Open-ended electricity contract — the freedom to switch anytime

An open-ended electricity contract (Finnish: toistaiseksi voimassa oleva sähkösopimus) has no fixed end date. It continues until you (or the provider) terminate it — typically with a one-month notice period. You gain freedom to switch anytime; the provider keeps the right to update prices with notice.

How does it differ from fixed-term?

The core difference is duration commitment. A fixed-term contract binds you for e.g. 24 months. An open-ended contract has no such binding — you can switch with one month’s notice, and the provider can change prices with notice (typically 30–60 days). This makes open-ended both flexible and slightly less price-protective.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Switch anytime — no termination penalty.
• Pro: Easy to adapt — if a better offer appears, you can take it.
• Pro: Good for uncertain situations — new home, possible move, etc.
• Con: Provider can raise prices — with notice, your price can go up.
• Con: Slightly worse intro perks — providers reward longer commitments.
• Con: Easy to forget to shop around — without an end-date trigger, customers often stay too long on bad rates.

When does open-ended make sense?

Open-ended contracts work best when: a) your living situation is uncertain (just moved, planning a move), b) you actively monitor the market and want to switch when rates drop, c) you want the lowest-friction option, d) you have a spot contract (open-ended spot is the most common in Finland).

Frequently asked questions