How to switch energy supplier
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guideCompare gas-only tariffs from UK suppliers, check unit rates and standing charges, and switch online in minutes. Your gas supply is never interrupted.
Compare deals nowRun a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
Gas-only comparison suits households that buy electricity separately, often because they are happy with an electricity deal or generate their own power with solar panels.
Gas is billed in kWh even though your meter records cubic metres or cubic feet. Your supplier converts the reading using a calorific value, which is why the figures on your bill do not match your meter directly.
Roughly 80% of a typical gas bill is heating and hot water, so your annual usage is heavily weather-dependent. We compare against a full year of consumption rather than a single quarter.
We compare single-fuel gas tariffs on their own merits rather than bundling you into dual fuel.
Daily charges are shown separately so a low unit rate cannot hide an expensive fixed cost.
Lock your gas unit rate for 12 or 24 months ahead of winter price movements.
The same pipes and meter stay in place. Only your billing supplier changes.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | Variable | Tracks the Ofgem price cap, reviewed quarterly | None |
| 12 month fixed | Fixed | Gas unit rate and standing charge locked for a year | Typically £50 |
| 24 month fixed | Fixed | Two years of price certainty, usually a small premium | Typically £75 |
| Prepayment | Variable | Pay-as-you-go rates under the prepayment cap | None |
Typical gas costs under the current price cap for a medium-usage household paying by monthly Direct Debit. Rates vary by region.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate | Not applicable | 6.33p per kWh |
| Standing charge | Not applicable | 29.82p per day |
| Typical annual bill | Not applicable | £770 (11,500 kWh, medium use) |
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) |
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.”
When you switch, there are a few things worth checking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fix for price certainty today. It takes just minutes.
Comparing on our site takes a few minutes and could take a serious chunk off your annual bill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If switching isn't right just now, there are still ways to make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
A smart meter or a monthly bill check is the easiest way to spot rising costs early and act before your next renewal.
Without a smart meter, regular readings make sure you're charged for what you actually use rather than an estimate.
Insulation, draught-proofing and a more efficient boiler cut your bills every year, whatever tariff you're on.
Take your annual gas usage in kWh from a recent bill or your online account. An accurate figure matters more for gas than electricity because usage swings hard between summer and winter.
Your MPRN, the gas equivalent of an MPAN, identifies your meter. It appears on your bill and speeds up the transfer.
You need your postcode, current tariff name and rough annual usage in kWh.
We show deals from suppliers across the UK, ranked by cost for your usage.
Choose fixed or variable and confirm your details online in a few minutes.
Your new supplier arranges the switch in around five working days. Your supply is never interrupted.
We compare a broad range of deals from suppliers across the UK, so you can find the right fit for your home or business.
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, along with cashback and other incentives where they're available.
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Most suppliers now offer electricity backed by renewable generation. Green gas is harder to source, so check exactly what's being matched.
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.
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.
From household names to newer challenger brands, we cover a wide range of UK suppliers.
“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
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guideWhat Ofgem's cap actually limits, and why your bill can still go up.
Read guideYes. You can move your gas supply to a new supplier and leave your electricity exactly where it is.
The Meter Point Reference Number, a unique identifier for your gas supply. It is printed on your gas bill and used to arrange the transfer.
Sometimes, but not always. Dual-fuel discounts are smaller than they used to be, so two separate best-in-market deals can beat a bundle.
Your meter records volume, which your supplier converts to kWh using a calorific value and correction factor. The conversion is shown on your bill.
No. Nothing physical changes at your property and there is no engineer visit.
Historically before autumn, since wholesale gas typically firms up ahead of winter. Compare the fixed premium against the current cap before you commit.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026