Should I fix my energy tariff in 2026?
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In short: Fix if a 12-month deal undercuts the Ofgem price cap at your usage and you want bill certainty; stay on a variable tariff if fixes are above the cap or you may switch again within a year. From July 2026 the cap rises about 13% — compare before the reset.
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The Ofgem price cap limits what suppliers charge on default variable tariffs — it is not a target price. Fixed tariffs compete below or above the cap depending on wholesale markets. When fixes are 10–17% below the cap, locking in for 12 months often saves money for typical households.
Already on a cheap fix? Check exit fees and the 49-day penalty-free switching window before moving. Use an Ofgem-accredited comparison site and our energy tariff comparator with your actual kWh figures.
If you are struggling to pay, contact your supplier for a payment plan before switching — switching does not wipe arrears.
Part of our Bills & utilities
This quick answer sits inside our wider bills & utilities hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
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