What's a Variable Tariff?

What's a variable energy tariff? A variable energy tariff is where your per-unit gas and electricity costs can vary at the discretion of your supplier. Variable rate deals tend to be more flexible and you can normally get out of a variable rate contract without incurring any fees.

Are variable tariffs better?

Fixed rates are usually cheaper than variable rates. However, variable rates afford energy consumers more freedom, and can rise or fall in proportion to the cost of wholesale energy. There is huge variation between different fixed and variable tariffs depending on which supplier you choose.

Should I get fixed or variable tariff?

If you're on your supplier's standard variable rate tariff (SVR), you should definitely switch – you're paying more for your energy than you need to. Fixed tariffs give you a certain amount of peace of mind – they're less of a gamble and you don't have to worry about price rises. And in many cases they're cheaper too.