Gas-only tariffs UK (August 2026 guide)
Compare gas-only deals for homes with a separate gas supply or a gas prepayment meter. With the price cap rising — and gas the main driver — here’s how to check your rate, beat the current cap and switch by postcode.
- Built for UK households (tenants and homeowners) — not business energy
- Works for standard credit, direct debit and prepayment (where available)
- Clear checks for meter type, exit fees and eligibility before you switch
Estimates only. Availability, prices and timings vary by postcode, meter type and payment method.
Gas-only tariffs: the fast answer
A gas-only tariff supplies just your home’s gas (not electricity). It’s the right comparison if you have a separate gas supplier, a gas prepayment meter, or your electricity is handled separately (for example, a landlord or communal supply). The Ofgem cap on the gas unit rate rises to 7.33p/kWh with a 29.04p/day standing charge — a roughly 24% jump in gas that is the single biggest driver of this cap rise.
- Capped gas (Standard Variable) is rising about 24% from 1 July — electricity rises only about 5%.
- Only Standard Variable tariffs follow the cap. If you’re on a fixed gas deal, your rate is locked until it ends.
- The fastest way to beat the rise is to compare a fixed gas-only deal by postcode now and lock your unit rate.
What usually changes your price
Unit rate (p/kWh), standing charge (p/day), payment method (DD vs credit vs prepay), and meter type (smart/standard).
When switching makes sense
If you’re out of contract on the capped Standard Variable rate, your current deal has high standing charges, or you want to lock in a fixed rate under the current price cap.
What to check before you apply
Exit fees, debt on the meter, your MPRN (gas supply number), and whether your property is on mains gas.
Good to know: In Great Britain, if you have a domestic gas supply, your prices on a Standard Variable tariff are constrained by the Ofgem price cap. the capped gas unit rate is 7.33p/kWh plus 29.04p/day standing charge. Your actual quote still depends on region, payment method and tariff terms.
the current price cap and what it means for gas-only customers
Ofgem confirmed that the energy price cap rose to £1,663/year for a typical dual-fuel direct debit household. Crucially for gas-only homes, gas is doing most of the work: the capped gas unit rate climbs about 24%, while electricity rises only about 5%, both driven by higher wholesale gas costs.
| Capped rate (Standard Variable, DD) | Change | |
|---|---|---|
| Gas unit rate | 7.33p/kWh | Up about 24% |
| Gas standing charge | 29.04p/day | Higher |
| Electricity unit rate (for context) | 26.11p/kWh | Up about 5% |
| Electricity standing charge (for context) | 57.19p/day | Higher |
Source: Ofgem default tariff cap, 1 July to 30 September 2026, typical direct-debit rates. Prepayment is £1,812/yr and on-receipt-of-bill £2,005/yr at the dual-fuel level; your gas-only figure depends on your usage and region.
Are fixed gas deals affected?
No. The cap only sets the Standard Variable rate. Around 40% of accounts are on fixed tariffs and are unaffected by the July rise until their deal ends. If a fixed gas-only rate today sits below the current cap, fixing now locks in the saving.
Will gas prices fall again?
The next cap review takes effect 1 October 2026. analysts including Cornwall Insight currently forecast roughly £1,701–£1,747/year for the typical dual-fuel household in October — broadly flat, not a sharp fall — so there’s no guarantee waiting will help.
Smart move: if you took a gas meter reading on 30 June, it capped your old-rate usage. That way your supplier bills usage up to that date at the cheaper pre-July cap, and only gas used from 1 July is charged at the new higher rate.
Get your gas-only quote
Tell us a few details and we’ll show gas-only options available for your home. We use your postcode to check regional pricing and meter compatibility, and to flag any fixed deal priced below the 1 July cap.
- Whole-of-market comparison approach (where suppliers and products are available to compare)
- Clear results: estimated costs, tariff type, key terms
- No confusing jargon — with links to what each term means
Tip: If you have a recent bill, look for your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number). It helps suppliers match the right gas meter and avoid delays.
Start your comparison
Who actually needs a gas-only tariff?
Most homes buy gas and electricity together, so a gas-only comparison is the right tool only in specific situations. You probably want gas-only if any of these describe you:
Separate suppliers for gas and electricity
You inherited two different suppliers (common after a house move) and want to switch the gas without touching your electricity.
Electricity is in the rent or communal
Your landlord or building handles electricity (or a communal supply), but the gas account is in your name and you pay it.
Gas prepayment meter
You top up a gas key, card or app and want the best PAYG gas rate, ideally without changing your electricity arrangement.
If you can switch both fuels: a dual-fuel comparison is usually simpler and can be cheaper because of combined standing-charge and discount structures. Gas-only is about flexibility when your electricity is fixed in place — not always the lowest possible total.
How gas-only switching works (UK)
1) Confirm you have a mains gas supply
Not every home is on mains gas. If you use oil, LPG cylinders or communal heating, a gas-only tariff won’t apply.
2) Check your meter type
Standard or smart, credit or prepay. Some deals are limited to certain meter or payment types.
3) Compare on total annual cost, not just the unit rate
Standing-charge differences matter a lot if you use less gas (for example, a flat with mild heating needs). With the gas cap up about 24% from 1 July, a sub-cap fixed unit rate is worth more than ever.
4) Apply, take a 30 June reading, and keep paying your old supplier
You’ll normally keep paying as usual until the switch completes. Submit a meter reading on 30 June so the cheaper cap covers usage to that date, and keep readings if requested even with a smart meter.
Timeframes: Switching times can vary. Some changes are quick, but delays can happen (for example, mismatched address details, meter data issues, or debt/prepayment restrictions).
Compare gas-only options (what to look at)
The best gas-only tariff for you depends on how much gas you use, your payment method, and whether you want price certainty at the new 1 July cap level. Use the table to quickly narrow down what suits you.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Variable (SVT) | Flexibility and no fixed end date; often the default after a fixed deal ends. | Follows the price cap, so the gas rate rises to 7.33p/kWh. Rarely the cheapest right now. | Standing charge, unit rate, payment method pricing, customer service. |
| Fixed gas-only | Beating the 1 July rise — locks your unit rate for a set term (e.g. 12 months), protected from cap increases. | May include exit fees. Not always available for every meter type. Check the fixed rate is actually below the current cap. | Exit fees, term length, what happens at end of term, standing charge. |
| Prepayment (PAYG) | If you top up as you go (key/card/app). Useful for tight budgeting. | Has its own (slightly lower) cap level. Debt recovery can be taken from top-ups; fewer tariff choices in some areas. | Friendly credit/emergency credit rules, standing charge, top-up options. |
Table is a general guide. Specific tariff terms vary by supplier and may change. Rates verified July 2026.
Quick decision checklist
- Gas-only is likely to suit you if…
- You can’t (or don’t want to) bundle electricity with the same supplier, or your electricity is handled separately (landlord/communal supply).
- It may not be the best route if…
- You want a single bill for gas and electricity and you’re free to switch both — a dual-fuel comparison can be simpler and often cheaper.
- Extra checks worth doing
- Are there exit fees? Are you in debt? Is your name and address correct with the current supplier (especially in flats)?
Two cost scenarios at the July 2026 capped gas rate (illustrative)
These examples use the 1 July 2026 capped gas rate (7.33p/kWh + 29.04p/day) to show how a Standard Variable bill stacks up. They are not predictions of your bill — a sub-cap fixed deal could cost less.
Scenario A: low gas use (small flat)
- Assumed annual use: 6,000 kWh
- Capped unit rate: 7.33p/kWh
- Capped standing charge: 29.04p/day
Estimated annual cost: (6,000 × £0.0733) + (365 × £0.2904) = £545.79
Scenario B: higher gas use (family home)
- Assumed annual use: 12,000 kWh
- Capped unit rate: 7.33p/kWh
- Capped standing charge: 29.04p/day
Estimated annual cost: (12,000 × £0.0733) + (365 × £0.2904) = £985.59
Why these numbers matter: When usage is low, a higher standing charge can offset a cheaper unit rate. When usage is high, the unit rate usually matters more — so a fixed rate below 7.33p/kWh saves more the more gas you burn.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (gas-only)
Most problems when switching gas-only come from meter details, payment-type restrictions, or misunderstanding what a tariff includes. Here’s what to watch for.
Standing charge vs low usage
If you barely use gas in summer, you still pay the 29.04p/day standing charge. Comparing on annual cost is often fairer than focusing on unit rates alone.
Exit fees on fixed tariffs
Some fixed gas-only deals charge a fee if you leave early. Always check tariff terms if you might move home soon — but a small exit fee can still be worth it to escape the rising cap.
Prepayment debt & restrictions
If there’s debt on the meter/account, switching can be restricted. Debt may also be collected from top-ups depending on your setup.
Not on mains gas? (Oil, LPG, heat networks)
Gas-only tariffs are for mains gas supplies. If you’re on heating oil, LPG (bottles/tank), or a district/communal heat network, you’ll need a different kind of comparison.
Check: If you have a gas boiler and a gas meter, you’re typically on mains gas. If you’re unsure, your bill or meter cupboard labels often confirm it.
Address mismatches (common in flats)
If your flat number/building name isn’t recorded consistently, switching can stall. Using the MPRN from your bill helps reduce this risk.
Best practice: Keep a photo of your gas meter serial number and a recent meter reading when you apply.
Important: If someone else is responsible for the gas bill (e.g. landlord/heat network), you may not be able to switch. Check your tenancy agreement and who the current account holder is.
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Gas-only tariffs: FAQs
1) Does the current price cap affect gas-only customers?
Yes, if you’re on a Standard Variable gas tariff. the capped gas unit rate rises to 7.33p/kWh plus a 29.04p/day standing charge — about a 24% increase in gas. If you’re on a fixed gas deal, your rate is protected until that deal ends.
2) Why is gas rising so much more than electricity?
Both are driven by higher wholesale gas costs, but gas feeds through to the gas unit rate almost directly, so the capped gas rate climbs about 24% while electricity rises only about 5%. That makes the July rise especially significant for gas-heavy and gas-only homes.
3) Should I fix my gas tariff under the current price cap?
If a fixed gas-only deal is priced below the current cap (7.33p/kWh gas unit rate), fixing now locks in the lower rate and shields you from the increase. Check any exit fees and the term length first, then compare by postcode to see what’s actually available to you.
4) Will gas prices fall later in 2026?
The next cap change takes effect on 1 October 2026. analysts including Cornwall Insight currently forecast roughly £1,701–£1,747/year for a typical dual-fuel home in October — broadly flat rather than a sharp fall — so waiting is not guaranteed to save you money.
5) Can I have different suppliers for gas and electricity?
Yes. Many UK households have separate suppliers. You can switch your gas without changing your electricity, as long as you’re the account holder and the supply is eligible to switch.
6) Do gas-only tariffs exist for prepayment meters?
Often, yes — but choice can be more limited than direct debit. Prepayment has its own cap level (the dual-fuel prepay figure is £1,812/yr from 1 July). Some suppliers restrict deals by meter type, and debt arrangements can affect whether you can switch.
7) What information do I need to switch gas?
Usually your address, postcode, and your payment preference. Having your MPRN (from a bill) and your meter serial number can help resolve mismatches, especially in flats. A recent bill or your annual usage in kWh gives the most accurate quote.
8) Will I lose gas supply during the switch?
No. A supplier switch is an administrative change, so your gas supply continues as normal. Issues are rare, but delays can happen if details don’t match or there’s a meter data problem.
If your situation is unusual (communal heating, multiple meters, recent home move), get a quote anyway and we’ll highlight what needs checking before you switch.
Trust, editorial standards and transparency
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last reviewed
- July 2026 — rates verified July 2026 against the Ofgem cap.
Editorial promise: We focus on clarity and real-world decision-making: what affects cost, what can go wrong, and how to switch without surprises.
How we assess gas-only tariffs
When we help you compare, we prioritise what changes your total cost and your likelihood of a smooth switch.
- Estimated annual cost based on your usage (or a reasonable estimate if you don’t have kWh).
- Unit rate and standing charge — both matter; we don’t judge on one figure alone.
- Payment method pricing (Direct Debit vs receipt of bill vs prepayment).
- Tariff structure (fixed vs variable), exit fees, and end-of-term arrangements.
- Eligibility flags, including meter type constraints and potential prepayment restrictions.
Assumptions & limitations (important)
- Quotes are estimates and can change if your usage differs, prices update, or your meter/payment details are different to what’s provided.
- Not every supplier/tariff is always available to compare in every region or for every meter type.
- We can’t guarantee switching times; issues like address mismatches or meter database errors can add delays.
Sources we use and trust: Ofgem (energy regulator), Citizens Advice (energy advice), GOV.UK (official guidance).
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service where available. Tariffs, prices and eligibility vary by location and supplier.
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