Spot vs fixed-term electricity contract — which one in 2026?
Spot or fixed? The short answer: spot electricity is usually the cheapest long-term, but requires some flexibility in timing your consumption. A fixed contract brings predictability and suits high-usage households. In this article we go through both options’ benefits, risks and suitability for different households.
What is spot electricity?
In spot pricing, the energy price follows the Nord Pool Nordic power exchange in 15-minute or hourly precision. The provider adds its margin (usually 0.3–0.8 c/kWh) and a monthly fee (€2–6/mo).
Spot prices vary by time of day. Night and early-morning prices are typically lowest. Learn more about spot electricity and Nord Pool.
What is a fixed electricity contract?
The c/kWh price is locked for the entire contract period — 6, 12, 24 or 36 months. Typical 2026 fixed prices:
- 6-month fixed: 7.45–7.98 c/kWh
- 12-month fixed: 9.19–10.19 c/kWh
- 24-month fixed: 8.49–8.99 c/kWh
- 36-month fixed: 8.19 c/kWh
Spot pros and cons
Pros
- Often the cheapest energy fee long-term
- Direct benefit from market’s cheap hours
- No lock-in — cancel any time
- Long fee-free intros available (3–8 months)
Cons
- Price varies hourly — monthly bill is not constant
- Winter prices can spike to 50 c/kWh on individual hours
- Requires consumption flexibility
Fixed contract pros and cons
Pros
- Price locked — monthly bill is constant for the whole term
- Protection from market price rises in winter
- Easy budgeting
- Especially suited to heavy users and electric heating
Cons
- No benefit from market price drops
- Early cancellation can carry a fee
- 12-month fixed is often more expensive than spot long-term
Example calculations
Comparing spot (0.39 c/kWh + 6.5 c/kWh assumed Nord Pool average + €4.90/mo) vs 12-month fixed (9.19 c/kWh + €4.90/mo):
- Apartment 2,000 kWh/yr — Spot saves ~€45/yr
- Row house 5,000 kWh/yr — Spot saves ~€115/yr
- Electrically heated detached house 18,000 kWh/yr — Spot saves ~€415/yr
Who is spot for?
- You can flex your consumption to cheap hours
- You have an EV, hot water heater or sauna with schedule control
- You can tolerate monthly bill variation
- You want a long fee-free intro period
Who is fixed for?
- Electrically heated detached house — high usage makes spikes painful
- You value predictable monthly bill
- You can’t time consumption to cheap hours
- You’re worried about winter spikes
Hybrid and Jousto — a third option
If you don’t want either extreme, hybrid and Jousto contracts combine fixed and spot. Popular ones: Fortum Duo 12 kk, Hehku Jousto 24 kk, Oomi Jousto 6 kk. Read the full comparison of contract types.
Summary: which one in 2026?
Rule of thumb: apartments and low-usage households should consider spot, electrically heated detached houses should consider fixed. But the best way to be sure is to enter your own consumption in the comparison tool and compare euros side by side.