11 March 2026
In a market where energy prices and regulatory costs can shift quickly, many organisations are looking for ways to bring a bit more stability to their budgets. For some, that means choosing a fully fixed contract to lock in costs and avoid unexpected changes. For others, a flexible approach offers the chance to take advantage of price movements or shape their purchasing strategy over time.
However, it’s important to recognise that not all fixed‑term contracts work in the same way. Two deals might look similar on paper, but the details – particularly around third‑party charges, non-commodity and regulatory costs – can vary widely between suppliers. That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the proposed fixed contract rates and taking a moment to read the terms and conditions. Understanding what is and isn’t included in the fixed price can help businesses and organisations avoid unwelcome surprises later on and ensure the contract genuinely delivers the level of certainty they’re expecting.
Recently, there has been growing discussion in the industry about how some contract types are presented. In particular, concerns have been raised that some suppliers sell pass‑through contracts, marketed as fully fixed, which can make it harder for customers to understand exactly what they’re being offered. This makes it even more important to take a close look at the fine print so you can be confident you’re getting the level of protection you expect.
In this blog post, we will take a look at fully fixed contracts in more detail, equipping you to better understand what to look for in the fine print and protect your balance sheet from unexpected additions.
What is a fully fixed energy contract?
Every business has its own priorities, pressures and appetite for risk, so there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach to buying energy. But for organisations that put a premium on predictability, a fully fixed contract can offer a straightforward way to introduce more stability into their budgeting.
A fully fixed energy contract is exactly what it sounds like: your unit rate and standing charge (along with the main cost components behind them) stay the same for the entire duration of your agreement. Instead of keeping an eye on price movements or worrying about unexpected changes to certain charges, you work with one consistent rate from month to month.
It’s also worth remembering that energy bills aren’t made up solely of the wholesale cost of gas or electricity. Transportation charges, regulatory levies and other third‑party costs all play a role in the final amount you pay. A genuinely fully fixed contract will include these elements upfront and make it clear when, if ever, exceptions might apply. Understanding how these costs are handled can help you avoid surprises later and ensure the contract delivers the level of certainty you’re looking for.
Not all suppliers define ‘fixed’ in quite the same way. Some contracts genuinely lock in every component of your energy costs, while others may still allow certain charges to be passed through later. That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to check exactly what’s included before you sign. Two contracts might look almost identical on the surface, but the way each one handles additional costs can differ quite a lot - and those differences can add up over time. Taking the time to understand what’s covered (and what isn’t) can help you choose the option that offers the level of certainty your organisation really needs.
Five things to look out for – a quick checklist:
What is SEFE Energy's Fully Fixed offer?
At SEFE Energy, when we say our contracts are fully fixed, we mean it. Our fully fixed options are built with simplicity and transparency in mind, giving organisations a clear sense of what they’re signing up for and how their costs will be managed over time.
One of the biggest differences is our long‑standing commitment to price certainty. With both our Shield Gas and Shield Electricity contracts, the rate you agree to at the start is the rate you’ll continue to pay throughout the term of your contract – helping you plan ahead with confidence. Since launching Shield Gas in 2015, we’ve never passed through third‑party or regulatory charges mid‑contract, a track record many customers value.
Similarly, Shield Electricity keeps your electricity costs consistent for the duration of your agreement, offering the same protection from unpredictable market fluctuations.
We also understand how important clarity is in today’s market, especially given the wider industry conversations around Nuclear RAB and the revised TNUoS charges. Our Fixed Power SHIELD contracts already incorporate both of these elements, meaning they are fully accounted for in the prices our customers agree upfront. This provides complete peace of mind that these charges will not be revisited later in the contract.
On the practical side, whatever contract option you choose, we try to remove as much day‑to‑day admin as possible. Automated meter reading for gas, free smart meters for electricity, and straightforward online account access all help keep energy management simple. These tools mean you can get more accurate billing, track usage more effectively and fit energy admin around your own schedule, rather than the other way around.