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Variable Rate Reference · Updated Regularly

Out of Contract Rates

Current Supplier Rates & What You Could Save

See what your supplier charges if your fixed contract has expired — or what they'll charge if you don't agree a new deal. Find your supplier below to check current rates, calculate costs, and see how much you could save.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about out-of-contract rates and how to secure a better deal

Out-of-contract rates (also called "deemed" or "rollover" rates) are the prices your supplier charges when your fixed contract expires and you haven't agreed a new deal. These variable rates are typically significantly higher than negotiated fixed contracts — often 30-50% more expensive. Suppliers aren't required to give you the best rate automatically, so without action you'll pay more than necessary until you agree a new contract.

Check your latest energy bill — it should show your tariff name and contract end date. If your contract has expired or you see terms like "deemed", "variable", "out of contract" or "rollover", you're likely on OOC rates. You can also call your supplier directly to confirm your contract status. Another telltale sign is if your rates have increased noticeably without you agreeing to anything new.

OOC rates aren't based on competitive pricing — they're set by suppliers as default rates for customers who haven't actively negotiated. These rates include higher wholesale markups and don't reflect the discounts suppliers offer to win new business. Essentially, suppliers know that businesses on OOC rates often aren't actively shopping around, so there's no competitive pressure to offer good prices. The moment you request quotes, you'll see what competitive rates actually look like.

Yes — and it's usually straightforward. Unlike fixed contracts, there are typically no exit fees when you're on out-of-contract rates, so you're free to switch to any supplier offering better terms. Under Faster More Reliable Switching (FMRS) rules, switches can complete in as little as 2-5 working days. However, you'll need to clear any outstanding debt with your current supplier before the switch can go through, so it's worth checking your account balance first.

Any outstanding balance with your current supplier will need to be cleared before you can switch. This includes unpaid invoices, estimated bill adjustments, or any disputed amounts that have been resolved in the supplier's favour. If you're unsure about your account status, contact your supplier to get a clear picture of what's owed. Once the debt is settled, you can proceed with the switch — which typically takes 2-5 working days under FMRS rules.

The key is planning ahead. Set a reminder 3-4 months before your contract expires to start exploring your options. This gives you time to compare quotes from multiple suppliers and negotiate without pressure. Alternatively, send us your details or request a quote — we'll keep your contract end date on file and get in touch beforehand, highlighting any good moments in the market based on our daily tracking. That way you don't need to remember; we'll do the legwork and reach out when it's time to act.

Look beyond the headline unit rate. Check standing charges (daily fixed costs), contract length, and whether additional charges like TNUoS, DUoS and CCL are included or passed through separately. Make sure you're comparing like-for-like — same contract length, same usage estimates. Watch out for introductory rates that increase after year one. Ask about exit clauses and what happens at the end of the contract. A good energy broker will present this information clearly and help you understand the true cost of each option.

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