Latest fixed energy deals to come to an end

Commenting on the latest fixed energy deals to come to an end, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "British bill payers need to be on their guard as four fixed tariffs from the ‘Big Six' energy providers come to an end soon. EDF's Price Freeze 2009 and Scottish Power's Fixed Price Energy Oct 2009 will expire on September 30, and E.ON's Price Protection v16 and v17 will finish on the first of October.

"By choosing a fixed energy tariff 12 months ago, customers saved themselves an average of £214 a year against a back drop of sharply rising prices. However, it is important people realise that once these fixed deals come to an end, their provider will automatically transfer them onto an alternative deal which may replicate standard deal prices. This is good news for those on EDF's Price Freeze 2009 as they may see their bills decrease by £21 a year, however for those on Scottish Power's Fixed Price Energy Oct 2009 and E.ON's Price Protection v16 and v17, customers could see their bills jump by £56 a year on average.

"With five more fixed deals set to end before the year is out, my advice to customers who have fixed deals expiring soon is to look to swap at least four weeks before the termination date of the deal to avoid automatically moving to what could be a more expensive tariff. These customers should now be scouring the market for the next best alternative to avoid paying over the odds.

"Bill payers need to be aware that any increases they face when their current deal ends work against any savings made when they fixed last year. Timing is crucial when proactively looking for a new energy product, move off your fixed rate too early and you could face termination fees of up to £75. Move too late and you might find yourself automatically switched to the standard deal or locked into a less attractive fixed deal which isn't the best as we move into the colder winter months when energy consumption tends to be higher.

"For those coming out of fixed energy plans, now is the time to make yet more savings on your next energy deal - shop around for the best tariff in your area that suits your circumstances."