Gas & Electric Tariffs

[Mups]

I have just had an email from my energy supplier  (Octopus),  and they were letting me know my present tariff expires at the end of this month.

Trying to choose  new tariff options always confuse me,  because none of us know what the coming winter will be like and how much we will use. 
I also find it difficult to decide whether its best to opt for a Flexible tariff or a Fixed one.  I usually settle for Fixed in the end -  but is that wise?

How do others decide what's best for the coming 12 months?   
I always worry about getting it wrong.   

[Alex]

I tend to go for a fixed rate too. 

[Mups]

I tend to go for a fixed rate too. 

Do you mind me asking why, Alex?   
Is there really any advantage do you think?

I think I probably do it out of habit more than anything else.

[Alex]

I'm still with the same electricity company from years ago, Scottish Power formerly MANWEB.  I've tried the 'compare' route and there was very little difference in tariffs at that time, so I stayed put.  I do change insurances, car and AA etc.. as there are always cheaper quotes out there.  When it comes to energy, perhaps I'm just lazy, but at least I know roughly what my monthly payment will be.    ..

[Mups]

I'm still with the same electricity company from years ago, Scottish Power formerly MANWEB.  I've tried the 'compare' route and there was very little difference in tariffs at that time, so I stayed put.  I do change insurances, car and AA etc.. as there are always cheaper quotes out there.  When it comes to energy, perhaps I'm just lazy, but at least I know roughly what my monthly payment will be.    ..

Thanks,  Alex. 
I'm much the same as you, and change my house and car insurance,  but never really know what's the best deal for energy.
I shall have a think  . . .  

[Scrumpy]

Gas / Electric Fixed rate.. I don't know why.. just can't be arsed to change..
Car/ Home Insurance.. I have been with the same company for years.. just can't be arsed to jump here and there.
Spoken to people and insurers recently and found that they are all about the same give or take a few bob..

[Mups]

I think perhaps I will stick with the Fixed tariff again,  and see how it goes this winter.
Thanks for the comments.  

[klondike]

As you are exiting an octopus fix rate you most likely are on the same  fix rate gas as me and have three choices. Take the follow on fix rate, take the variable rate or move to a different supplier.

I won't go to another supplier as I want to take same gas as electric and their electric suits my solar set up.

I looked at fixed and variable and even after the upcoming hike in variables it is marginally less than the new fixed but there are a couple more changes before the new fix ends and I really can't see those being down so I  chose the new fix. There are exit penalties this time so I'll be stuck with it.

[GrannyMac]

We've been with Octopus for a while, fixed rate, dual fuel, compares pretty well to others.  We'll probably just stick with them too.