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Electricity and gas at a stable price: the option to avoid price hikes and gain peace of mind
The volatility of the energy market has once again placed the price of electricity and gas at the centre of the debate. The current international context could cause instability in the markets and impact the bills of many households. For this reason, an increasing number of consumers are looking for solutions that allow them to gain stability and have greater control over their energy expenditure. One of the options generating the most interest is fixed electricity and gas tariffs at a stable price, which allow you to maintain a steady cost for a specific period and avoid surprises, even if the price of energy rises.
To better understand what fixed stable-price tariffs are and how they work, it is worth looking first at how energy prices are set.
Why electricity and gas prices rise
The price of energy depends on multiple factors related to the global energy market, from supply and demand to the international geopolitical situation.
Occasionally, certain events or international conflicts can generate price volatility. When this happens, that volatility can end up being reflected in the price of electricity, gas, or vehicle fuels.
How the electricity market works
In Spain, the price of electricity is set daily in the wholesale electricity market, a system where generators and suppliers buy and sell energy before it reaches households. This market is managed by OMIE, the Iberian electricity market operator.
The process is similar to an auction. The day before, power stations indicate how much energy they can produce and at what price, while suppliers indicate how much electricity they need for their customers.
A computer system matches both sets of information and determines the price for each hour of the following day. The final price is set by the most expensive technology that enters the system, even if part of the energy is produced at a lower cost, as is the case with some renewables.
As explained by Adolfo de Rueda, Director of Electricity Markets at Endesa and member of the boards of directors of OMIE and OMIP, this mechanism allows supply and demand to be adjusted daily, ensuring that electricity is available when needed.
Why gas influences the price of electricity
When energy demand is high and renewable generation is not sufficient, combined cycle power plants that use gas to produce electricity come into operation.
As it is a technology with higher costs, it tends to determine the final price of the electricity market. Therefore, when the price of gas rises on international markets, the price of electricity can also increase.
What factors can drive up the price of energy
Several factors can trigger increases in the final price of energy:
- Gas prices: when the cost of gas on international markets rises, it can be passed on to the price of electricity.
- Energy demand: energy consumption increases during periods of intense cold or heat.
- Renewable generation: if wind is scarce or less hydroelectric or solar energy is produced, it may be necessary to resort to more expensive technologies.
- International situation: conflicts and geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Iran, also influence global prices.
In contexts of energy volatility like this, many consumers consider options that allow them to gain stability on their bills. One of these is switching to stable-price electricity and gas tariffs.
What having electricity and gas at a stable price means
Having electricity and gas at a stable price means taking out a tariff where the price per kWh remains the same throughout the period agreed in the contract.
This is not the same as a flat rate. The bill will still depend on the household's consumption, but the price you pay for the energy does not change, regardless of whether the energy market goes up or down.
How a stable-price tariff works
With this type of contract, the cost per kWh of electricity or gas remains at the same price for the agreed period. An example is Endesa's Conecta Luz + Gas tariff, which combines both supplies with a fixed price 24 hours a day and no minimum term commitment:
- Electricity term: €0.119999/kWh
- Gas Variable term: €0.0827/kWh / Fixed rate: €7.181 per month
Furthermore, the tariff for new customers includes €50 in Para TI Points and a 20% discount on gas for one year.
Which parts of the bill can vary
Even if the kWh has a stable price, there are elements of the bill that can change:
- Energy consumption: the more electricity or gas you use, the higher the bill will be.
- Contracted capacity: a fixed cost based on your requirements.
- Taxes: established by regulations.
What are the advantages of taking out electricity and gas at a stable price?
The main feature of fixed stable-price tariffs is that they offer greater predictability in terms of energy expenditure.
Greater stability on the bill
The user knows how much they will pay for each kWh consumed, so variations in the bill depend primarily on consumption and not so much on market changes.
More predictability for budgeting
When the price of energy is stable, it is easier to estimate monthly outgoings and plan the household budget.
Less exposure to market spikes
If the wholesale price rises during the contract period, the price you pay for each kWh remains the same.
When a stable-price tariff might be of interest
This type of tariff can be particularly appealing for certain household profiles:
- People who prefer stability over market fluctuations.
- Households with relatively stable energy consumption.
- Homes with gas heating or high energy usage.
- Families looking for greater predictability in their monthly budget.
Stable price vs variable price
| Feature | Stable price | Variable price |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Low |
| Predictability | Greater predictability | Less predictability |
| Risk of hikes | Lower risk | Higher exposure |
| Price evolution | Remains stable | Changes according to the market |
Variable prices can be cheaper at certain times, but they also entail greater exposure to market spikes.
In an increasingly volatile energy context, having a stable price can be a way to gain predictability on your bill.
Tariffs such as Endesa's Conecta Luz + Gas or Luz Fija 24h Online + Conecta Gas offer households greater stability in energy costs and prevent surprises when the market faces price hikes.
By understanding how the energy market works and what options exist, you can make more informed decisions about your home's energy supply. At Endesa, we want to offer you clarity and solutions based on the trust, stability, and security provided by a solid company and a recognised brand.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Comparison of Electricity and Gas Tariffs
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you:
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Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you: