Fixed Energy Tariff Ending: What Happens Next and What to Do in the Last 49 Days

When a fixed energy tariff ends, your supply does not stop. If you do nothing, your supplier moves you onto its standard variable tariff, whose prices are limited by Ofgem's price cap and can change every three months. In the last 49 days of a fixed tariff you can switch tariff or supplier without paying an exit fee, and your supplier must write to you before that window opens.

The letter from your supplier

Between 42 and 49 days before a fixed tariff ends, your supplier must tell you the end date, what you will pay if you do nothing, and the other tariffs it can offer you. Read the price you will move to if you do nothing: that is the comparison that matters.

Your three options

• Do nothing. You move to the standard variable tariff. There are no exit fees on it, so you can leave at any time.
• Fix again with your supplier. It may offer a new fixed tariff. Compare it with what else is available before accepting.
• Switch supplier. Your new supplier arranges the switch, usually within five working days, and your supply does not stop.

Fixed or variable next?

A new fixed tariff sets your unit rates and standing charges for its term, which protects you if prices rise and costs you if they fall. The standard variable tariff follows the price cap every three months and can be left at any time. Which suits you depends on how much certainty you want, and on how the fixed price compares with the capped one on the day.

What to compare

• The unit rate for each fuel, in pence per kWh.
• The standing charge for each fuel, in pence per day.
• The exit fee on any new fixed tariff, and its length.
• Your own annual use, in kWh, from your latest bill. The same tariff costs different households very different amounts.

How Wisemium helps

Upload your energy bill to Wisemium and it reads the supplier, tariff, price and fixed term end date for you to confirm, then keeps them on record. The end date is shown as needing attention as it comes up, and when there is something worth acting on Wisemium takes you through its energy partner journey. It does not list energy tariffs itself.