Guides
Agile vs a fixed tariff
A fixed tariff buys predictability; Agile exposes you to both cheap and expensive half-hours.
Short answer
A fixed tariff is easier to budget because the unit rate does not change every half hour. Agile is more interesting when you can move usage away from expensive slots and into cheaper periods. The fair comparison is not just the average price. It is the price weighted by when your home actually uses electricity.
If you want live context while reading, check the dashboard, test a real run in the appliance timer, set a trigger in alerts, or compare the same day across regions.
What fixed gives you
A fixed tariff removes much of the daily decision-making. You still care about reducing usage, but you do not need to plan around a half-hourly chart. That predictability can be valuable if your household routine is fixed or you do not want to manage timing.
What Agile gives you
Agile gives access to cheap windows, occasional negative prices, and sharper peak prices. That is the trade-off. The cheap windows only help if you can use them, while expensive windows still count if your demand lands there.
How to compare fairly
Use the compare tool as a first pass, then check the split estimate and the actual price shape. If simple and split estimates point in the same direction, the result is stronger. If they disagree, your usage timing is probably the deciding factor.
Example
A fixed 24p/kWh rate and an Agile period averaging 24p/kWh are not automatically equal. If most of your usage lands in Agile’s evening peak, the fixed tariff may be safer. If you can move heavy loads into cheap windows, Agile can still compare well.
What to watch out for
Standing charges, exit fees, eligibility, VAT, and supplier rules can matter. Treat this as an estimate, not a full contract comparison or switching recommendation.
Related tool
Use the practical view next
Related guides
Is Agile Octopus worth it?
Agile can suit homes that can move larger loads away from expensive periods.
Best time to run a washing machine on Agile
The best washing-machine slot is a cheap usable window, not the single cheapest half-hour.
Best time to charge an EV
EV charging on Agile works best when you can use a long low-cost block away from peak periods.
Reminder
These guides are practical and estimate-focused. They are not personalised tariff advice, and they do not replace a full bill comparison.