What Happens When Your Energy Deal Ends?
When your fixed energy deal ends your supplier doesn’t just leave things as they are. Here’s exactly what happens — and why it could be costing you hundreds of pounds a year.
In this guide
What happens when your energy deal ends?
When your fixed energy tariff reaches its end date your supplier automatically moves you onto their Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) — unless you have already switched to a new deal.
This happens automatically with no action required from you. Many households don’t even realise it has happened until they notice their bills have increased.
⚠️ Watch out
Your supplier is not legally required to actively warn you that your deal is ending and that you’ll be moved to a more expensive tariff. They must notify you, but the notification can be easy to miss — buried in an email or a letter you might not read carefully.
What is a standard variable tariff?
A standard variable tariff (SVT) is the default tariff that energy suppliers put customers on when their fixed deal ends. It is a variable rate — meaning the price can go up or down — and it is almost always more expensive than the best available fixed deals on the market.
The SVT is capped by Ofgem’s energy price cap, so you won’t pay more than the cap — but the cap itself is set at a level that is typically higher than the cheapest available fixed tariffs.
In plain English: The SVT is your supplier’s most expensive everyday tariff. It exists because suppliers know that many customers won’t bother to switch — so they can charge more. It’s the energy equivalent of a mobile phone contract that automatically rolls over at a higher price when your deal ends.
How much more will you pay on an SVT?
The difference between a good fixed tariff and the SVT varies depending on the market but can be significant. The average household that stays on their supplier’s SVT rather than switching to the best available deal overpays by up to £300 a year.
Over several years without switching this adds up to a substantial amount — many households have been overpaying for years without realising it.
Will your supplier notify you when your deal ends?
Yes — energy suppliers are required by Ofgem to notify you between 42 and 49 days before your fixed deal ends. This notification must include:
📧 The date your current deal ends
💰 The tariff you will be moved to and what it will cost
🔄 Information about other deals available from your supplier
ℹ️ A reminder that you can switch to another supplier
However the notification is often sent by email or letter and can be easy to miss or overlook. Don’t rely on your supplier to remind you — set your own reminder for 49 days before your deal ends.
When should you act?
The best time to start comparing new deals is around 49 days before your current deal ends. This is important for two reasons:
✓ No exit fees — most fixed tariffs allow you to switch without paying exit fees in the final 49 days of your contract
✓ Seamless transition — if you switch within this window your new tariff can start immediately when your old one ends, meaning you never roll onto the expensive SVT
Action: Find your current tariff end date — it’s on your bill or in your online account — and set a calendar reminder for 49 days before that date.
Your options when your deal ends
When your fixed deal is coming to an end you have three options:
Option 1 — Switch to a new supplier ⭐ Recommended
Compare deals across the whole market and switch to the cheapest available tariff. This typically gives you the biggest saving and takes about 10 minutes.
Option 2 — Take a new deal with your current supplier
Your supplier will offer you new tariffs when your deal ends. These may or may not be competitive — always compare them against the wider market before accepting.
Option 3 — Stay on the SVT
Do nothing and roll onto the standard variable tariff. No exit fees and flexibility to switch at any time — but almost certainly the most expensive option.
⚠️ Not recommended for most households.
Is your energy deal ending soon?
Compare deals now and lock in a better rate before you roll onto the SVT.
Compare energy deals →What if your deal has already ended?
If your fixed deal has already ended and you’re currently on an SVT — don’t panic. You can switch at any time with no exit fees. The sooner you switch the sooner you start saving.
To check whether you’re on an SVT look at your latest bill or log into your supplier’s online account. If your tariff name contains the words “Standard”, “Variable” or “Default” you’re almost certainly on the SVT.
Related guides
How to switch energy supplier UK 2026 → Fixed vs variable energy tariffs explained → What is the energy price cap UK 2026? →Don’t wait until your deal ends
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Compare energy deals →Written by the FastSwitch team · Last updated April 2026
FastSwitch is a free UK energy comparison service. We may earn a commission when you switch via our site — this never affects the deals or prices you see.
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