In 2008, millions of you fixed your energy prices in anticipation of huge price rises. Whether your price plan is due to end soon, or you're just not sure that you're still getting the best deal; find out what action you can take.
How do I find out when my fixed plan ends?
It's important to know when your fixed price plan ends so that you can be prepared to avoid a sudden increase to your gas and electricity bills. But be careful - avoid incurring penalty fees by switching out of your contract too early. A switch usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks to process, so you should be safe if you switch within the last 6 weeks of your fixed contract - however if you're unsure, please contact your supplier for further details.
See our table below for a list of fixed plans and their end dates, as well as any penalty fees that may apply if you leave early.
| Fixed price plan name | Plan end date | Penalty Fee |
| npower one | 31/07/2009 | No |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy 2009 | 31/08/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy 2009 NSC | 31/08/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy 2009 Online | 31/08/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy 2009 Online NSC | 31/08/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy October 2009 | 30/09/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy October 2009 NSC | 30/09/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy October 2009 Online | 30/09/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| ScottishPower Fixed Price Energy October 2009 Online NSC | 30/09/2009 | £30 electricity and £20 gas |
| E.ON Energy Saver v1 - v4 | 01/10/2009 | £35 for dual fuel customers |
| E.ON Price Protection 2009 v14 - v17 | 01/10/2009 | £35 for dual fuel customers |
| British Gas Guarantee December 2009 | 31/12/2009 | £20 electricity and £55 gas |
What should I do when my fixed price plan ends?
When your fixed plan is about to end, the first thing to do is find out which plan your supplier will be moving you to. This will most often be your supplier's 'Standard' plan, although some suppliers may offer you the chance to fix your prices again.
Standard energy plans are among the most expensive in the market and there are usually cheaper plans available. If you're offered the chance to fix your prices again, you may wish to take it if you are willing to pay above-averages prices for security against potential price rises.
Once your supplier has given you the details of the plan you'll be moved to:
Check the date your fixed term ends and take action to avoid higher bills
uSwitch.com
What if I fixed my prices after August 2008?
For those of you who capped your prices after August 2008, you may find that your fixed price plan is no longer competitive when compared with the cheapest plans currently available.
If your fixed plan still has a long time left on the contract, it may be worth running a comparison and seeing if you could save money anyway - even after the exit penalty has been applied. But remember, you will lose the security of having a fixed price plan, so make sure you weigh up the options before switching.
What type of plan should I switch to?
If you're considering switching your gas and electricity, the cheapest plans available right now are 'online plans' available from various suppliers. Advantages of these plans include:
- Cheaper rates offered due to lower administration costs for the suppliers
- Extra discounts offered
- Account can be easily managed online, while some plans offer paper billing if you prefer
- Meter readings can often be submitted online for more accurate billing
If you are apprehensive about managing your account online - some suppliers offer you the option of signing up for the plan online and receiving paper bills as normal.
Compare gas and electricity plans online today and find out which plan is cheapest for you.