Octopus Fixed vs Variable tariffs
Fixed and variable describe whether your published unit rate and standing charge are meant to stay put for a while or can move when the supplier updates prices. Neither word means "cheap" by itself — you still compare the actual p/kWh and p/day against your usage.
Fixed tariffs
A fix usually locks in (or caps) the numbers on your tariff page for an agreed period. That makes monthly budgeting simpler. Downside: if market prices fall sharply, you might pay more than people on a variable deal until the fix ends. Some fixes charge an exit fee if you leave early — check the small print on octopus.energy.
Variable tariffs
On a variable product, Octopus can change the published rates when they reprice (for example after market or regulatory shifts). You might gain when prices drop and pay more when they rise. Read the product page for notice periods and how they tell customers about changes.
How to compare fairly
- Compare unit rate + standing charge + your usage — not headlines alone.
- Check whether a product is time-of-use (e.g. half-hourly); simple monthly kWh models are approximate for those.
- Use your postcode because UK electricity tariffs are regional.
Try the calculator
Add your postcode and monthly kWh — we'll line up whatever domestic tariffs we can price from today's published Octopus data so you see pounds-and-pence totals side by side.
Next steps
Happy with the direction of travel? Finish on Octopus's site — only they can confirm you're eligible and show today's offer.