Gas-only tariffs in the UK (2026 guide)
Compare gas-only deals for homes with a separate gas supply or prepayment meter. Learn what affects price, what to check, and get a quote in minutes.
- 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 is a plan that supplies just your home’s gas (not electricity). It’s most relevant if you have:
- a separate gas supplier to your electricity supplier,
- a gas prepayment meter, or
- electricity included in rent/communal supply but you pay for gas yourself.
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, your current deal has high standing charges, or you want price certainty with a fixed tariff (if available).
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 are generally constrained by the Ofgem price cap on standard variable tariffs (SVTs). Your actual quote still depends on region, payment method and tariff terms.
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.
- 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
How gas-only switching works (UK)
1) Confirm you have a 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/payment types.
3) Compare tariffs on total cost (not just unit rate)
Standing charge differences can matter a lot if you use less gas (e.g. flat with mild heating needs).
4) Apply and keep paying your old supplier
You’ll normally keep paying as usual until the switch completes. Take meter readings if requested (even with smart meters, it can help resolve disputes).
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. 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. | Rates can change (usually with the price cap updates). Not always the cheapest. | Standing charge, unit rate, payment method pricing, customer service. |
| Fixed | Budgeting with predictable rates for a set term (e.g. 12 months). | May include exit fees. Not always available for all meter types. | 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. | 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.
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.
- 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 realistic cost scenarios (illustrative)
These examples show how standing charge and unit rate combine. They are not predictions of your bill.
Scenario A: low gas use (small flat)
- Assumed annual use: 6,000 kWh
- Assumed unit rate: 7.0p/kWh
- Assumed standing charge: 30p/day
Estimated annual cost: (6,000 × £0.07) + (365 × £0.30) = £529.50
Scenario B: higher gas use (family home)
- Assumed annual use: 15,000 kWh
- Assumed unit rate: 6.2p/kWh
- Assumed standing charge: 32p/day
Estimated annual cost: (15,000 × £0.062) + (365 × £0.32) = £1,046.80
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.
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 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.
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.
Gas-only tariffs: FAQs
1) 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.
2) Do gas-only tariffs exist for prepayment meters?
Often, yes — but choice can be more limited than direct debit. Some suppliers restrict certain deals by meter type, and debt arrangements can affect whether you can switch.
3) 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.
4) Will I lose gas supply during the switch?
Typically, you shouldn’t. A supplier switch is an administrative change. Issues are rare, but delays can happen if details don’t match or there’s a meter data problem.
5) Is a fixed gas-only tariff always cheaper than a standard variable tariff?
Not always. Fixed deals can offer certainty, but may come with exit fees or higher standing charges. The better option depends on your usage, region, and the specific tariff terms available at the time.
6) What’s the difference between unit rate and standing charge?
Unit rate is what you pay per kWh of gas used. Standing charge is a daily fixed amount that covers network costs and operating costs. Both determine your total bill.
7) Can I switch gas if I’m renting?
Usually yes, if you pay the gas bill and you’re the account holder. If bills are included in rent or the supply is controlled by a landlord/agent, you may not be able to switch.
8) What if I don’t know my annual gas usage in kWh?
You can still compare. We can use typical usage estimates for your home size when available, but a recent bill is best because it reflects how you actually heat your home.
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 updated
- March 2026
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).
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EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service where available. Tariffs, prices and eligibility vary by location and supplier.
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