Should I switch to a gas-only tariff in the UK this month?

A practical, UK-specific guide to when gas-only makes sense (and when it doesn’t), with realistic examples, costs to watch, and a quick way to compare whole-of-market options.

  • Best for homes with electricity elsewhere (e.g. heat pump/electric heating) or separate suppliers by choice
  • Check standing charges, payment method and meter type before you switch
  • We show what to look for this month and how to compare safely
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Estimates only. Availability, unit rates and standing charges vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms and exit fees before switching.

Fast answer: switching to gas-only is usually worth considering when…

In the UK, a gas-only tariff can be a good move this month if you’re confident you won’t be penalised by higher standing charges, your meter type/payment method is supported, and your home’s set-up genuinely benefits from keeping gas separate.

It tends to suit you if

  • You have electric heating/heat pump and use gas mainly for cooking (or very low usage).
  • You want separate suppliers (e.g. you’re on an EV tariff for electricity but want a different gas deal).
  • You’re comparing tariffs where the gas unit rate + standing charge are clearly better than your current gas costs.
  • You can switch without exit fees (or the estimated benefit outweighs them).

It may not suit you if

  • You rely on gas for space heating and hot water and a bundled tariff is more competitive overall.
  • You’re on (or need) a specific set-up such as prepayment or have meter constraints that limit supplier choice.
  • Your new gas-only option has a high standing charge that wipes out any unit-rate savings.
  • You’re mid-way through a fixed tariff with a meaningful exit fee.
Quick rule of thumb: If your gas use is low, the standing charge matters more than the unit rate. If your gas use is high, both matter—so compare on annual estimated cost, not headline rates.

Compare gas-only tariffs (whole-of-market) and switch with confidence

Use our quote form to compare UK gas-only options available for your postcode and meter type. We’ll show tariffs by estimated annual cost and key terms (like contract length and exit fees) so you can make a clear decision.

What to check before switching this month

1) Your meter and payment method
Supplier availability can differ for smart meters, traditional meters and prepayment. Some deals are Direct Debit-only.
2) Standing charge versus your usage
If your gas usage is low (e.g. cooking only), a slightly cheaper unit rate may not help if the standing charge is higher.
3) Contract length and exit fees
Check if you’re in a fixed deal and what it costs to leave. If prices fall later, an exit fee can reduce flexibility.
4) Your electricity arrangement
If electricity is on a specialist tariff (EV, heat pump, tracker), keeping gas separate can be sensible—just compare the totals.
Switching basics (UK): You normally don’t need an engineer visit for a supplier switch. Your gas supply stays on; only billing and rates change. Timelines vary, and you’ll get final bills from your old supplier.

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Gas-only vs dual fuel: what you’re really comparing

Gas-only isn’t automatically cheaper. The best choice depends on how your home uses energy and how tariffs price standing charges and unit rates.

Decision factor Gas-only tariff Dual fuel (same supplier) Best for
Standing charges You pay a gas standing charge regardless. If you keep electricity elsewhere, you’ll also pay an electricity standing charge to that supplier. You still pay two standing charges (gas + electric), but billing is in one place and some tariffs price more competitively overall. Low gas users should scrutinise standing charge most.
Flexibility Lets you optimise electricity separately (EV/heat pump/time-of-use) while choosing the best gas price you can find. Simpler admin. But you may compromise if your best electricity deal is with a different provider. Households with specialist electricity needs may benefit from separate suppliers.
Billing & support Two suppliers can mean two apps, two bills and separate customer service routes. One point of contact for both fuels (helpful if you prefer simplicity). Anyone who values simplicity or wants fewer moving parts.
Best way to compare Compare gas-only by estimated annual cost at your postcode and usage. Compare the combined annual total for both fuels, including exit fees and discounts (if any). Always compare totals, not just a single headline rate.

Decision checklist (2 minutes)

Your home set-up

  • Do you use gas for heating, hot water, or mainly cooking?
  • Is your electricity on a special tariff (EV/TOU)?
  • Are you planning to move soon (tenants: check tenancy terms)?

Your tariff constraints

  • Any exit fees on your current gas tariff?
  • Payment method: Direct Debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment?
  • Meter: standard, smart, prepayment—does the new deal support it?

The numbers

  • Compare annual cost estimate using your usage (kWh) if possible.
  • Check standing charge first if you’re a low gas user.
  • Factor any exit fee into your “break-even”.
Tip: If you don’t know your gas usage, look at a recent bill for “kWh used” over a period. For a fast estimate, multiply your monthly kWh by 12 (but note winter use is typically higher).

Two realistic examples (with assumptions)

These examples use simplified numbers to show the trade-offs. Your actual prices depend on your region, payment method, meter type and the tariffs available at your address.

Scenario A: Low gas use (cooking only)

  • Home: Flat with electric heating; gas hob only
  • Annual gas use (assumed): 2,000 kWh
  • Current gas: 7.5p/kWh, 32p/day standing charge
  • Potential new gas-only: 6.8p/kWh, 36p/day standing charge

Estimated annual cost (current): (2,000 × £0.075) + (365 × £0.32) = £150 + £116.80 = £266.80

Estimated annual cost (new): (2,000 × £0.068) + (365 × £0.36) = £136 + £131.40 = £267.40

Result: despite a cheaper unit rate, the higher standing charge cancels it out. For low usage, gas-only can still be fine—but only if the standing charge is competitive.

Scenario B: Typical gas-heated home (higher use)

  • Home: 3-bed house, gas boiler
  • Annual gas use (assumed): 12,000 kWh
  • Current gas: 7.5p/kWh, 32p/day standing charge, no exit fee
  • Potential new gas-only: 6.6p/kWh, 32p/day standing charge

Estimated annual cost (current): (12,000 × £0.075) + (365 × £0.32) = £900 + £116.80 = £1,016.80

Estimated annual cost (new): (12,000 × £0.066) + (365 × £0.32) = £792 + £116.80 = £908.80

Result: a lower unit rate makes a clearer difference at higher usage. Next step would be checking whether switching gas-only affects how you want to handle electricity (and whether a dual-fuel deal beats the combined total).

Important: These examples don’t include any one-off charges (rare), potential exit fees, or changes to Direct Debit amounts. Treat them as a way to think, not a prediction.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

Most problems come from terms, meter set-up, or comparing the wrong thing. Here’s what to watch this month.

1) Standing charges can dominate low usage

If you use very little gas, a small standing charge difference can outweigh unit-rate savings. Always compare estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.

2) Exit fees and fixed-term conditions

If you’re in a fixed tariff, you might pay an exit fee to leave. Check your online account or latest bill and include it in your break-even calculation.

3) Prepayment and smart meter compatibility

Not every tariff is available for prepayment. Smart meter set-ups can affect what’s offered (and how readings are handled). If in doubt, choose “Not sure” and we’ll guide you.

4) Tenants: permission and billing responsibility

If you pay the bills, you can usually switch supplier. If bills are included in rent or the landlord controls the account, switching may not be possible without agreement.

Don’t get caught out: Some deals show attractive unit rates but have higher standing charges, limited eligibility (e.g. Direct Debit only), or conditions around discounts. Read the tariff information label/summary before you commit.

FAQs

Can I have different suppliers for gas and electricity in the UK?

Yes. Many households split suppliers. You’ll have separate bills and customer support, but you can optimise each fuel’s tariff if it suits your needs.

Will switching to gas-only affect my electricity tariff?

Switching gas-only won’t automatically change your electricity tariff, but check your current electricity deal for any conditions (for example, if it was marketed as a dual-fuel package). It’s wise to compare your combined annual cost either way.

Are there any downsides to a gas-only tariff?

Potential downsides include managing two suppliers, missing out on a better combined price, and paying higher standing charges than you’d expect. It can also be more complex for prepayment or certain meter configurations.

Is a gas-only tariff cheaper than dual fuel?

Not always. “Cheaper” depends on your usage, standing charges and what’s available at your postcode. Compare based on estimated annual cost (including standing charges) rather than assuming gas-only will save money.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Often yes, but your choice may be narrower and you may need to clear any debt with your current supplier first. Availability varies by supplier and region, so compare with your meter type in mind.

Do I need my MPRN to switch gas supplier?

Not usually. A postcode and address are often enough to start a comparison, but your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) can help ensure accuracy. You’ll find it on a gas bill.

When is the best time of month to switch?

There isn’t a universally “best” day. What matters is your current tariff end date, any exit fees, and getting accurate meter readings for final billing. If you’re on a fixed tariff, check when it ends and what you’ll pay to leave early.

What if I’m in credit or debit with my current supplier?

Your old supplier should produce a final bill after the switch. Credit is typically refunded (or can be moved depending on the supplier’s process). If you’re in debit, you’ll still need to pay the balance.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page ownership

How we assess “should I switch this month?”

We focus on factors that typically change outcomes for UK households:

  • Tariff structure: standing charge + unit rate, and contract terms.
  • Household profile: low vs high gas usage and whether electricity needs a specialist tariff.
  • Eligibility constraints: region, meter type (smart/standard/prepayment) and payment method.
  • Switch friction: exit fees, billing timing, and account administration with two suppliers.

Assumptions and limitations (please read)

  • Worked examples use assumed rates and usage to demonstrate trade-offs, not to predict your bill.
  • Rates and standing charges vary by gas distribution region, tariff availability, meter type and payment method.
  • Some suppliers offer tariffs that are limited by eligibility criteria (e.g. Direct Debit only) or by meter set-up.
  • We don’t promise savings. We aim to make comparison clearer so you can decide confidently.

Helpful UK sources

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026