On May 9, 2025, Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) has drawn attention to a new energy tariff from EDF that promises significant savings for households in Great Britain. This deal, dubbed the Simply Fixed Direct May26, is being touted as the cheapest fixed tariff the energy giant has offered in four years. At a price of £1,549 for an average dual-fuel customer paying by direct debit, it is 16% cheaper than the current Energy Price Cap set by the regulator Ofgem.
This announcement comes at a time when many households are grappling with rising energy bills, which saw an increase at the start of April 2025. The new EDF deal is particularly noteworthy as it is available to both new customers switching from other suppliers such as British Gas, Octopus, and Eon, and existing EDF customers. The timing is crucial, as energy charges are expected to fall in July 2025, yet MSE asserts that the EDF offer will still be cheaper.
According to MSE, the new EDF 12-month Simply Fixed Direct tariff not only provides competitive pricing but also features no early exit penalties. This means that customers can leave the plan without incurring any charges, a significant advantage for those uncertain about future energy costs. MSE highlighted the deal's appeal, stating: "Cheapest NO-exit-penalty energy fix, lock in 16% under the current Price Cap." The flexibility of this tariff allows households to switch away at any time, ensuring they are not tied down to unfavorable terms.
Rich Hughes, the EDF director of retail, explained the rationale behind the new tariff, noting the fluctuations in wholesale energy costs. He stated, "While wholesale costs have dropped, the market remains unstable and global factors could push prices up again. Given the volatility, we advise households to consider fixed or tracker tariffs." This advice comes amidst an unpredictable energy market, where prices can dramatically shift due to external influences.
Energy experts from Uswitch have echoed Hughes' sentiments, emphasizing the importance of switching to fixed deals to secure better rates. Will Owen, an energy expert at Uswitch, remarked on the significance of the EDF deal, saying, "At £300 cheaper than the April price cap for the average household, it stands out as the cheapest fixed deal on the market from a larger provider." He also pointed out that there are currently 16 fixed deals available that are already below the forecasted July price cap of £1,683.
Households have been feeling the pinch of high energy bills for the past four years, and this latest EDF offer may provide some much-needed relief. The current price cap, which reflects the typical bill for about 29 million households, has been set at £1,849 since April. However, predictions from Cornwall Insight suggest that the cap will drop by 9%, or £166, to £1,683 in July. Even with this decrease, the EDF deal is expected to remain competitive, being at least £154 cheaper than the upcoming cap and £143 cheaper over the winter months.
As the energy market continues to fluctuate, consumers are advised to stay vigilant and consider their options. Owen urges households that have not switched in over a year to take action, stating, "If you haven’t switched in a year or more, you are probably on a standard deal and your rates are effectively dictated by the price cap." He encourages consumers to run comparisons to find deals that beat the current cap and the July predictions, emphasizing that it only takes a few minutes to explore available options.
However, it's worth noting that while EDF's new tariff is competitive among larger suppliers, smaller providers may offer even better deals. For instance, Outfox the Market has a 12-month tariff named Fix’d Dual May25 12M v5.0, priced at £1,517, which is £332 below the price cap. This highlights the importance of shopping around in a market that is once again becoming competitive after a period of stagnation.
As households consider their energy options, the EDF Simply Fixed Direct May26 tariff stands out as a promising choice for those looking to secure savings amidst ongoing market volatility. The flexibility of no exit fees combined with a competitive rate makes it an appealing option for many. Yet, with a variety of deals available, consumers are encouraged to evaluate their choices carefully, ensuring they get the best possible rates in an ever-changing energy landscape.
In summary, the launch of EDF's new fixed tariff represents a significant opportunity for households in Great Britain to save on their energy bills. With the current economic climate and the unpredictability of energy prices, now is the time for consumers to take control of their energy costs and consider switching to a plan that offers both savings and flexibility.
