Fixed Energy Tariff Ending? Your 49-Day Action Plan to Avoid Standard Rate Costs
Why You Must Act Before Your Fixed Tariff Expires
If your fixed-rate energy tariff is ending soon, you have a crucial window to secure a new deal before being automatically moved onto your supplier's standard variable rate (SVR). This could cost you hundreds of pounds more per year, as SVRs often exceed the current price cap of £1,758 for typical dual-fuel households paying by Direct Debit.[3][8]
What should I do when my fixed energy tariff ends?
Start comparing and switching within the 49-day window before expiry to avoid exit fees and prevent automatic rollover to your supplier's standard variable rate, which could cost hundreds more per year than competitive fixed deals currently offering 12-13% savings below the £1,758 price cap.
The good news? Ofgem regulations give you exactly 49 days before your contract expires to switch without exit fees, and suppliers must complete switches within five working days.[3][7] Here's your step-by-step action plan.
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Compare Energy DealsThe 49-Day Rule: Your Exit Fee-Free Window
Your energy supplier must notify you around 49 days before your fixed tariff ends, offering renewal options for both fixed and variable tariffs.[7][8] This notification triggers your exit fee-free switching window.
Within these 49 days, you can switch to any supplier without paying exit fees that might otherwise cost £75 per fuel.[3] Beyond this window, you'll face exit penalties if you want to leave early, so timing is crucial.
If you take no action, you'll automatically roll onto your supplier's SVR, which could be significantly more expensive than available fixed deals currently offering savings of 12-13% below the price cap.[3]
February 2026 Market Context: Perfect Timing for a Switch
February 2026 presents an interesting opportunity for energy switchers. Many suppliers are cutting unit rates this month, creating short windows for better fixed deals.[5]
The current price cap stands at £1,758 for January-March 2026, but Ofgem will announce the April-June 2026 cap by 25 February. Forecasts predict a significant drop to £1,620, representing an average £150 annual cut thanks to the end of ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding in March 2026 and government support for Renewables Obligation costs.[1][2][3]
Price Cap Forecast
| Period | Price Cap (Dual Fuel, Direct Debit) | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar 2026 | £1,758/year | Wholesale costs -£29, network costs +£0.83 |
| Apr-Jun 2026 (forecast) | £1,620/year | £150 cut via government schemes |
How to Compare Available Tariffs
Don't just accept your supplier's renewal offer. Use a whole-of-market comparison service that factors in your specific postcode, meter type, and energy usage patterns. Different areas have varying network costs, so a postcode-specific comparison is essential for accurate pricing.
Look for fixed tariffs that lock in your unit rates and standing charges for the contract period, providing protection against market volatility. Current competitive options include deals like Ecotricity's EcoFixed and So Energy's So Larch tariff, both offering substantial savings below the price cap, though they typically require Direct Debit payments and may have exit fees of £75 per fuel.[3]
Services like Lodo can handle the comparison and switching process for you, using AI to find the best deals based on your specific requirements and managing all the paperwork automatically.
Understanding Supplier Performance
While price matters, consider customer satisfaction when choosing your new supplier. The latest Which? survey from January 2026 shows significant differences in overall performance:
| Supplier | Overall Score | Customer Satisfaction | Value for Money | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | 74% | 81% | 62% | 72% |
| Co-op Energy | 73% | 69% | 71% | 71% |
| Sainsbury's Energy | 76% | 66% | 71% | 71% |
| Good Energy | 81% | 57% | 69% | 69% |
| Utility Warehouse | 72% | 65% | 69% | 69% |
| Ecotricity Energy | 67% | 65% | 66% | 66% |
The Switching Process: What to Expect
Once you've chosen a new tariff, the switching process is straightforward under Ofgem's Energy Switch Guarantee. Your new supplier handles most of the administrative work, contacting your old supplier to arrange the transfer.
Switches must complete within five working days (six if you sign your contract after 5pm), and you'll receive £40 compensation if there are any delays.[3][7] You also get a cooling-off period after switching, giving you additional protection.
Make sure to notify your current supplier about your switch to prevent any automatic move to their SVR while the transfer is processing.
Timing Your Switch for Maximum Savings
The key to maximising your savings is acting within that crucial 49-day window. However, you can start comparing deals 6-12 months before your contract expires to get the best rates.[9]
Given the predicted price cap drop in April 2026, consider whether a fixed tariff now or waiting might work better for your situation. Fixed tariffs under the cap will ensure you benefit from the £150 pass-through for customers fixed by 1 April.[1]
If you're already within the 49-day window, compare immediately. Even if unit rates are falling, securing a competitive fixed deal now protects you from future price volatility and ensures you avoid the more expensive SVR.
Let Lodo Handle the Switch for You
Lodo is a free AI assistant that compares and switches your mobile, energy, or broadband, without any forms. Just tell it what you need via chat or WhatsApp and it does the rest: finds the best deal, handles the paperwork, and confirms the switch. It takes a few minutes instead of a few hours.
We monitor the market for the newest deals. After switching with us once, we can notify you about a better deal, you confirm with one click and Lodo handles the switching admin.
Try Lodo FreeMy fixed energy tariff is ending what should I do?
Contact your supplier around 49 days before expiry to review renewal options, or compare new fixed tariffs to avoid rolling onto the standard variable rate capped at £1,758 for January-March 2026.[8][3] Switching within the 49-day window incurs no exit fees, and the process takes about five working days under Ofgem rules.[6][2] Act promptly to secure deals like Ecotricity's EcoFixed, 13.1% below the cap.[2]
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?
Energy supplier switches must complete within five working days (six if contracted after 5pm), per Ofgem regulations.[2] The gaining supplier handles the process seamlessly under the Energy Switch Guarantee.[6] Delays trigger £40 compensation payable to you.[2]
What are energy prices direct debit in 2026?
For January-March 2026, the price cap for typical dual-fuel Direct Debit households is £1,758, up 0.2% from prior period, with wholesale costs dropping £29 to £690 but network costs rising slightly.[1][10] Prepayment meter cap is £1,711.[3] Compare tariffs as fixed deals like So Energy's offer 12.8% savings below cap.[2]
Is Ovo a good energy supplier?
Specific 2026 reviews for Ovo are unavailable in current data, but compare Ovo tariffs against market leaders via postcode-specific tools for unit rates and standing charges.[4] Check customer service ratings and exit fees when evaluating alongside suppliers like Ecotricity or So Energy offering sub-cap fixes.[2] Ofgem regulates all for fair switching.[2]
Good Energy reviews?
Good Energy's 2026 performance details are not specified, but assess via whole-of-market comparisons focusing on renewable tariffs, exit fees, and price stability.[4] User reviews highlight reliability; pair with price cap forecasts showing April 2026 drop to £1,620.[2] Switch if better than your current SVT to avoid price jumps.[3]
British Gas vs Octopus Energy?
Compare British Gas and Octopus Energy on 2026 tariffs for unit rates, standing charges, and green credentials using postcode tools.[4] British Gas notes fixed tariffs provide stability over variable rates capped at £1,758 Jan-Mar 2026.[8] Octopus often leads in flexible, low-carbon deals; evaluate exit fees and Direct Debit requirements.[2]
What happens if my fixed energy tariff ends without action?
You'll automatically move to your supplier's standard variable tariff, potentially costing hundreds more under the £1,758 Jan-Mar 2026 cap.[8][3] Avoid auto-renewals by acting 49-60 days prior to secure competitive fixes like those 12-13% below cap.[2][5] Suppliers notify you a month before expiry.[6]
What are the exit fees for fixed energy tariffs?
Typical exit fees are £75 per fuel for deals like Ecotricity EcoFixed or So Energy Larch, waived if switching within 49 days of contract end per Ofgem rules.[2][6] Always check tariff-specific fees before switching.[4] No fees apply post-notice period on expiry.[6]
When is the next energy price cap announcement?
Ofgem announces the April-June 2026 cap by 25 February 2026, with forecasts predicting a drop to £1,620 from £1,758.[1][2] Subsequent dates: 27 May for July-Sep, 26 August for Oct-Dec.[1] Use this to time fixed tariff switches.[2]
Should I renew my energy tariff or switch suppliers?
Renew with your supplier about a month before end for their fixed or variable options, or switch for better rates like 13% cap savings.[6][2] No exit fees within 49 days; compare via postcode for best unit rates.[6][4] Variable tariffs follow market changes under the cap.[8]
What makes February 2026 an ideal time to switch energy suppliers?
February 2026 offers unique switching opportunities with suppliers cutting unit rates and a predicted £150 price cap drop to £1,620 from April. The end of ECO funding in March 2026 and government support for Renewables Obligation costs create significant market savings that benefit customers who secure fixed tariffs before 1 April.
How do I choose between different energy suppliers and tariffs?
Use whole-of-market comparison services that factor in your postcode, meter type, and usage patterns, as network costs vary by area. Consider both price and customer satisfaction - Octopus Energy scores 74% overall with 81% customer satisfaction, while Good Energy achieves 81% overall despite lower value ratings. Look for competitive fixed deals like Ecotricity's EcoFixed and So Energy's So Larch that offer substantial price cap savings.
Sources
- Energy price cap forecasts and ECO scheme ending March 2026
- Ofgem price cap data January-March 2026 and April forecast
- Fixed tariff comparison data and exit fee structures
- Whole-of-market comparison methodology
- February 2026 supplier unit rate changes
- Energy Switch Guarantee and switching timelines
- 49-day exit fee-free switching rules
- Standard variable rate risks and fixed tariff benefits
- Advance switching timeline recommendations
- Price cap wholesale and network cost breakdown