Fiksusti guides
A spot-price contract may suit you if you are comfortable with changing rates and can shift some electricity use. A fixed-rate contract can make the energy unit price more predictable. Neither is always cheaper: your usage, contract prices, monthly fees and tolerance for price risk all matter.
| What to compare | Spot-price contract | Fixed-rate contract |
|---|---|---|
| How the energy rate is set | The market price changes under the contract’s pricing formula; the supplier margin is added. | The contract sets an energy unit rate that stays in place according to its terms for an agreed period. |
| Price changes | Rates can vary significantly with the time of use and market conditions. | The unit rate is more predictable, but the total bill still depends on how much electricity you use. |
| Using cheaper hours | Shifting usage may reduce the energy cost when electricity is cheaper. | Changes in hourly market prices do not change the agreed energy unit rate. |
| Price risk | You are exposed to market-price changes during the hours when you use electricity. | The agreed energy rate limits exposure to market rises under the contract terms; the offered rate may be above the market price. |
| Timing your usage | Timing matters depending on your usage, hourly prices and contract terms. | Timing usually does not change the agreed energy unit rate. |
| Monthly fee | A standing charge is added to the market-price energy cost and margin. | A standing charge is added to the agreed energy rate. |
| Who might prefer it? | Someone comfortable with variable prices who wants a contract linked to the market. | Someone who values predictability and wants to know the energy unit rate in advance. |
There is no universal answer in advance. The realised cost of a spot contract depends on market prices and when you use electricity. A fixed-rate contract has an agreed energy price. Compare the energy rate, margin, standing charge, your usage and the contract terms—not just one advertised or momentary kWh price.
With low consumption, the monthly standing charge can make up a larger share of the total. With higher consumption, the energy rate has more impact. Electric heating or an EV can increase usage and may offer some flexibility, but neither automatically makes one contract type cheaper.
With spot pricing, timing can affect the energy cost if you can move usage without too much inconvenience. Under a fixed-rate contract, hourly market prices generally do not change the agreed energy unit rate. Always check the product’s pricing terms.
A spot contract’s margin is added per kWh on top of the market price. A standing charge is billed each month regardless of usage. Fixed-rate contracts can also have a standing charge, so compare the full tariff using your own consumption.
Yes. Market prices can fluctuate and rise. The impact depends on how much electricity you use during those periods. Treat forecasts and historical averages as context, not a promise of future prices.
A fixed energy unit rate makes that part of the price more predictable under the contract terms, but it does not guarantee the same bill every month. Your consumption still affects the energy total, and other charges may apply. Check the contract period and switching terms.
For a small apartment, the standing charge may be relatively significant. With electric heating, total usage and winter consumption matter more. EV charging can sometimes be shifted if it fits your routine. None of these situations guarantees that a particular contract type will cost less.
Start by deciding how much predictability you want and how much price variation you can accept. Check your annual usage, compare the energy rate, margin and standing charge, and read the contract duration and terms. You can then compare spot contracts and all available contract types for your postcode and consumption.
This comparison is about electricity supply contracts. Electricity distribution and network charges are separate; your local network operator is not switched in the same way as an electricity supplier.
Use your postcode and annual consumption in Fiksusti’s existing comparison. Results use the available contract data and estimated annual cost; spot estimates are not a forecast or price guarantee.