Are gas-only tariffs cheaper than dual fuel in the UK?
Often, not automatically. A gas-only tariff can look cheaper, but the best value depends on your electricity price, standing charges, usage and your supplier’s latest deals. Compare whole-of-market in minutes with EnergyPlus.
- See whether gas-only + separate electricity beats a single dual fuel deal
- Check standing charges, unit rates and exit fees side-by-side
- Switch online with support if you need it — for UK homes
Whole-of-market comparison for domestic customers. Prices vary by region, meter type and usage. Switching is subject to eligibility and supplier checks.
Compare gas-only vs dual fuel — using your postcode
In the UK, “cheapest” usually comes down to your combined annual cost: unit rates (p/kWh) plus standing charges (p/day) for both fuels. A gas-only tariff can sometimes be cheaper for gas, but you may lose a strong electricity deal, or pay higher standing charges across two suppliers.
Use the form to check whole-of-market options and see whether a dual fuel plan or separate gas + electricity tariffs works out best for your home.
Tip: If you’re on a smart meter, prepayment meter, or Economy 7/10, your best-value setup can differ from your neighbour’s even on the same street.
Quick answer: is gas-only cheaper than dual fuel?
Sometimes — but not as a rule. In the UK, dual fuel isn’t automatically cheaper, and gas-only isn’t automatically cheaper either. The best option depends on:
- Your usage split (how much gas vs electricity you use each year)
- Standing charges (you pay these regardless of usage, and they vary by region)
- Unit rates (p/kWh) on each tariff
- Meter type (credit, prepayment, smart, Economy 7)
- Tariff type (fixed vs variable, and any exit fees)
When gas-only can win
- You find a very competitive gas rate (or lower gas standing charge) from a different supplier
- Your electricity deal is already strong and you don’t want to change it
- You’re near the end of a fixed electricity tariff and want to avoid exit fees
When dual fuel can win
- A single supplier offers better combined pricing (even without a “dual fuel discount”)
- Lower overall standing charges or better rates for your region
- You prefer one bill, one app, one support team
If you want a clear answer for your home, the fastest route is to compare using your postcode and your current tariff details.
Gas-only vs dual fuel: key benefits and trade-offs
Potential savings
Splitting suppliers can unlock a cheaper rate on one fuel. Dual fuel can be cheaper if one supplier’s combined pricing beats two separate deals once standing charges are included.
Simplicity
Dual fuel is simpler: one direct debit, one account, and fewer moving parts. Gas-only means two bills and you must watch both renewals.
Risk management
On fixed tariffs, exit fees may apply. Splitting lets you fix one fuel and keep the other variable. Dual fuel can reduce admin but may tie both fuels to one renewal window.
Standing charges
You’ll pay a standing charge for each fuel regardless. The biggest “gotcha” is assuming a cheaper unit rate will win when standing charges differ significantly by supplier and region.
Customer service
If you prefer one point of contact, dual fuel may suit you. If you’re happy to manage two suppliers, gas-only can work well.
Home setup
All-electric homes won’t benefit from gas-only. If you have gas central heating, gas pricing matters — but electricity costs still affect appliances, cooking and (increasingly) EV charging.
How to tell what’s cheaper for your home (in 5 steps)
- Find your current prices. Note your gas and electricity unit rates (p/kWh), standing charges (p/day), and whether you’re on a fixed or variable tariff.
- Estimate annual usage. Use your annual statement, app, or recent bills. If you don’t have it, we can still compare using typical usage, but your result will be less precise.
- Compare like-for-like. Check the full cost across 12 months: (usage × unit rate) + (standing charge × 365) for each fuel.
- Check tariff conditions. Look for exit fees, price caps/guarantees, and whether prices change after an introductory period.
- Decide on convenience vs flexibility. Dual fuel is simpler; splitting suppliers can be more flexible if one market moves faster than the other.
Good to know: “Dual fuel discounts” are far less common than they used to be. Many suppliers now price competitively without an explicit discount, so the only reliable method is comparing total annual cost.
Ready to check your numbers? Use the comparison form to see whether gas-only or dual fuel looks best in your postcode.
What to compare: rates, standing charges and fees
If you’re deciding between a gas-only tariff and dual fuel, these are the fields that most often change the outcome.
| What to check | Gas-only (separate suppliers) | Dual fuel (one supplier) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas unit rate (p/kWh) | May be lower with a specialist deal, but compare against gas standing charge. | Can still be competitive; may be bundled into one account. |
| Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) | You’re free to choose the best electricity deal independently. | Could be higher or lower; check day/night rates if Economy 7. |
| Standing charges (p/day) | You will have two suppliers; charges are still per fuel, but differ by provider and region. | Still two standing charges (gas + electric), but one provider may be lower for your region. |
| Exit fees | You can avoid fees by switching only the fuel that’s out of contract. | You may face exit fees on both fuels if you leave mid-fix. |
| Billing & support | Two bills/apps; you manage two sets of customer service. | One bill/app; simpler admin, especially if you submit meter readings manually. |
A simple cost check you can do on a bill
To compare two setups, calculate annual cost for each fuel and add them together:
Annual cost = (Annual kWh × Unit rate) + (Standing charge × 365)
Do this for gas and electricity. The setup with the lower combined total is cheaper for you — regardless of whether it’s gas-only or dual fuel.
Common scenarios (UK households)
High gas use (gas heating)
You might be tempted by a gas-only deal. Still compare electricity carefully: a small increase in electricity unit rate can erase the gas saving, especially if you have an EV, tumble dryer, or work from home.
Low usage or small home
Standing charges can dominate. In these cases, a tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but lower standing charge may work out cheaper overall.
Economy 7 / storage heaters
Electricity pricing structure matters more than the “dual fuel” label. Ensure comparisons include day and night rates correctly.
Prepayment meter
Availability and pricing can differ. Compare specifically for prepay to see realistic options, and check any rules around smart prepay and top-ups.
UK factors that can change the result
Region and network costs
Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain due to local distribution costs. Always compare using your postcode.
Smart vs traditional meters
Some deals are available only for certain meter types. Smart meters can also support time-of-use pricing for electricity.
Payment method
Direct debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt-of-bill or prepayment. Make sure you compare on your preferred payment method.
Don’t forget: If you’re currently in a fixed tariff, switching either fuel early may trigger an exit fee. Comparing now still helps you plan the best time to switch.
FAQs: gas-only tariffs and dual fuel in the UK
Is dual fuel always cheaper in the UK?
No. Dual fuel can be cheaper, but pricing is set per fuel. The only reliable way to know is to compare the combined annual cost (gas + electricity) using your postcode and usage.
Can I have gas with one supplier and electricity with another?
Yes. Many UK households split fuels. You’ll manage two accounts, but you may gain flexibility if one supplier is strongest for gas and another for electricity.
Do suppliers still offer a “dual fuel discount”?
It’s less common than it used to be. Some suppliers may have incentives, but most of the time you’ll see separate gas and electricity rates. Focus on total cost and tariff terms, not the label.
What if I only have gas (no electricity) or only electricity (no gas)?
Most homes need electricity, so “gas-only” usually means you buy gas separately while still having electricity elsewhere. If your home is all-electric, dual fuel isn’t relevant — you’ll compare electricity-only tariffs.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your energy supply stays on. Your new supplier takes over the billing, and you’ll provide meter readings (or smart readings) for an accurate final bill.
What should I do before switching?
- Check if you’re in a fixed deal and whether exit fees apply
- Have a recent bill to hand to confirm your current rates
- Decide if you want fixed price certainty or flexible variable pricing
If you want help interpreting your bill, start with a postcode comparison and we’ll show you options that match your meter and payment method: compare now.
What people like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“It finally made sense why a cheaper gas rate didn’t save me money.”
Standing charges were the difference. Comparing the full annual cost helped me choose the better option.
UK homeowner
“Quick quote — and I liked seeing split vs dual fuel side-by-side.”
It wasn’t obvious from supplier sites. The comparison saved time.
Domestic customer
“Clear next steps and no confusion about my meter type.”
I’m on Economy 7 and needed a comparison that accounted for that properly.
UK household
Trust marker: We compare a wide range of UK home energy tariffs and show the details that matter — unit rates, standing charges and key terms — so you can make a confident choice.
Find out what’s cheaper for you — gas-only or dual fuel
Use your postcode to compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home and see the real annual cost (including standing charges).
Switching is optional. You’ll always see tariff details before you decide.
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