Energy tariffs ending: it's time to switch


Updated on 28 August 2014 | 0 Comments

A number of fixed energy tariffs are coming to an end.

Keeping up with your energy tariff can be a boring task. But when the deal you’re on is about to wrap up, it’s important that you’re in the know.

After the deadline passes, your provider may shift you on to its standard tariff which will likely be much more expensive than what you’re paying now. For example, after the Marks & Spender Fix and Save tariff finishes on 31st August, customers face a jump of £200 a year.

Here’s a rundown of some of the plans that are up in the next couple of months:

  • Marks and Spencer Fix and Save September 2014
  • npower Online Price Fix August 2014
  • EDF Blue and EDF Price Promise
  • British Gas Fixed Price October 2014
  • Scottish Power Online Fixed Price Energy September 2014
  • Scottish Power Online Fixed Price Energy October 2014
  • First Utility iSave Fixed v7- 30th September 2014
  • SWALEC Discount Bonus Oct 14
  • British Gas Fixed Price October 2014
  • npower Energy Online October 2014
  • npower Online Price Fix October 2014
  • Sainsbury's Energy Fixed Price October 2014
  • Sainsbury's Energy Online October 2014
  • Scottish Power Fixed Price Energy November 2014 NSC
  • Scottish Power Platinum Fixed Energy Nov 2014 NSC
  • Scottish Power Unifi Fixed Energy November 2014

You don’t have to switch, but in the majority of cases it’s a good idea.

Suppliers must send you a notice letter about your tariff’s upcoming end date 42-49 days before the end of your plan. This will give you time to make a decision about what supplier you want to go with next.

It will explain your options and include some of the best plans that they have to offer.

Make sure you do an energy comparison ASAP to find the best deal on the market for you. You can do that right here with the lovemoney.com energy comparison centre.

Switching can take four to six weeks so it’s best to make your mind up soon after you receive your letter.

The great thing about this letter is that it's a get out of jail free card, or rather a switch without exit fee card, leaving you free to switch without extra payment.

Compare gas and electricity tariffs with lovemoney.com

The best energy tariffs

To help you out, we’ve gathered some of the cheapest energy tariffs available right now. All are fixed rate and payable by monthly direct debit:   

Provider

Tariff

Standard cost per year*

Extra Energy ValuePlus FixedPrice September 2015 £967.91
First Utility iSave Fixed v27 September 2015 £970.54
Flow Energy Thames Fixed Online September 2015 £1,002.48
OVO Energy Better Energy Fixed (Online) £1,003.56
Green Star Energy Rate Saver 12 Month Fixed 1408 Paperless £1,013.87

Source: lovemoney.com energy comparison centre

*Based on average consumption, which according to Ofgem is defined as 3,200 kWh of electricity and 13,500 kWh of gas per year

Remember that the tariff should meet your own needs. Think about factors like whether you use more gas or electricity, where you live and how many people are in your household.

If you need a bit more guidance, why not compare even more gas and electricity tariffs with lovemoney.com?

More on energy:

Compulsory water meters- will you pay more?

EDF Energy fined £3 million following complaints probe

Could an energy auction help you save £200?

Electricity bills to fall by average of £12

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