Almost 418,000 UK households are bracing for a shock as their energy bills set to rocket this month and next. That’s because dozens of fixed-rate deals are expiring, pushing customers onto costly standard tariffs, reveals fresh analysis from Uswitch.com.
Last April and May, nearly 472,000 Brits locked in 12-month fixed energy deals. With 79 of those deals ending by the end of May, thousands face being shifted onto standard variable tariffs tied to the Energy Price Cap — now at its highest point since 2022.
Standard Tariffs Ready to Skyrocket Again
From April 1, 2025, the energy price cap climbed by 6.4%. This is the third hike in a row and hits around 29 million homes who remain on default tariffs. The hike slams wallet-conscious Brits with even bigger bills.
MoneySavingExpert boss Martin Lewis slammed the cap on social media, urging action:
“THE PRICE CAP IS A PANTS CAP – GET OFF IT IF YOU CAN. FIX NOW IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY.”
Households losing their fixed deals could save an average of £259 a year by switching to better tariffs pronto. If everyone acted, the nation could pocket a whopping £108 million in savings.
Beat the Price Cap – Here’s How
Your best fixed deal depends on where you live and how much energy you use. So, comparison sites are absolutely crucial. Uswitch.com advises finding sites that cover all providers, not just those who pay to advertise.
Elise Melville, energy guru at Uswitch, warns:
“If your fixed deal kicked off last spring, it’s time to check now – many are ending soon. Switching early could save you a bundle. You can switch up to 49 days before your tariff expires without racking up exit fees.”
Why Act Now?
- Standard tariffs are some of the priciest on the market.
- Suppliers are heavily discounting fixed deals to lure new customers.
- Once wholesale energy costs rise again, these bargains will disappear fast.
Uswitch urges all, especially those who locked deals in spring 2024, to move fast. Melville adds, “It’s rare to see such competitive prices. The chance to snap them up won’t last long.”
The Energy Price Cap Unpacked
Since 2019, Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap caps the unit cost of gas and electricity but not your total bill, which depends on usage.
- Applies mainly to standard variable tariffs.
- Reviewed and adjusted every quarter based on wholesale prices.
- Designed to stop suppliers overcharging customers.
While it protects against runaway costs, it doesn’t guarantee the cheapest deals. Fixed-rate tariffs often come in cheaper when prices are stable.
What You Should Do Next
- Check your current tariff and when it ends.
- Use a full-market comparison tool that shows all available deals.
- Switch up to 49 days early to dodge exit fees and lock in savings.
- Review your tax code to ensure you’re not overpaying as wages and bills change.
Helpful Links
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