Guide
How to switch energy supplier
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guideCompare dual fuel energy deals
Take gas and electricity from one supplier on a single bill. Compare dual-fuel tariffs across the market and see whether bundling beats two separate deals.
Compare deals nowReady to compare dual fuel?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
How dual fuel comparison works
A dual-fuel tariff means one supplier provides both your gas and electricity, so you get one account, one bill and one monthly Direct Debit.
Suppliers used to offer meaningful dual-fuel discounts. Today the discount is often small or absent, so the real question is whether the combined dual-fuel price beats the two best single-fuel deals added together.
We run both comparisons at once so you can see the combined annual cost either way before deciding.
How do wholesale prices and the price cap affect my bills?
- Suppliers buy energy in bulk on the wholesale market. When global prices rise, the cost of supplying your property rises with them.
- Ofgem's price cap sets the maximum unit rate and standing charge for default tariff customers — it caps rates, not your total bill.
- The cap is reviewed every three months, so a standard variable tariff can change price four times a year.
- Because the cap limits unit cost only, the more you use the more you pay — efficiency still matters on every tariff.
- If you're not on a fixed deal you're likely paying close to the maximum legal rate, and a fix can shield you from future rises.
Why compare dual fuel with us
One bill, one payment
A single Direct Debit and one online account for both fuels, which makes budgeting simpler.
Bundle vs split, compared
We show the best dual-fuel deal next to the best separate gas and electricity combination.
One switch, one date
Both supplies transfer together, so you only give meter readings once.
Fixed or variable
Lock both fuels for 12 or 24 months, or stay on a capped variable rate with no exit fees.
dual fuel tariff types
Availability varies by region and meter type. Always check the exact rates quoted for your postcode before you switch.
| Tariff | Type | Rate structure | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual fuel variable | Variable | Both fuels track the Ofgem price cap | None |
| Dual fuel 12 month fixed | Fixed | Gas and electricity rates locked for 12 months | Typically £50 per fuel |
| Dual fuel 24 month fixed | Fixed | Two years of certainty on both fuels | Typically £75 per fuel |
| Dual fuel smart tariff | Variable | Off-peak electricity rates plus standard gas | None |
How much does dual fuel cost?
Typical dual-fuel costs under the current price cap for a medium-usage household. A dual-fuel discount, where offered, is usually £10 to £20 a year.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rates | 25.73p per kWh | 6.33p per kWh |
| Standing charge | 51.10p per day | 29.82p per day |
| Typical annual bill | £1,720 combined (medium use, Direct Debit) | Included in combined figure |
Will prices fall soon?
Bills have already eased this year as green levies move onto the ECO scheme and general taxation, worth around £150 a year to a typical household on both variable and fixed tariffs.
The reduction comes through unit rates, so what lands on your bill depends on how much you use. Analysts expect a gradual drift downwards rather than a sharp drop — locking in a rate you're comfortable with is still the safer play.
| Price cap level | Annual cost for an average medium-usage household paying by Direct Debit |
|---|---|
| 1st July to 30th September 2026 | £1,720 (est TBC/Ofgem) |
| 1st October to 31st December 2026 | £1,755 (predicted) |
| 1st January to 31st March 2027 | £1,701 (predicted) |
| 1st April to 30th June 2027 | £1,668 (predicted) |
| 1st July to 30th September 2027 | £1,655 (predicted) |
Expert advice
With eight in 10 households worried about bills rising, there's a real opportunity to protect yourself by locking in a fixed deal for 12 months or more that gives certainty on the price you'll pay — especially over the coldest months.
“Not only can you save against the current cap, fixing now also shields you from high prices for at least a year.”
dual fuel: pros and cons
Pros
- One bill, one account and one Direct Debit
- Only one switch to manage and one set of readings
- Some suppliers still offer a dual-fuel discount
- Easier to track total household energy spend
Cons
- Dual-fuel discounts are much smaller than they used to be
- Two separate best-buy deals can beat a bundle
- One supplier means one customer service experience for both fuels
How to choose the best deal for you
When you switch, there are a few things worth checking.
- 1
Price
The price you see on our comparison pages is based on your estimated usage over a year. The lower the unit rate and standing charge, the less you pay — but always check the projected annual cost, not just the headline rate.
- 2
Exit fees
If you leave a fixed deal after the 14-day cooling-off period, you might pay an exit fee for each fuel. Deals with low or no exit fees give you flexibility if prices fall.
- 3
Deal length
Most deals run for 12 to 24 months. During that time your unit rate is locked in, so you know exactly what you'll be charged even if the market rises.
Which is the cheapest supplier in the UK?
The cheapest supplier is different for everyone. It depends on how much energy you use, what you pay now, the deal you're on and where you live. When you compare with us, we only show the deals actually available for your property or business.
Compare dual fuel deals
Fix for price certainty today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare dual fuel prices
Comparing on our site takes a few minutes and could take a serious chunk off your annual bill.
1. Enter your postcode
Your postcode lets us show the correct regional unit rates. If you have a recent bill to hand, even better — accurate figures give accurate results.
2. Compare available deals
You'll see every deal available in your area, ranked on estimated annual cost, along with tariff type, contract length, exit fees and supplier ratings.
3. Confirm your switch
Once you've found the deal you like, confirm and we'll do the rest. Your supply is never interrupted and you don't need to contact your old supplier.
When shouldn't I switch?
Think twice if the exit fee or penalty for leaving is bigger than the saving you'd make. Exit fees start at around £50 per fuel and can reach £250, which wipes out a lot of deals.
Work out what you'd save over the full length of the new contract, then subtract what it costs to leave your current one. If the number is still positive, switching makes sense.
3 things to do if you can't switch
If switching isn't right just now, there are still ways to make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
Track your usage
A smart meter or a monthly bill check is the easiest way to spot rising costs early and act before your next renewal.
Submit regular meter readings
Without a smart meter, regular readings make sure you're charged for what you actually use rather than an estimate.
Consider efficiency upgrades
Insulation, draught-proofing and a more efficient boiler cut your bills every year, whatever tariff you're on.
Is dual fuel cheaper for you?
The only reliable answer comes from comparing the combined annual cost of a dual-fuel tariff against the best gas deal plus the best electricity deal for your usage. Sometimes the bundle wins, sometimes it does not.
If you value simplicity, a dual-fuel account is easier to manage. If you want the lowest possible cost, be prepared to run two accounts.
How to compare and switch dual fuel
1
Grab a recent bill
You need your postcode, current tariff name and rough annual usage in kWh.
2
Compare the market
We show deals from suppliers across the UK, ranked by cost for your usage.
3
Pick your deal
Choose fixed or variable and confirm your details online in a few minutes.
4
We handle the rest
Your new supplier arranges the switch in around five working days. Your supply is never interrupted.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of deals
We compare a broad range of deals from suppliers across the UK, so you can find the right fit for your home or business.
Exclusive and cashback
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, along with cashback and other incentives where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Is switching hassle-free?
Yes. Most suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which means a quick, hassle-free transfer. Your new supplier resolves any problems and your old supplier refunds any credit balance within 14 days of your final bill.
What are the different types of tariff?
There are more options available than ever, which makes it easier to pick the tariff type that fits how you actually use energy — and to stop overpaying by default.
Fixed rate tariffs
Fixed rate tariffs lock your unit rates and standing charges for the length of the contract, so wholesale market and price cap changes don't affect you mid-term.
Standard variable tariffs
Standard variable tariffs are usually the most expensive. They're capped by the price cap, so when the cap moves every quarter, your unit rates move with it.
Dual fuel tariffs
Dual fuel means gas and electricity from the same supplier, which can be cheaper than buying them separately. Compare both ways to see which wins for you.
Renewable / green tariffs
Most suppliers now offer electricity backed by renewable generation. Green gas is harder to source, so check exactly what's being matched.
Prepayment tariffs
Prepayment means topping up in advance at the meter. It's often pricier than a credit meter, but suppliers must offer at least one prepay option.
Time-of-use tariffs
Economy 7 and smart tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates. They work well for EV owners and anyone who can shift heavy use to off-peak hours.
Suppliers we compare
From household names to newer challenger brands, we cover a wide range of UK suppliers.
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON Next
Octopus Energy
OVO Energy
ScottishPower
Utilita
Shell Energy
Good Energy
So Energy
Outfox the Market
Utility WarehouseComparing with us is a no-brainer
“It took me a couple of minutes to compare energy prices and switch, with all the faff of switching and payments done for you. I've just saved close to £480 per year in gas and electricity.”
Jennifer, Constantine
Energy guides
Guide
Understanding the price cap
What Ofgem's cap actually limits, and why your bill can still go up.
Read guide
dual fuel FAQs
Is dual fuel always cheaper?
No. Discounts are small now, so two separate market-leading deals sometimes cost less overall. Always compare both routes.
Can I switch both fuels at once?
Yes. Dual-fuel switches transfer gas and electricity together, usually on the same date, in around five working days.
Do I need the same meter type for both fuels?
No. Your gas and electricity meters are independent and can be different types, including a smart meter for one fuel only.
Can I split dual fuel later?
Yes. You can move either fuel to a different supplier at any time, subject to exit fees if you are inside a fixed contract.
Do I get one bill with dual fuel?
Yes. Both fuels appear on a single bill with one Direct Debit, though the unit rates and standing charges are itemised separately.
Does dual fuel affect my smart meter?
No. A smart meter continues to work normally, and a single in-home display can show both fuels if both meters are smart.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026