Should I Fix My Energy Tariff?

Stuck on energy tariffs? Should you fix your energy tariff? Choose a tracker or a standard variable one. And if you do fix, for how long?

Trying to figure out the best gas and electricity deals can be a bit of a headache! If you're thinking of renewing or changing your energy tariff, it's worth knowing Ofgem announced the cap rate for the 1 April to 30 June 2026 period to be set at £1,641 a year for, on average, a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit. This is 7% decrease from the January to March cap. But as we head into spring, you may want to look for a new energy deal.

National Meter Read day - when energy companies collect meter readings from some of their customers - falls on the day before the price cap changes the gas and electricity unit rates for those on variable energy tariffs. For example, 31 March 2026 will be the next National Meter Read Day, ready for the price cap change on 1 April 2026.

If you're on a fixed deal, the changes to the price cap won't affect you.

So now's a great time to make sure you're on the best tariff and see if you can save.

What is a fixed energy tariff?

A fixed energy tariff is a type of energy plan that locks in your gas and electricity price for a defined length of time, typically one or two years. Unlike variable energy tariffs, which shift costs when the wholesale energy market changes, fixed-price tariffs give stability and price certainty. Looking to fix before a quarterly price cap change is a good idea if prices are predicted to rise.

But is fixing your energy tariff the right choice for you?

Should I switch to a fixed energy deal?

The decision to switch energy deals depends on how you or your household use energy and money:

If you're on a fixed tariff, although you'll most likely use more energy in winter, you'll only be paying more for the extra electricity you use, rather than paying more for potential wholesale price hikes and the extra consumption use in your home
Some people like fixed-priced tariffs as it helps them budget their monthly household costs
There may be a cost difference, for example, many fixed priced tariffs are actually cheaper than the capped price; so fixing could be your cheaper option
If you're not sure whether now's a good time to fix, check out our price cap predictions

Fixed energy tariffs

With a fixed-price tariff, or plan, you pay a set unit price over the lifetime of your gas and electric contract. It helps you budget better and gives you peace of mind because the unit price doesn't change when energy prices go up, making it cheaper than our standard prices when this happens.

What are the benefits of a fixed energy tariff?

Price certainty: You know exactly how much you’ll pay per unit of electricity and gas - this helps with budgeting
Protection from price rises: If energy prices go up, your fixed-price rate won’t change during your contract period
Peace of mind: No need to worry about your bill suddenly going up due to energy market changes

How to find the best fixed energy deals

If you're an EDF customer, visit MyAccount to see what tariff you're currently on so you can easily compare prices
Compare plans: Explore fixed tariff deals - consider exit fees, contract length, and customer service - for more advice, read our how to compare energy suppliers, and deals guide
Check price cap predictions: Ofgem's energy price cap changes every three months - consider future predictions when deciding whether to fix

What to consider before fixing your energy tariff

Contract length: How long do you want to fix for, one or two years?
Exit Fees: Will you have to pay an exit fee if you leave your contract early?
Renewable options: Some fixed tariffs offer zero carbon alternatives

Can I have a single fuel fixed energy tariff?

Yes, you're in complete control of your energy. For example, you can choose to have your electricity on a fixed-price tariff and your gas on a variable tariff. The important part is finding the right tariff to suit your household's needs.

Does it make a difference if I fix my energy if I rent, own my home, or am a student?

Yes, your housing situation (renting, owning, or being a student) can make a difference - not about the price, but more about the process of buying energy.

Fixing your energy if you rent your home

Are your bills included in your rent? If it's your landlord who is in charge of the energy bill, you won't have the right to switch tariffs as they're the energy customer, not you
Rent and pay your bills separately to your rent? As the energy customer, you've the right to switch tariffs or suppliers. Just make sure to consider the length of your tenancy agreement, as fixing for a long period, for example, an 18-month energy contract for a 12-month tenancy, might result in you paying exit fees, if you need to move out before your contract ends

Fixing your energy if you own your home

As a homeowner, you have control over your energy supply and can choose any tariff from any supplier, switch when you want (subject to exit fees and if you owe the energy company any money), and make long-term decisions about energy contracts.

Fixing your energy if you're a student

Live in halls of residence? Your energy bills are most likely included in the rent, so you'll have no control over who supplies your energy or tariff
Shared student housing: In this instance, it's the same as renting - but make sure you sort out bills as soon as possible with your housemates and get everyone's name on the bill to share legal responsibility
Get a competitive deal: Shopping around for the best deal is a priority, and fixing your tariff may be a good solution, but check how long the tariff lasts for, versus how long you'll be living in the house

How to fix your energy tariff

Research: Compare fixed energy deals
Contact supplier: Get an energy quote
Enjoy stability: Lock in your rates and enjoy peace of mind

What is the energy price cap?

Ofgem (the government energy regulator) introduced the energy price cap to limit the unit rates people pay in the UK for gas and electricity. The energy price cap is reviewed every three months and it's only variable or tracker tariffs which change price in line with the price cap. Prices can go up or down, depending on lots of factors such as supply and demand, global politics and supply chain problems. Fixed-rate tariffs work separately to the cap, and remain the same price for the length of contract.

When are the price cap periods?

Ofgem review their price cap every three months, there are four periods during the year:

1 January - 31 March
1 April - 30 June
1 July - 30 September
1 October - 31 December

Ofgem's April price cap is set at £ 1,641 and lasts from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.

If you're not sure what the current price cap rate is, you can learn more about price cap as well as our future price cap predictions.

Should I fix my energy?

The short answer is: It depends! Prefer more flexibility and are happy to accommodate changing prices? Then a variable or tracker tariff might be right for you. Or, if price security and budgeting for the future is more important, then a fixed tariff could be your best option. If a fixed tariff isn’t the cheapest option at the time, think about whether you’d prefer to pay slightly more to guarantee your energy costs won’t go up. If you're worried, to get a better idea of energy costs, compare our tariffs against Ofgem's price cap.

Check out your options today with EDF!

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