Avoid £50-£150 penalties and switch freely. Expert guide to flexible tariffs for renters, homeowners, and smart switchers who value freedom over lock-in contracts.
Contact UsExit fees range £25–£75 per fuel (electricity and gas charged separately). Dual fuel customers can face £100–£150 total penalties for early switching.
Higher fees on long fixed tariffs (12–24 months). Designed to discourage switching before contract end and trap households on uncompetitive deals.
Suppliers use exit fees to reduce customer churn. The fees often wipe out savings from switching, making early moves financially unattractive.
With volatile pricing and frequent new tariffs, exit fees prevent households from capturing better rates as they appear throughout the year.
Common on these tariff types:
✅ Long fixed tariffs (12–24 months)
✅ "Price-protected" deals
✅ Older legacy contracts
✅ Some business energy contracts
CAN TRAP YOU ON BAD DEALS
Often available on:
✅ Variable tariffs
✅ Flexible fixed deals
✅ Short-term fixes
✅ Some green & tracker tariffs
MAXIMUM SWITCHING FREEDOM
A tariff with slightly higher unit rates but no exit fees can be cheaper overall if you switch again within the year. Flexibility has real financial value in volatile markets - avoiding £50-£150 penalties enables multiple savings opportunities annually. Compare total costs including exit fee risks.
Example: Switching twice in a year with exit fees could cost £300 in penalties. No-exit-fee tariffs enable multiple switches, capturing cumulative savings as better rates appear.
Exit fees must be clearly disclosed in contract terms. Suppliers cannot hide fees in fine print or add them mid-contract without consent.
No exit fees allowed in the final 49 days of fixed contracts. This ensures you can always switch penalty-free near contract end.
Suppliers cannot add new exit fees during your contract term. The fees agreed at sign-up are the maximum you can be charged.
Many suppliers waive exit fees if you're moving home, though this isn't automatic. Always check terms before relocating.
Perfect for those who may move within 12 months. Avoid penalties when relocating or changing properties unexpectedly.
Ideal for households that switch 2-3 times annually to capture best rates. Exit fees destroy this savings strategy.
Best if you're unsure about future usage patterns, household changes, or energy needs. Maintain flexibility without penalty.
Essential for those monitoring market drops. Exit-fee-free tariffs allow immediate switching when better rates appear.
A lower unit rate with exit fees often loses to a slightly higher rate with no fees: Tariff A: 25p/kWh + £100 exit fee. Tariff B: 26p/kWh + £0 exit fee. For average usage, Tariff B becomes cheaper if you switch within 8 months. Flexibility has quantifiable financial value in volatile markets.
Ignoring exit fees while chasing the lowest p/kWh. The penalty can erase 6-12 months of unit rate savings if you switch early.
Not checking Terms & Conditions for hidden exit charges. Some suppliers bury fees in complex contractual language.
Choosing fixed tariffs without considering exit fees. Some flexible variable deals offer better overall value with freedom.
Switching outside the 49-day window before contract end. Timing matters - switch late to avoid fees entirely.
Avoid £50–£150 in penalties per switch | Switch 2-3 times annually without penalty | Capture multiple savings opportunities | Save £300+ annually with flexible switching
Compare exit-fee-free energy deals today. Stay flexible, switch when better rates appear, and avoid £50-£150 penalties that punish smart shopping.