Spot-price or fixed-price electricity: choosing a contract
Short answer: consider spot-price electricity if your budget can absorb price swings and you can move some consumption. A fixed energy unit price makes planning easier. A consumption-effect contract is not fully fixed, even when its advertisement highlights one base price.
Start with your consumption
Find your consumption records and existing contract. Check annual use, heating type and when electricity is consumed. A small flat and an electrically heated house can face very different price risks. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s comparison highlights consumption volume and household risk tolerance.
| Contract | Energy pricing | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Spot price | Market-linked price plus contractual charges | Could I afford an expensive period without cutting essential use? |
| Fixed-price, fixed-term | Agreed energy unit price for the contract period | Do the price and commitment fit my circumstances? |
| Consumption effect | Base price adjusted for consumption timing | Do I understand the formula and possible surcharge? |
A fixed price is not a fixed bill
The number of kilowatt-hours still affects your bill. Check the monthly charge, distribution and taxes separately. Compare offers using the same consumption and tax treatment.
KKV’s electricity guidance explains the contract types. For a consumption-effect product, request the formula and an example based on your usage pattern. The advertised base price alone does not show the outcome.
Why is electricity expensive right now?
The season alone cannot explain a particular price spike. Fingrid’s pricing explanation describes the role of demand, available generation and transmission connections. Low wind or maintenance affecting production and connections can reduce supply.
Check current conditions on Fingrid’s power-system page. Its Finnish area price excludes taxes and distribution, so it is not your total retail cost. This guide does not quote a live price. Information checked on 11 November 2026.
Compare before signing
The Energy Authority’s Sähkönhinta.fi service helps compare offers. Read the final contract for the margin, monthly charge, extras, duration and termination conditions. A cheap historical period does not guarantee future prices.
For other household charges, see the home bills guide. For everyday heating questions, use the heating and ventilation guide.
Frequently asked questions
No. The outcome depends on prices, consumption timing and contractual charges.
No. Consumption can change even if the energy unit price remains fixed.
It is a contractual price adjustment influenced by when you consume electricity.
Its area price is not a retail total including taxes, distribution and all supplier charges.
Consider longer-term consumption and your budget too. One day does not represent a whole contract period.
With your annual consumption, current terms and Sähkönhinta.fi.
Official sources
Checked on 11 November 2026.
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