Choosing an electricity contract is especially important in a detached house, as electricity consumption is often significantly higher than in apartment buildings or terraced houses. However, the same electricity contract does not suit every detached house. The choice of contract is influenced by factors such as the home’s heating system, the number of residents, electricity usage needs, and how actively the household wants to monitor electricity prices.
Choosing the right electricity contract can have a significant impact on a detached house’s annual electricity costs. In this article, we go through the factors that affect the choice of an electricity contract and explain which type of contract works best in different situations.
What factors affect electricity consumption in a detached house?
Electricity consumption in detached houses varies greatly between households. The most important factors influencing electricity use include:
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Heating system: whether the house uses electric heating, geothermal heating, an air-source heat pump, or a combination of these
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Size and age of the house: larger and more poorly insulated houses typically consume more electricity
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Number of residents and everyday electricity use: activities such as sauna use and household appliances significantly affect consumption
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Additional consumption: for example, charging an electric vehicle increases overall electricity use
By listing your own consumption needs, it becomes easier to choose a contract that best suits your household. One of the most common mistakes when choosing an electricity contract is selecting one without taking actual consumption into account.
What is the best electricity contract for a detached house?
In addition to electricity consumption, personal preferences and habits also affect the choice of an electricity contract. Before signing a contract, it’s worth considering whether price fluctuations fit your daily life or whether a fixed, predictable price feels like a more comfortable option.
In addition to the price per kilowatt-hour, the total cost of an electricity contract is affected by the basic monthly fee. The most affordable contract is therefore a balanced combination of a reasonable energy price and a sensible base fee.
Next, let’s look at different electricity contract types from the perspective of a detached house resident.
Spot electricity for a detached house
The price of spot electricity fluctuates every fifteen minutes according to the electricity exchange. Spot electricity is a good choice for households that actively follow electricity prices and their own consumption and can tolerate price fluctuations. It is usually an affordable option if consumption can be shifted to cheaper hours. However, consumers choosing spot electricity must also be prepared for occasional high price spikes.
Spot electricity is particularly suitable for detached houses with low heat loss and heating systems such as geothermal heating or air-source heat pumps. It is also a good choice for households that want to charge an electric vehicle using cheaper night-time electricity.
Fixed-term, fixed-price electricity contract for a detached house
A fixed-term, fixed-price contract is predictable and therefore a worry-free choice, especially for large electrically heated detached houses. The electricity price remains the same throughout the contract period, and there is no need to actively monitor price fluctuations as with spot electricity. This brings predictability to electricity bills.
A fixed-term contract differs from an open-ended contract in terms of duration: a fixed-term contract binds both parties for the agreed period.
Flexible electricity for a detached house - A middle ground between spot and fixed price
Flexible electricity refers to a hybrid electricity contract that combines the security of a fixed price with consumption-based flexibility. In a flexible electricity contract, the price consists of a fixed base price plus a consumption effect. The consumption effect increases or decreases the electricity price depending on how well you have timed your fifteen-minute electricity consumption relative to the monthly average spot price.
Flexible electricity is suitable for detached houses where spot electricity feels too complex, but where there is still a desire to influence the electricity bill by timing consumption. This hybrid model provides security through a fixed base price while still allowing price optimisation through consumption habits.
Open-Ended fixed-price contract for a detached house
An open-ended, fixed-price electricity contract offers flexibility in terms of contract duration. The contract does not tie you to a fixed term and can be terminated with a 14-day notice period if desired. This is a good option if you do not want to commit to a fixed-term contract.
Carbon-neutral electricity contracts for a detached house
An increasing number of detached house residents are choosing fossil free electricity contracts. A Fossil free electricity contract is an easy way to reduce the carbon footprint of your home without changing everyday habits.
Hehku’s electricity contracts include fossil-free options: choose the fixed-term, fixed-price Hehku Hiilivapaa for 12 or 24 months, or Hehku Hiilivapaa Spot. EKOenergy, recommended by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, is available as an add-on for all Hehku electricity contracts at an additional cost of 1.29 cents/kWh.
Why should you compare electricity contracts for a detached house?
It is worth comparing electricity contracts, for example, when a fixed-term contract is about to end, when electricity consumption or living arrangements change, or when market prices fluctuate significantly. Regular comparison helps ensure that your contract continues to meet your needs.
Summary: What is the best electricity contract for a detached house?
There is no universal answer to this question. The best electricity contract for a detached house is one that matches the household’s consumption, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. For one household, spot electricity may be the best option, while for another, a fixed-term contract provides peace of mind. The key is to understand your own needs and choose accordingly.
Whether you choose spot electricity, a fixed-term fixed-price contract, or an open-ended fixed-price contract, you will find a suitable option in Hehku’s selection. Our experts are happy to help you compare different options so you can find the best solution for your home.
View all our electricity contracts Our customer service is happy to help with contract selection