Is Now a Good Time to Switch Suppliers? Autumn 2025 Energy Market Moves

With UtilityFix, you can easily compare business energy suppliers to find the most competitive rates before winter. As households head into autumn 2025, the question on many people’s minds is whether switching energy suppliers will actually make a difference to their bills. With another small rise in Ofgem’s price cap set for October and standing charges remaining stubbornly high, the energy market is once again shifting. So, is now the right moment to shop around — or should you stick with your current deal?

Compare Now

Get a comparison and start saving today

Compare Now

The Current Energy Landscape

In October, Ofgem will lift the energy price cap by around 2%. While that may sound modest, it comes after months of already elevated bills. The average dual-fuel household on a standard variable tariff (SVT) is expected to pay around £1,750 a year from October — a figure still far higher than pre-2021 levels.
On top of this, standing charges (the daily fixed cost you pay regardless of how much energy you use) continue to climb. For many households, especially low-usage ones, this is now a major chunk of the bill to get business gas tariffs.

Why Switching Could Help

Although the price cap sets the maximum that suppliers can charge on SVTs, it doesn’t apply to fixed-rate tariffs or special deals. This means some suppliers are offering competitive fixed deals that undercut the cap, especially if they want to win new customers.

Switching could benefit you if:

You’re on a standard variable tariff.These are directly tied to the cap, so moving to a cheaper fixed deal could save money.
You want stability over winter.Fixing your tariff gives certainty on what you’ll pay, protecting you if prices rise again in 2026.
You’re with a smaller supplier.Some challenger firms are offering slightly cheaper rates to tempt households to move.

When Holding Off Might Make Sense

That said, switching isn’t always the smartest move. If you’re already on a relatively competitive fixed deal, the savings may be minimal compared to the hassle of changing. Likewise, if wholesale energy prices drop further, new fixed tariffs could appear in the coming months that offer better long-term value. Get your free business energy quote.

For those on prepayment meters, the options are also more limited. While the gap between prepay and direct debit tariffs has narrowed, switching opportunities are still tighter than for standard credit customers.

Standing Charges: The Hidden Cost

One of the biggest frustrations for UK households is that switching doesn’t always reduce standing charges. These are set by suppliers and regulated by Ofgem, and while some fixed deals come with slightly lower rates, most still hover above 50p a day for electricity and 30p a day for gas. What is a Half-Hourly Meter and Does My Business Need One?

This means even if you switch to save on unit rates (the price per kWh), your overall savings may be smaller than expected once daily charges are factored in.

Tools to Make It Easier

Comparison websites and supplier tools can help you work out if a switch is worthwhile. By entering your annual usage in kWh (from a recent bill), you can compare like-for-like costs across tariffs. Many sites also show whether a deal is fixed or variable, and highlight exit fees if you decide to leave early.

Bottom Line: Should You Switch This Autumn?

For most households on SVTs, now is likely a good time to at least check the market. Even modest savings could add up over the cold months ahead, and fixing might provide peace of mind as bills creep higher. 10 Ways to Save Electricity at Work

But the best move depends on your usage, your appetite for risk, and whether you value stability over flexibility.

Final Thought

Autumn 2025 isn’t bringing the sharp energy shocks of recent years, but bills remain high by historic standards. If you’re on a default tariff, now could be the moment to explore switching. Even if you don’t change right away, knowing your options will leave you better prepared as winter sets in. DNOs: Who is My Distribution Network Operator?

Start saving today — get your free business energy quote in less than 30 seconds.