Should I switch to a gas-only tariff to save money?
A UK-focused guide to when gas-only can reduce hassle (and when it can cost more) — updated for the 1 July 2026 price-cap rise. Compare your options, understand the trade-offs, and switch with confidence.
- Clear decision guide for households with gas heating and separate electricity deals
- Realistic examples with numbers (and the assumptions behind them), benchmarked to the new cap
- Common pitfalls: standing charges, exit fees, meter type, and payment method
Estimates only. Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms, unit rates and standing charges before you switch.
Fast answer: gas-only can help — but it doesn’t automatically save money
Switching to a gas-only tariff can be a good move if your current gas deal has high unit rates/standing charge, or if you want to keep electricity on a different (better) tariff. But whether you save depends on the gas standing charge, your annual gas use, and whether leaving your current tariff triggers exit fees.
This matters more than usual right now: the Ofgem price cap is £1,663/year (typical dual-fuel direct debit), with cap gas at 7.33p/kWh and a 29.04p/day standing charge. If you are on a standard variable tariff, your gas costs are about to climb — so it is a sensible moment to check whether a separate, cheaper gas deal beats your current arrangement. Note that the roughly 40% of households on fixed tariffs are not affected by the cap rise.
When gas-only is most likely to help
- You have mains gas and use a fair amount (typical gas-heated home).
- Your gas standing charge is high and alternatives are lower.
- You want to keep electricity on a specific tariff (e.g., EV tariff, heat-pump-friendly tariff, tracker, or a cheaper fixed) that’s not available as dual fuel.
- Your current deal has no exit fee (or the saving outweighs it).
When it often doesn’t help
- You use very little gas (standing charge dominates the bill).
- Your supplier offers a dual fuel discount or simpler admin you value.
- You’re on a fixed tariff with a meaningful exit fee and only a small potential saving.
- You have prepayment constraints or meter issues that reduce tariff choice.
Important: There isn’t usually a “bundle discount” big enough to outweigh higher unit rates. The best value often comes from picking the best gas deal and best electricity deal separately — but not always. The only way to know is to compare total estimated annual cost for your home and payment method.
What’s changed for gas-only in mid-2026: with the cap gas unit rate at 7.33p/kWh, a competitive fixed gas deal below the cap can now save more than it did under the lower April–June cap. But the cap gas standing charge of 29.04p/day means low-usage homes still see standing charges dominate — so the “is it worth it” answer hinges on your annual gas kWh more than ever.
How a gas-only tariff works (UK)
A gas-only tariff is simply a gas supply contract where your electricity remains with your current supplier (or on a separate electricity-only tariff elsewhere). You’ll still have:
- One gas standing charge (daily fixed cost — 29.04p/day at the current cap)
- One gas unit rate (pence per kWh you use — 7.33p/kWh at the cap)
- Potentially different billing dates and Direct Debit amounts vs your electricity
The trade-offs to understand before switching
- 1) Two suppliers = two accounts
- More admin (two apps, two bills). For some households that’s a fair price for cheaper energy; for others simplicity wins.
- 2) Standing charges matter more than people expect
- If you use little gas (e.g., only cooking), the standing charge can be the biggest part of your bill — at the current cap that’s 29.04p/day (about £106/year) before you burn a single kWh, making “cheap unit rates” less relevant.
- 3) Eligibility depends on meter type and payment method
- Some tariffs are restricted for prepayment meters or certain smart meter setups. Regional network factors can also affect prices.
- 4) Exit fees can erase short-term savings
- If you’re on a fixed deal, check whether leaving early triggers an exit fee for gas, electricity, or both.
Quick check: If your home is electric-only (no mains gas supply), a gas-only tariff isn’t relevant — focus on electricity tariffs and, if needed, Economy 7/10 or heat-pump/EV options.
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Tip: If you have a smart meter or prepayment meter, mention it when comparing. It can affect which tariffs you can actually switch to.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative estimates benchmarked against the 1 July 2026 cap (gas 7.33p/kWh, 29.04p/day) to show what changes the outcome. Actual rates vary by region, supplier, meter type and when you switch.
Scenario A: Typical gas-heated home (gas-only helps)
- Gas use: 12,000 kWh/year
- Current gas (cap SVT, 1 Jul 2026): 7.33p/kWh, 29.04p/day standing charge
- New fixed gas-only (illustrative): 6.6p/kWh, 28p/day standing charge
- Exit fee: £0
| Gas cost element | Current (cap) | New (fixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (kWh) | 12,000 × £0.0733 = £879.60 | 12,000 × £0.066 = £792.00 |
| Standing charge | 365 × £0.2904 = £105.99 | 365 × £0.28 = £102.20 |
| Estimated annual gas total | £985.59 | £894.20 |
Estimated change: about £91/year less for gas by beating the cap unit rate. Electricity could stay put if it’s already competitive.
Scenario B: Low gas use flat (gas-only often doesn’t help)
- Gas use: 3,100 kWh/year (e.g., cooking + limited heating)
- Current gas (cap SVT, 1 Jul 2026): 7.33p/kWh, 29.04p/day standing charge
- New fixed gas-only (illustrative): 6.9p/kWh, 30p/day standing charge
- Exit fee: £50
| Gas cost element | Current (cap) | New (fixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (kWh) | 3,100 × £0.0733 = £227.23 | 3,100 × £0.069 = £213.90 |
| Standing charge | 365 × £0.2904 = £105.99 | 365 × £0.30 = £109.50 |
| Exit fee (one-off) | £0 | £50 |
| Estimated first-year total | £333.22 | £373.40 |
Estimated change: about £40/year more in year one because the higher standing charge and the exit fee outweigh the small unit-rate saving.
What to take from the examples: the lower your gas usage, the more your decision hinges on standing charge and exit fees, not the headline unit rate — and at the current cap the 29.04p/day gas standing charge alone is roughly £106 a year.
Gas-only vs dual fuel: side-by-side comparison
| What you care about | Gas-only (separate electricity) | Dual fuel (same supplier) |
|---|---|---|
| Potential to minimise total cost | Often higher, because you can pick best-in-market for each fuel. | Sometimes good, but you may compromise on one fuel’s rates. |
| Convenience (one bill / one app) | Lower convenience (two accounts, two DDs). | Highest convenience (one account). |
| Exposure to the current cap rise | You can move just gas onto a fixed deal to dodge the cap rise while keeping a good electricity tariff. | If your dual-fuel deal is a cap-tracking SVT, both fuels rise together. |
| Exit fees risk | You can switch just gas, but still check gas exit fees. | Leaving one fuel might affect the bundle; check both fuels’ fees/terms. |
| Best for EV / special electricity tariffs | Strong fit: keep a specialist electricity tariff and still shop gas. | Depends: supplier may not offer the electricity tariff you want. |
Decision checklist (quick)
- Do you know your annual gas usage (kWh) from a bill?
- What is your current gas standing charge (p/day) vs the 29.04p/day cap level?
- Are you on a fixed tariff with an exit fee?
- Are you Direct Debit, standard credit, or prepayment?
- Any meter constraints (smart meter issues, prepay, Economy 7 for electric)?
Who gas-only tends to suit (and who it doesn’t)
Often suits: households with gas central heating who want a better gas deal — especially anyone wanting to fix below the current cap — while keeping electricity on a strong tariff.
Often doesn’t: very low gas-use homes, or anyone who values a single supplier more than a modest price difference.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Standing charges
A lower unit rate can look great, but a higher standing charge can cancel it out—especially for low gas usage. At the current cap the gas standing charge is 29.04p/day. Always compare the estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.
Exit fees and fixed terms
If you’re in a fixed term, check your tariff information (or online account) for exit fees. If the fee is larger than your likely saving, it may be better to wait.
Payment method differences
Tariffs can vary by Direct Debit, standard credit or prepayment. Make sure you compare like-for-like for your payment method.
Meter type & switching limits
Some deals aren’t available for certain meter setups (including prepay). If you have a smart meter, it should keep working after switching, but occasional interoperability issues can happen.
Regional pricing
Energy prices can vary by region (your local electricity distribution area affects electricity rates; gas can vary too). The cap headline of £1,663 is a typical-use national figure — always use your postcode when comparing.
Intro deals & future changes
Some tariffs have introductory prices or change at renewal. If you pick separate suppliers, keep a note of end dates so you can review both fuels on time.
Not sure what you’re on? Find your unit rates and standing charges on your bill under “Tariff Information” or “Your tariff”. If you can’t find your annual kWh usage, look for a line such as “Gas used (kWh) in last 12 months”.
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FAQs
Does the current price cap change whether gas-only is worth it?
It can tip the balance. the cap is £1,663/year, with gas at 7.33p/kWh and a 29.04p/day standing charge. If you are on a cap-tracking standard variable tariff, your gas costs rise — so a fixed gas-only deal priced below the cap can save more than before. Low-usage homes still need to watch the standing charge, which dominates a small bill.
Is dual fuel always cheaper than gas-only?
No. Dual fuel is mainly a convenience choice. Some suppliers may price dual fuel competitively, but savings depend on the specific gas and electricity rates (including standing charges) available to you.
Can I switch gas and keep my electricity supplier?
Yes, in most cases. You can hold separate gas and electricity suppliers. You’ll just have separate bills and Direct Debits (unless you pay by other methods).
Will I lose supply when I switch gas-only?
You normally shouldn’t. Switching is an administrative process. If you’re moving supplier, your gas supply should remain on while the account is transferred. If anything looks wrong, contact your current and new supplier promptly.
What if I have a prepayment meter?
You may have fewer tariff options, and some suppliers may require specific meter arrangements. It’s still worth comparing, but make sure you choose deals that are available for prepayment customers in your area.
Does having two suppliers affect the energy price cap?
The price cap (where applicable) relates to standard variable/default tariffs and is set by Ofgem — it is £1,663/year for typical use. Having one or two suppliers doesn’t change the cap itself, but it does change which tariffs you’re on and what you pay.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN to compare or switch?
Not always. Your postcode and address can be enough to start a comparison. Your MPRN (gas) and MPAN (electricity) can help avoid errors, and you can find them on your bill.
If I rent, can I switch to a gas-only tariff?
Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy allows you to choose supplier. If bills are included in rent, your landlord may control the supply contract.
What should I check on the tariff before switching?
Check the unit rate, standing charge, tariff length, exit fees, and whether prices are fixed or variable. If you’re keeping electricity separate, check your electricity tariff end date too.
Trust, how we assess this, and sources
Page details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: June 2026
We aim to keep guidance accurate and practical. If you spot something that looks out of date, please compare against your latest bill and supplier terms.
How we assess whether gas-only saves money
We focus on total estimated annual cost, not just headline rates. For a fair comparison, we consider:
- Annual kWh usage for gas (and electricity if comparing dual fuel totals)
- Unit rate (p/kWh) + standing charge (p/day), benchmarked to the prevailing Ofgem cap
- Exit fees and fixed-term end dates
- Payment method (Direct Debit / standard credit / prepayment)
- Meter type (smart / traditional / prepayment) and eligibility constraints
Limitations: Our examples don’t include every possible tariff feature (e.g., time-of-use electricity). Always confirm rates and terms in the supplier’s tariff information before switching.
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