Gas and Electricity Comparisons in the United Kingdom

In the UK, most households and businesses can freely choose their gas and electricity suppliers. The networks that physically deliver energy to your property stay the same – only the company that bills you and sets your tariff changes.

When you compare gas and electricity, you’re looking at the total cost of your energy over a year based on:

• Unit rate (kWh price) – what you pay for each kilowatt hour of gas or electricity used.
• Standing charge – a daily fee for keeping your connection live, billed even if you use no energy.
• Contract type and length – fixed rate, variable rate or special tariffs with extra conditions.
• Payment method and billing – e.g. monthly Direct Debit, prepayment or traditional bills.

What is Dual Fuel?

Dual fuel means taking both your gas and electricity from the same supplier under one combined contract. Many providers advertise dual fuel discounts or simplified billing when you choose this option.

Benefits of Dual Fuel

• Single point of contact and one monthly bill.
• Often access to special dual fuel tariffs or rewards.
• Easier to track and manage your overall energy spend.

When Separate Deals Can Be Better

In some cases, the cheapest option is to choose gas from one supplier and electricity from another. This can be worthwhile if one provider is particularly competitive for a single fuel.

Reasons to Compare Single Fuel Tariffs

• You have very high electricity or gas usage compared with the other fuel.
• You prefer a specialist green electricity tariff but standard gas.
• A promotional offer is only available for one specific fuel.

Always run comparisons both ways – dual fuel vs separate – to see which gives you the lowest projected annual cost.

Home Energy Comparisons

Households in the UK typically choose from a range of standard, fixed and variable tariffs. Domestic comparisons focus on annual spend, payment method, and whether the deal fits your lifestyle.

• Suitable for homeowners, tenants and landlords.
• Smaller usage volumes than most businesses.
• Often more emphasis on green tariffs and customer rewards.

Smart meters and time-of-use tariffs (such as off-peak or EV charging tariffs) are becoming more common in domestic comparisons.

Business Energy Comparisons

Business gas and electricity contracts work differently from domestic deals. Tariffs are typically tailored to your consumption profile, meter type and business size.

• Contract lengths can be longer, often 1–3 years or more.
• Pricing is usually bespoke and based on detailed usage data.
• Additional options like half-hourly metering for larger sites.

If you run a business or manage multiple sites, it is often worth getting expert help to tender your supply, negotiate terms and manage renewals.

Is it really worth switching gas and electricity supplier?

For many homes and businesses, yes. If you have not switched in a while, there is a good chance you are on a default or out-of-contract rate, which can be significantly more expensive than the best available deals. Even small differences in unit rates can add up over a year, especially if your usage is high.

Will my gas or electricity supply be interrupted when I switch?

No. The physical supply of gas and electricity to your property is managed by regional network operators, not by the supplier you choose. When you switch, the change is administrative and handled behind the scenes. Your meters stay where they are, and your energy continues to flow as normal.

How long does an energy switch take in the UK?

Most domestic switches complete within 5 working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee, although this can vary. Business energy switches can take longer, depending on meter type, contracts and notice periods. You will receive confirmation from your new supplier with your go-live date.

Do I need a smart meter to compare gas and electricity?

No, you can compare tariffs using the information from your existing bills. However, smart meters can provide more accurate and frequent usage data, which helps you understand your consumption patterns and choose tariffs that better match your needs.

What if I am on a prepayment meter?

You can still compare and switch prepayment tariffs in most cases. Some suppliers may also offer to replace your prepayment meter with a credit or smart meter if you pass their eligibility checks. Comparing is especially important for prepayment customers, as prices and standing charges can vary widely.

Can I switch if I am in debt to my current supplier?

Domestic customers who owe money to their supplier can sometimes still switch, depending on the amount owed and how long the debt has been outstanding. Rules also differ for prepayment and credit meters. If you are in debt, it is worth talking to your current supplier and seeking independent advice before switching.

Comparing tariffs helps you pay less for each unit of gas and electricity, but reducing the number of units you use is just as important. Simple efficiency improvements can deliver quick savings:

• Upgrade to LED lighting throughout your home or premises.
• Service your boiler regularly and bleed radiators to improve efficiency.
• Use smart thermostats or timers to avoid heating empty rooms.
• Unplug standby appliances and use energy-saving modes where possible.

For businesses, energy management and monitoring can reveal hidden waste:

• Install sub-metering to understand which areas use the most energy.
• Review operating hours for machinery, HVAC and lighting systems.
• Train staff on energy awareness and introduce simple policies.
• Consider energy audits or ISO 50001 energy management systems for larger sites.

Combining tariff comparisons with sensible efficiency measures maximises your savings and reduces your carbon footprint.