In deregulated markets you can shop for your electricity supply — but the plans are designed to be hard to compare. Here's how to cut through it.
Fixed vs variable rates
Fixed locks your rate for the contract term — predictable, protected from spikes. Variable can start low then rise, sometimes sharply. A low teaser variable rate is the most common trap.
Read past the headline rate
Check the contract length, early-termination fees, monthly service charges, and whether the advertised rate applies at your usage level (some require a minimum usage to hit the quoted price).
Match the plan to your usage
Pull your bill and know your typical monthly kWh. A plan that's cheap at high usage can be expensive at low usage, and vice versa. Time-of-use plans reward shifting heavy use off-peak.
Watch the renewal
Many cheap intro plans roll to a pricey default rate at the end. Set a reminder to re-shop before the term expires — that's where providers make their margin.
Then cut usage too
The best plan plus lower usage is the real win. Combine shopping with reducing your bill.
FAQ
Is a fixed or variable energy plan better?
Fixed gives predictable, spike-protected pricing and is safer for most people. Variable can start low but rise — the low teaser rate is a common trap.
What should I check when comparing electricity plans?
The rate, contract length, early-termination and monthly fees, whether the rate needs a minimum usage, and the renewal/default rate when the term ends.