Spot electricity or fixed contract in 2026?

ElectricityPublished {date} 30.10.2026Updated {date} 30.10.2026

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In 2026, the electricity price in Finland still consists of energy (your retail contract), distribution (your local grid company) and taxes. This guide helps you choose whether spot electricity, a fixed-price contract or a hybrid fits you — without sales talk.

In short: Spot suits you if you can shift usage to cheaper hours and tolerate volatility. A fixed contract suits you if you want a predictable monthly cost. Always check the energy price (€/kWh), base fee (€/mo) and contract term separately from distribution.
Try the calculator: Enter housing type and annual usage in the electricity contract calculator — you get an estimated yearly cost from verified contracts and a recommendation based on risk tolerance (fixed vs spot).

What makes up the electricity bill?

A household bill typically has three parts:

  • Energy — the contract with the electricity seller (what Digivertailu compares).
  • Distribution — fees from the local distribution system operator; changing seller does not change distribution.
  • Taxes — electricity tax and VAT; set by law, not by a seller campaign.

So focus on energy price, base fee and terms — not marketing figures for the “whole bill” that sometimes mix in distribution.

Spot electricity

With spot electricity you pay the Nord Pool hourly price plus the seller’s margin and any base fee. The price varies by hour: at night and on windy / sunny days it can be low; on freezing mornings it can be high.

  • Pros: over time often competitive if you can time usage to cheap hours (charging, hot-water tank, heating).
  • Risks: the monthly bill swings; extreme prices are possible in crisis situations.
  • Who: flexible usage, Fingrid Datahub / hourly metering available, willingness to follow prices in an app.

Fixed-price contract

In a fixed contract the energy €/kWh is locked for a term (e.g. 12–24 months). The base fee may be separate. The price usually includes a risk premium: the seller hedges against market swings.

  • Pros: easier budgeting; no hourly stress.
  • Risks: if the spot market falls you still pay the locked price; early termination can cost.
  • Who: steady usage, preference for predictability, little interest in following spot prices.

Hybrids and “capped” models

Some sellers offer ceiling/floor prices, seasonal contracts or partly fixed packages. Read the terms carefully: what is locked, what follows the market, and when the price is reviewed.

How to compare in 2026

  1. Work out annual usage (kWh) — from an old bill or Datahub.
  2. Compare the energy part €/kWh + base fee; do not mix in distribution.
  3. Note commitment length and exit fees.
  4. Check whether the price is a campaign or the “normal” renewal price.
  5. Confirm the final offer on the seller’s own site / at checkout.
Digivertailu.fi electricity rows include the seller’s own source URL and a check date. Always confirm the final price in the seller’s order flow.

Frequently asked questions

Can spot be more expensive than fixed?

Yes. If you use a lot during expensive hours (e.g. heating on cold evenings) or the market stays high for a long time, a spot contract can cost more. A historical average does not guarantee the future.

Does distribution change when I switch seller?

No. Distribution is handled by the local DSO. Switching seller only affects the energy part.

Where can I see current market prices?

From Nord Pool’s public price data and from sellers’ own product pages. Digivertailu lists only sellers’ own sources — the final offer is always in the seller’s order flow.

Sources (checked 31.10.2026):