Is it worth switching to a UK dual fuel tariff this winter?
Compare whole-of-market dual fuel tariffs for your home and see if switching gas & electricity together could cut costs or give you more certainty through winter.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not just a few suppliers)
- See fixed vs variable options side-by-side
- Check exit fees, standing charges and unit rates clearly
- Fast form — results tailored to your postcode
Home energy only. We’ll never ask for bank details to show quotes. Prices depend on usage, region and availability.
Compare dual fuel tariffs for your postcode
Winter bills are driven by two things: how much you use and the rates you pay. A dual fuel tariff can sometimes simplify bills and unlock better pricing — but it isn’t always the cheapest route. Use the form to see current options for your home and decide with confidence.
Tip: Have a recent bill handy. You’ll get the best estimate if you can enter (or check) your annual usage in kWh later — especially for gas over winter.
What you’ll get
- Whole-of-market view of available home tariffs
- Clear comparison of unit rates, standing charges and contract length
- Visibility of exit fees and key terms before you switch
- Options for fixed, variable and (where available) green tariffs
Prefer to read first? Jump to the winter switching guide or dual fuel explained.
Get quotes (home energy)
Complete the form to see tariffs available in your area.
Accessibility: If you’d rather not fill in the form online, use the page sections below to understand what to look for and come back when ready.
So… is it worth switching to dual fuel this winter?
It can be — if the combined deal is genuinely cheaper for your usage and region, or if it offers the kind of price certainty you want during the colder months. But a dual fuel tariff isn’t automatically best. In many cases, the cheapest approach is to pick the best electricity tariff and the best gas tariff separately.
Rule of thumb: Switch if the deal improves your overall annual cost (including standing charges and any exit fees), not just the headline unit rate.
When switching to dual fuel is often worth it
- You want one bill, one account and one customer service team.
- A supplier offers a meaningful dual fuel saving or cheaper standing charge combination for your postcode.
- You’re moving from a standard variable tariff to a competitive fixed rate and you’re comfortable with the term.
- You value budget certainty and can accept potential opportunity cost if prices fall.
When it may not be worth it
- Your electricity and gas best-buys are with different suppliers (common).
- You have exit fees on one fuel but not the other.
- You’re on (or need) a specialist setup such as Economy 7/10, smart tariffs, or complex metering.
- You’re close to moving home — switching both fuels can be unnecessary admin.
Key benefits of a dual fuel tariff (and what to watch)
One account, fewer headaches
Single login, one set of direct debit dates and (often) one statement. Useful if you’re juggling winter budgeting or moving from paper bills to online management.
Potential bundle savings
Some suppliers apply dual fuel discounts, but they’re not guaranteed. Always compare total annual cost using your likely kWh usage.
Easier support if something goes wrong
If there’s a billing issue or meter query, you only need to chase one supplier — but check service reputation and complaint levels.
Fixed-rate certainty (if right for you)
A fixed dual fuel tariff can protect you from price rises during the contract. The trade-off: you may miss out if prices drop.
Less admin at renewals
One renewal date can be simpler than tracking two separate contracts — especially for households with changing winter usage.
Watch: standing charges and exit fees
A ‘cheap unit rate’ can be offset by higher standing charges. And exiting a fixed deal early can add fees — sometimes on both fuels.
Dual fuel explained: what you’re actually switching
A dual fuel tariff means you buy both gas and electricity from the same supplier under one combined product (often with aligned contract terms). It doesn’t change your meters or your energy — just who bills you and at what rates.
What stays the same
- Your supply continues during the switch
- Your home’s wiring and pipework
- Ofgem protections and consumer rights
- Your meter readings matter (smart or manual)
What can change
- Unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
- Contract length and exit fees
- How bills are presented and when you pay
- Customer support and online account tools
Fixed vs variable in winter: what matters most
| Feature | Fixed dual fuel tariff | Variable dual fuel tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Price changes | Rates typically stay the same for the contract term. | Rates can change (e.g. supplier changes or market conditions). |
| Exit fees | Often apply if you leave early (check for both fuels). | Often none, but always verify terms. |
| Best for | Households wanting predictability over winter budgeting. | Flexibility and the ability to switch quickly if a better deal appears. |
| Risk to watch | You could be locked in above-market if prices fall. | Costs could rise at a time when usage is highest. |
Winter switching checklist (5 steps)
- Check your current tariff end date. If you’re near the end of a fix, you may be able to line up a new deal without exit fees.
- Look for exit fees and cooling-off terms. Factor fees into any savings calculation — and keep a record of your current supplier’s terms.
- Estimate your usage realistically. Gas usage typically rises sharply in winter. Use annual kWh if possible rather than monthly spend.
- Compare total annual cost, not just the unit rate. Standing charges can make a big difference — especially for low-usage homes or flats.
- Submit accurate opening readings. When you switch, correct readings help avoid billing disputes between old and new suppliers.
Quick action: If you’ve got your postcode now, you can compare dual fuel tariffs here and then use this checklist to sanity-check the best results.
Costs & savings: what to compare on a dual fuel tariff
Two tariffs can look similar but cost very different amounts once you account for standing charges and your household’s winter consumption. Use the table below to compare like-for-like.
| What to check | Why it matters in winter | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) | Electric usage may rise with lighting, tumble dryers and electric heating. | Compare using annual electricity kWh where possible. |
| Gas unit rate (p/kWh) | Heating and hot water drive most winter spend. | Prioritise total cost impact if you’re a high gas user. |
| Standing charges (p/day) | You pay these regardless of usage — they can dominate for low-use homes. | Add both fuels’ standing charges into your annual total. |
| Exit fees | If a better deal appears mid-winter, fees can stop you switching. | Treat exit fees as a ‘switching cost’ when calculating savings. |
| Payment method | Direct debit, prepayment and receipt of bills can affect eligibility and pricing. | Choose tariffs that match how you prefer to pay. |
| Tariff type (fixed/variable) | Winter is when volatility hurts most if prices rise. | Decide whether certainty or flexibility is your priority. |
Regional pricing: why your postcode matters
Energy prices vary by region due to network costs. A tariff that looks great in one area can be less competitive in another — which is why the comparison starts with your postcode.
Low usage vs high usage homes
If you use less energy (e.g. small flat, out of the house often), standing charges may have a bigger effect. If you use more (e.g. larger family home), unit rates tend to matter more.
Common winter switching mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Comparing monthly spend instead of kWh
Bills vary with weather and behaviour. If you compare on monthly cost alone, you can choose a tariff that looks cheaper but isn’t for your actual usage.
Fix: Use annual kWh from your bill (or a best estimate) and compare total annual cost.
Ignoring standing charges
Standing charges can make ‘cheap’ unit rates expensive overall, particularly for low-use homes or second properties.
Fix: Add standing charges for both fuels into your annual cost comparison.
Overlooking exit fees on one fuel
It’s common for households to be tied into electricity but not gas (or vice versa). Switching both can trigger fees unexpectedly.
Fix: Check both contracts. Consider switching only the fuel that saves you money now.
Choosing a tariff that doesn’t match your meter
Some homes have Economy 7, smart meters, or prepayment meters. Not every tariff is compatible or beneficial.
Fix: Confirm meter type and whether the tariff supports it before switching.
FAQs: switching to a dual fuel tariff in the UK
Will my energy go off when I switch?
No. Switching supplier doesn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. The process is administrative — your meters continue to work as normal.
Is dual fuel always cheaper than separate suppliers?
No. Some suppliers offer bundle savings, but the best electricity tariff and best gas tariff can often be with different providers. Compare both scenarios and choose the lower total annual cost.
What information do I need to compare accurately?
At minimum: your postcode and whether you want dual fuel. For best accuracy, also have:
- Your annual usage in kWh (gas and electricity)
- Your current supplier and tariff name (if known)
- Whether you have a smart meter and/or Economy 7
Can I switch in winter, or should I wait until spring?
You can switch at any time. If you’re on expensive rates, switching sooner may reduce costs during the highest-usage months. The key is to check exit fees and compare the full annual cost, not just winter months.
How do I know if a fixed tariff is right for me?
A fixed tariff can suit you if you prefer predictable payments and you’re comfortable staying for the term (or paying exit fees to leave). If you want flexibility to move quickly, a variable tariff may be better — but it can change price.
Does dual fuel mean I’ll get a single smart meter?
No. Gas and electricity are metered separately. A dual fuel tariff simply means the same supplier bills you for both fuels.
If you’re still unsure, start with a postcode comparison. It’s the fastest way to see whether dual fuel is competitive for your area: compare dual fuel tariffs.
Trusted, whole-of-market comparison
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare home energy tariffs with clarity. We focus on what changes your bill in real life — unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees — so you can make a decision that holds up through winter.
“Clear, easy to compare”
“I could finally see the standing charges next to the unit rates. Helped us decide whether dual fuel was actually cheaper.”
— Homeowner, England
“Good for winter budgeting”
“We wanted predictable costs going into the colder months. Comparing fixed options in one place made it straightforward.”
— Couple, Scotland
“No nonsense”
“It didn’t push me into dual fuel — it showed when separate suppliers were cheaper too.”
— Renter, Wales
Ready to check if dual fuel is worth it for your home?
Get tailored quotes for your postcode and compare fixed and variable dual fuel tariffs in minutes. No jargon — just the numbers that affect your winter bills.
- Compare total annual cost
- Review standing charges and exit fees
- Switch with confidence
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