap rates — +13% on the current £1,649 cap. Locking in a fix from £1,602 protects you from the rise.
Do I have to stay with my current supplier?
No. You can choose a new tariff with your existing supplier or switch to another. Your energy supply stays on during a switch, which is free and takes ~5 working days.
Can I switch before my fixed tariff ends?
Often yes, but there may be an exit fee if you leave early. Check your tariff terms. Some suppliers waive exit fees near the end of a fixed deal, depending on the contract.
Is a fixed tariff always better than a variable tariff?
Right now, with the cap rising +13% in July, a fix from £1,602 beats the £1,862 SVT cap. Fixed deals offer predictability; a zero-exit-fee fix like Octopus (£1,632) also keeps you flexible.
Does my postcode affect energy prices?
Yes. Network costs vary by region, which can affect standing charges and unit rates. That's why a tailored comparison uses your postcode.
Do I need a smart meter to switch?
No. You can switch supplier even without a smart meter — you'll just submit your own meter readings around the switch date. The cap is a unit-rate cap, not a total-bill cap.
Need a quick comparison? Use the form above and we'll help you review current home energy options before the July cap rise.
Lock in before the 1 July price cap rise
The cap jumps +13% to £1,862/yr on 1 July. Compare current UK home tariffs and lock in a fix from £1,602 before the best deals are withdrawn.
- Review fixed and variable options side by side
- Postcode-based comparison
- Simple form — no scripts, no hassle
Prefer to read first? Jump to the cheapest fixes.
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Trusted support for UK households
When your fixed tariff ends, clarity matters. Here's what customers typically value when comparing with EnergyPlus.
“I didn't realise I'd move to a variable tariff automatically. The comparison made the next steps clear.”
Homeowner, England
“Useful breakdown of unit rates and standing charges — helped me compare properly.”
Tenant, Scotland
“Quick to fill in, and I got options that actually matched my meter type.”
Customer, Wales
Whole-of-market comparison: Our aim is to help you understand what's available for your home and make a confident choice before your fixed deal ends and the July cap takes effect.