Prioritises simplicity
Prefer the structure needing less repeated intervention.
Outgoing Agile rewards export timing; flat Outgoing is simpler.
Tariff comparison
Outgoing Agile vs Outgoing Fixed
Choose between market-linked export timing and a predictable flat export payment.
Edited by Rob Gibbs. Guidance reviewed: .
Overall verdict
Choose between market-linked export timing and a predictable flat export payment. There is no universal winner: use the measured evidence window, then test the result against your own consumption, equipment and current eligibility.
Historic profile evidence
Region: London. Profile: Typical household. Evidence window: 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-31.
Historic profile-weighted evidence, not a bill, forecast or switching quote. Standing charges remain separate.
Comparable evidence is incomplete, so this page does not name a lower-rate choice.
Which household does each structure fit?
Can shift or automate
Give more weight to the option that rewards controllable timing.
Variable export rates can rise or fall; a flat rate removes within-day timing variation.
Has specialist equipment
Check the equipment-led option only after exact compatibility is confirmed.
Both need eligible generation, export metering and supplier acceptance.
Full feature comparison
| Feature | What differs |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Both need eligible generation, export metering and supplier acceptance. |
| Eligibility | Check the compatible import tariff and current export terms. |
| Effort and automation | Outgoing Agile rewards export timing; flat Outgoing is simpler. |
| Price variability | Variable export rates can rise or fall; a flat rate removes within-day timing variation. |
| Import/export pairing | Export payments are shown separately and never subtracted from an assumed import bill. |
Equipment
Both need eligible generation, export metering and supplier acceptance.
Eligibility
Check the compatible import tariff and current export terms.
Household effort
Outgoing Agile rewards export timing; flat Outgoing is simpler.
Price risk
Variable export rates can rise or fall; a flat rate removes within-day timing variation.
Import and export pairing
Export payments are shown separately and never subtracted from an assumed import bill.
Standing-charge treatment
Export payments are kept separate from import standing charges; no household import bill is assumed.
Seasonality
One complete month can differ from a trailing year. Heating, solar generation, EV mileage and wholesale conditions can all move with the season, so the evidence is not a forecast.
Break-even limits
A meaningful break-even needs comparable unit rates, standing charges and one explicit annual-use profile over the same evidence window. Export volume and timing are unknown, so a household break-even cannot be inferred.
When the answer could change
- Your annual kWh or half-hourly usage shape changes.
- Current product versions, prices or standing charges change.
- Equipment compatibility or supplier eligibility changes.
- A different season changes heating, driving, generation or export.
Questions people ask
Does Outgoing Agile vs Outgoing Fixed have one winner?
No. The page separates measured historic evidence from household-specific constraints and does not predict future prices.
Does the ranking include a full bill?
No. Export is a payment direction and no import bill is netted against it.
Can the result change after I switch?
Yes. Rates, seasons, usage, product terms, device support and meter performance can all change.
Related equipment guides
Primary sources
- Smart Tariffs terms and conditions — Octopus Energy; checked 2026-08-24. Smart-tariff eligibility, rate windows, compatibility and publication caveats.
- Explore smart tariffs — Octopus Energy; checked 2026-08-24. Current supplier descriptions of smart tariffs and suitable household technology.