Free market rates
In the free market, energy suppliers design their own offers, giving you more choice and flexibility to find a tailor-made plan. These are the most common:
Fixed-price electricity tariffs
With a fixed-price tariff, you pay the same price for every kilowatt-hour, or kWh, you consume throughout the day, regardless of the time. This price remains stable for the duration of the contract.
It is a good option if you are looking for stability and prefer not to worry about electricity market fluctuations, as it allows you to plan your monthly spending without surprises.
Variable-price electricity tariffs
Also known as indexed tariffs, variable-price tariffs link the price per kWh to wholesale electricity market prices.
This means the cost can change every hour and every day. Although they involve greater risk due to volatility, they can be more economical when market prices are low.
Flat-rate electricity tariffs
Flat-rate tariffs consist of paying a fixed monthly fee, regardless of the amount of energy you consume. This fee is calculated based on an estimate of your annual consumption.
It is a convenient option if you want full control over your spending and always pay the same amount, although it is important to review the adjustment conditions in case your actual consumption exceeds the estimated amount.
Time-of-use electricity tariffs
Time-of-use tariffs set different electricity prices depending on the time of day. They usually divide the day into three periods:
- Peak period, the most expensive.
- Standard period, with an intermediate price.
- Off-peak period, the cheapest.
These tariffs are ideal for households that can concentrate most of their electricity use, such as running appliances, during off-peak hours (at night and on weekends).
Self-consumption and solar tariffs
If you have solar panels installed at home, you need a specific self-consumption tariff.
These tariffs allow you to feed the surplus energy you do not consume back into the grid and receive compensation for it on your bill. This helps you maximise the savings generated by your photovoltaic installation.
Electric vehicle tariffs
Designed for electric car users, these tariffs offer very low prices at night, which is when vehicles are usually charged.
They often include a super off-peak period, allowing you to charge your car battery at a lower cost.