Winter has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute we're wandering around in light layers, the next we're wrapped up like we’re starring in an Arctic documentary. And as the jumpers come out, the heating usually follows.
So here we are, shoulder-to-shoulder with darker days and cosier nights, asking the big seasonal question: can your energy tariff help to lower your winter bills? Not “ready” as in wearing a scarf. More: is it set up to help you stay warm without handing your budget a shock?
Let’s explore the options, share a few honest thoughts, and take a look at how our different energy tariffs can support the way you use energy in the colder months.
The power of smart meters and tariffs.
Smart meters don’t get enough credit. People think they’re just automatic readers, quietly sending numbers off so we don’t have to root around under the stairs every month. But there’s more to the story.
For a long time, energy meters were just dusty boxes under the stairs that we tried to ignore. But the smart meter has changed the game. Smart meters open the door to smart tariffs, the kind that react to the time of day, respond to usage patterns and give us more control. Almost like turning your energy habits into a strategy, not guesswork. And winter is when strategy pays off.
When nights stretch out and radiators work overtime, a “set it and forget it” approach can leave us open to surprises. Smart tariffs, on the other hand, can help us plan, shift, tweak, reduce, and feel more in charge of what we use and what we spend.
When we agree to share half hourly updates from a smart meter, it unlocks the ability to see exactly when we’re using energy. This allows us to access tariffs that charge different amounts at different times of the day, and sometimes pay less when the grid is quieter. It puts the control back in our hands, so let’s walk through a few of the tariffs designed with winter in mind and see how each one fits different lifestyles.
Next Smart Saver: the time of use solution.
If you’re someone who likes a bit of strategy and organisation, the Next Smart Saver tariff might be right up your street.
This is what we call a "time of use tariff”. Instead of one flat price for electricity all day long, the price changes. This tariff splits the day into different price periods. We’re talking peak, off-peak and super off-peak. For people who don’t mind nudging certain tasks into cheaper hours, it can make a real difference.
How it helps in winter.
In winter, we tend to use high-energy appliances more often. The tumble dryer goes on because clothes won't dry on the line. We might cook more hot meals.
With Next Smart Saver, there are cheaper "off-peak" hours, usually overnight. If we can shift some of our heavy usage to these times, the savings can be significant.
For example, setting the washing machine or dishwasher to run at 2 am using a delay timer can make a real difference to the monthly bill.
Key features.
Fixed prices for 12 months: This gives you certainty on the rates for a year.
No exit fees. If it doesn’t work out, you aren’t trapped.
Peak, off-peak and super off-peak price periods
Requires a smart meter: To get these benefits, you’ll need a smart meter that sends half hourly readings.
It’s worth noting that this tariff works best if you’re using electricity most of the day. If you’re using all of your energy during peak times (usually late afternoon and early evening), it might not be the cheapest option. But for the night owls and the planners among us, it’s a clever way to save.
Next Pledge: the price cap tracker.
Not everyone wants to worry about what time they turn the washing machine on. We get that. Sometimes we just want to know we are getting a fair deal without having to constantly monitor the clock. This is where Next Pledge comes in.
It’s a tracker tariff that follows Ofgem’s energy price cap. But not blindly. It stays below the cap*, which creates a middle ground between the unpredictability of a standard variable rate and the security of a fixed tariff. If energy tariffs were personalities, Next Pledge would be the level-headed friend who always says, “Let’s just keep things fair.”
How it helps in winter.
The price cap can shift throughout the year. If it rises, tracker tariffs rise too. If it falls, they fall. But with Next Pledge, your prices are always set below the cap*, so you’re not stuck paying the highest possible rate when the market moves.
For some people, especially those who prefer a tariff that flexes with the wider energy landscape (but not too much), Next Pledge can feel like a calm compromise.
If the price cap goes up for winter (which it sometimes does due to demand), your rates on Next Pledge will go up too. However, they will still be lower than the cap. If the cap falls in the spring, your rates drop too.
Key features.
Guaranteed savings: The unit rates are priced below the Ofgem price cap for the duration of the tariff.
12-month fixed term: This is a one-year contract, but it comes with no exit fees. This offers flexibility if your circumstances change.
Quarterly adjustments: The rates change every three months in line with the Ofgem announcements.
No exit fees. You can end the tariff without any charges.
This is a great option for those of us who want to "beat the market" without having to lock in a specific price that might look expensive if energy costs suddenly drop.
Fixed tariffs: certainty and budgeting.
For some of us, the most important thing isn't chasing the absolute lowest potential penny, but knowing exactly what the bill will look like. Uncertainty can be stressful, especially in winter when bills are naturally higher.
A fixed tariff locks in your unit rates and standing charges for the entire term, whether that’s 12 months, 24 months or occasionally longer.
How they help in winter.
When you choose a fixed tariff, you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay per kWh, even if the wider market shifts. Winter usage might rise, but your rate won’t. This can be comforting during the colder months, especially for households who want predictable bills and a set structure. This is fantastic for budgeting as it removes the "bill shock" element.
Key features.
Price protection: Rates won't go up even if the price cap does.
Exit fees: It’s important to check this. Unlike the options mentioned above, some traditional fixed tariffs often have exit fees if you leave early.
Great for budgeting: If energy prices in the market drop significantly, you stay on the fixed rate.
Fixed tariffs aren’t the flashiest. But they’re solid, steady and reliable. Three words most of us like hearing when temperatures drop.
Next Gust: an environmentally friendly choice.
We know that saving money is top of the list for many, but looking after the planet is right up there too.
Next Gust is designed to bridge that gap. It is a fixed rate tariff, but with a specific focus on where that energy comes from. This tariff mixes fixed-rate stability with a focus on clean electricity. It offers 100% renewable electricity sourced from our UK-based assets. It’s designed for people who want their energy use to align with their values, without adding unnecessary complexity.
How it helps in winter.
Next Gust offers the stability of a fixed tariff. Like the other fixed options, the rates are locked in for 12 months. This provides that crucial protection against winter price hikes.
But the special part is the electricity. It is 100% renewable and sourced from our own UK assets. This means by choosing this tariff, we are directly supporting the renewable energy industry right here in the UK.
Key features.
Fixed price: Security for 12 months.
Support for UK renewables: It connects our energy usage to wind and solar farms generated closer to home.
No exit fees: unusually for a fixed product, this specific tariff currently comes with no exit fees, giving us the best of both worlds.
This is the tariff for the eco-conscious customer who wants to make a positive choice for the environment while keeping a firm grip on the winter budget. It feels good to know that the heating we use is supporting a cleaner future.
Choosing the right energy tariff: what really matters this winter.
We’ve looked at four very different ways to pay for energy. It can be a little overwhelming, so let’s simplify it. It really comes down to how we like to manage our lives. So what’s your energy personality?
The Manager
If you’re happy to check an app, use a delay timer on the washing machine, and you have a smart meter (or are happy to get one), Next Smart Saver could be the winner. It rewards a little bit of effort with lower off-peak rates.
The Market Watcher
If you want to know you’re beating the standard price cap but don't want to lock in a price that might end up being too high later, Next Pledge is the clever middle ground. It floats with the market but stays cheaper than the cap.
The Planner
If you hate surprises and have a strict household budget, a fixed tariff is the safety net. You pay a set rate for certainty. You won't benefit if prices crash, but you won't suffer if they soar.
The Eco-Warrior
If your priority is supporting UK green infrastructure but you still want price stability, Next Gust ticks the boxes. It’s green, stable, and supports local generation.
Choose a tariff for your home today.
Taking the next step.
Winter doesn't have to mean dreading the bill. By choosing a tariff that matches our actual habits, we can take the sting out of the colder months.
The energy market has evolved. It isn't one-size-fits-all anymore. Whether we want to shift our usage, track the cap, or lock it down, the power is literally in our hands.
It's worth taking ten minutes to log into your account and look at the options available to you. We update our tariff offers regularly, so what was right for you last year might not be the best fit for 2025.
Let’s get our homes ready for winter, not just with draft excluders and thick curtains, but with a tariff that works for us.