Fixed-term electricity contract — what it means and when it pays off

A fixed-term electricity contract (Finnish: määräaikainen sähkösopimus) binds you to a specific provider for a set period — most commonly 12, 24 or 36 months. During this period you cannot freely switch without paying a penalty. In exchange, you typically get a locked price and intro perks. This guide explains the terms, penalties and when fixed-term contracts make sense.

What is a fixed-term contract?

”Fixed-term” refers to the contract’s duration commitment, not its pricing model. You agree to be a customer of one provider for N months. You can still choose between price models: fixed-term + spot, fixed-term + fixed-price, etc.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Better prices — providers reward longer commitment with lower rates.
• Pro: Intro perks — fee-free months, signup bonuses.
• Pro: One decision for years — no need to re-shop annually.
• Con: Cannot switch freely — early termination triggers penalties.
• Con: Locked into one provider — if their service deteriorates, you’re stuck.
• Con: Missing better deals — if prices drop during your contract, you can’t take advantage.

Termination penalties

Typical penalty: €50–200 base fee, plus a fee covering the provider’s lost margin (often calculated as €0.5–2 per remaining month). Some providers also charge for ”lost intro perk benefit” if you terminate within the first year.

Exceptions: Most contracts let you terminate without penalty if a) you move and the new address is in a different distribution area, b) the provider materially changes the contract terms, or c) you die or fall into permanent inability to pay.

When does fixed-term make sense?

Fixed-term contracts work best when: a) you’ve found a good price and want to lock it for years, b) you don’t want to monitor the market actively, c) intro perks (fee-free months) tilt the math in your favour, d) you have a stable living situation (no expected moves).

Cheapest fixed-term electricity contracts right now

Ranked by total annual cost at 5 000 kWh consumption (12, 24 and 36-month fixed-price contracts):

1. #1
   Cheap Määräaikainen 24 kkFixed 24 kkCHEAPEST

   9,65c/kWh3,90€/monthSähkösopimus 2 vuodeksi
   ~44 €/monthestimate at 5 000 kWh/year
   View offer →
2. #2
   Cheap Määräaikainen 36 kkFixed 36 kk

   9,49c/kWh5,45€/monthPerusmaksu 0 € ensimmäiset 3 kk, sen jälkeen 5,45 €/kk
   ~45 €/monthestimate at 5 000 kWh/year
   View offer →
3. #3
   Hehku Kiinteä 24 kkFixed 24 kk

   9,68c/kWh4,90€/monthPitkäkestoinen suoja sähkön hinnanvaihteluilta vastaan.
   ~45 €/monthestimate at 5 000 kWh/year
   View offer →
4. #4
   Oomi Kiinteä 24 kkFixed 24 kk

   9,79c/kWh5,90€/month
   ~47 €/monthestimate at 5 000 kWh/year
   View offer →
5. #5
   Ilmasto Mix 24 kkFixed 24 kk

   9,78c/kWh5,95€/monthPerusmaksuton 3 kk
   ~47 €/monthestimate at 5 000 kWh/year
   View offer →

Frequently asked questions