Choosing an electricity package is no longer a simple ‘I will choose the cheapest one’ decision.
Prices fluctuate, there are a number of packages available and it can often feel unclear whether the choice is the right one and to what extent an electricity invoice is affected by the package selected.
In April, we conducted a customer survey to better understand:
- what makes customers switch from a fixed package to an exchange package;
- what makes exchange package customers seek the security of a fixed price; and
- whether people are actually on the most suitable package for their consumption habits.
One message came through very clearly: ‘The question that causes the most confusion is which package is actually right for me.’ Almost equally important was another question: ‘Is a high electricity invoice caused by the wrong package or by something else entirely?’ Many customers also told us that when choosing a package, they would like clear explanations in plain language. They expect honest recommendations rather than simply a list of options, and they value assistance in assessing whether their current package is a sensible choice for their level of consumption.
In this article, we explain the differences between fixed, exchange and combined packages, who each option is best suited for and which factors to consider when making a decision.
1. Fixed price (Fixed Package). The price of electricity remains the same throughout the entire contract period.
What does this mean?
- You know exactly how much you will pay for the electricity you use each month
- Increases in the market price do not affect your invoice
- At the same time, you do not benefit from periods when exchange prices are lower
Good to know: This package is particularly well suited to customers who value peace of mind and predictability. It is a very common choice among households with stable consumption patterns. Increasingly, it is also being chosen by families with significantly higher electricity consumption due to heating and cooling solutions.
Suitable if:
- electricity costs are an important part of your monthly budget;
- you would like to reduce your exposure to the risk of rising electricity prices.
2. Exchange price (Exchange Package). The price of electricity changes every quarter-hour according to the market.
What does this mean?
- At times, for example when it is windy and/or sunny, the price can be very low
- At other times, the price can be very high (especially in winter and during peak hours)
Good to know: Many customers see low prices in summer and assume that exchange pricing is always affordable. In reality, electricity consumption is also lower in summer. In winter, consumption increases significantly due to heating, lighting and generally more time spent indoors. A high winter electricity invoice is not caused by price alone, but also by substantially higher consumption.
Suitable if:
- you actively monitor electricity prices;
- you can shift at least approximately 60% of your consumption to cheaper hours;
- if you do not do this, you will not fully benefit from the advantages of exchange pricing.
Seasonal Secure Package. Exchange price in the summer, fixed price in the winter.
What does this mean?
- In summer, you benefit from lower exchange prices
- In winter, the fixed price protects you from significant price fluctuations
Good to know: In the Seasonal Secure Package, affordable green exchange price applies from April to September. From October to March, when exchange prices can rise significantly, a fixed green price provides stability and peace of mind.
Suitable if:
- your consumption is higher in winter (for example, if you use electric heating);
- you want to benefit from lower exchange prices in summer;
- you do not want to monitor prices on a daily basis or switch packages twice a year.
Take this quick quiz and if you answer ‘yes’ to at least two questions, see what Enefit recommends:
| QUICK QUIZ | ||
| Is your consumption relatively stable throughout the year? | Do you monitor electricity prices regularly? | Would you like to benefit from lower summer prices but require price certainty during winter? |
| Do you prefer not to monitor electricity prices on a daily basis? | Can you shift washing, dishwashing and other consumption (heating/cooling) to cheaper hours? | Do you prefer not to switch electricity packages twice a year? |
| Do significant price fluctuations cause discomfort for you? | Are you prepared to accept higher electricity invoices in winter? | Do you prefer not to monitor prices on a daily basis? |
| Recommendation: Fixed Package | Recommendation: Exchange Package | Recommendation: Seasonal Secure Package |
An electricity package is not just about the price – it is also about peace of mind. A fixed price provides stability and security. An exchange price offers more risk-tolerant customers the opportunity to save, provided they are able to actively manage their consumption. The Seasonal Secure Package offers a balance: lower prices in summer and greater security in winter. If you prefer predictable invoices, fewer surprises and more security, then a solution where everything is known in advance is suitable for you, namely the Fixed Package, where the price is fixed for 6, 12 or 36 months. When in doubt, it is always sensible to base your decision not only on price, but also on your actual lifestyle and consumption habits.
The other half of your electricity invoice – network charge
For many customers, it comes as a surprise that an electricity invoice includes not only the selected Enefit electricity package, but also a network service charge. For some customers, these are presented on separate invoices, while for many others, electricity supply and network services are combined into a single invoice.
The first part, the electricity component, is the part that you can actively influence and for which you can choose either greater certainty or more flexibility. This typically accounts for approximately half of the total electricity invoice (depending on consumption).
The second part of the invoice, or for some customers a separate additional invoice, consists of the network service charge (Elektrilevi). This is the charge for ensuring that electricity reaches your home. It covers the maintenance and development of the electricity network, security of supply (even in adverse weather conditions) and the availability of your connection.
Every customer also has a network package and the size of the network charge depends on the capacity of your main circuit breaker and your level of consumption.
We recommend reviewing your network package at least once a year on the Elektrilevi website https://elektrilevi.ee/. In most cases, the chosen option is already optimised and suitable, but if necessary, it can be changed (one package change per year is free of charge).
If your electricity invoice changes, there is never only one single reason, instead it usually depends on three components: your package choice (price), consumption (how much electricity you use) and network charges (connection and infrastructure).
For this reason, the most sensible approach is to review your consumption (in the Enefit app or self-service portal), your package choice (exchange, fixed or combined package) and your network package (in the elektrilevi.ee self-service portal). Only then will you get a clear picture and truly understand where savings can be made and where greater certainty may be preferable.
