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utilities-telco
6 min read

Compare Dual fuel Switching quotes (UK)

Written by
Switcha Editorial Team
Published on
30 October 2025

Understand UK dual fuel, the 2025 price cap, and how to switch quickly for the best deal using trusted comparison tools.

Find cheaper dual fuel quotes across the UK

Switching to a dual fuel tariff can trim bills and simplify life. Under Ofgem’s October 2025 price cap, a typical dual fuel household pays about £1,755 a year via Direct Debit. That is an average, not a promise. By comparing live tariffs and understanding your usage, you can find a deal that fits your home and budget.

Understanding APR is about real costs. Energy is no different - focus on unit rates, standing charges, and your usage.


Is this guide right for you?

You live in England, Scotland, or Wales and buy gas and electricity. You might be on a standard variable tariff or your fixed deal is ending. You want less admin, one bill, and a fair price. Whether you pay by Direct Debit, prepayment, or on receipt of bill, you can compare dual fuel tariffs and switch online in minutes.


Key terms that decide your bill

  • Price cap: Ofgem limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. For a typical household paying by Direct Debit, the cap equates to about £1,755 a year from October 2025. Your actual bill depends on what you use.
  • Unit rate: The price per kWh for electricity and gas. Higher usage means higher cost even under the cap.
  • Standing charge: A daily fee you pay regardless of usage. These vary by region and meter type.
  • Dual fuel: One supplier for both gas and electricity. Often includes a small discount, but not always the cheapest overall.
  • Fixed tariff: Unit rates and standing charges are fixed for a set term. Exit fees may apply if you leave early.
  • Standard Variable Tariff (SVT): Rates move with the market and the price cap. Usually the default if you do not choose a fixed deal.
  • Prepayment meter: Pay-as-you-go using a key or smart top up. You can still compare and switch, though rates and discounts can differ.
  • Smart meter: Sends readings automatically and enables in-home displays and apps, helping you track and reduce usage.

Pro tip: A personalised quote based on your postcode and annual kWh usage is more accurate than relying on averages.


Your choices at a glance

Hunting for a single best answer rarely works. Start by deciding between SVT convenience and fixed-rate certainty, then check whether a dual fuel discount beats separate single-fuel deals.

Common tariff types compared

Tariff type Typical rates movement Exit fees Best for
Standard variable Changes with market and price cap None Flexibility and no tie-in
Fixed rate Locked for 12-24 months Often per fuel Budget certainty, predictable bills
Prepayment Can differ from credit tariffs None or low Control over spend, pay-as-you-go

Where to compare

  • Major UK comparison services provide instant quotes via postcode.
  • You can estimate usage by property size if you lack exact kWh figures.
  • Results typically rank by potential savings, but check unit rates, standing charges, and fees.

Bold idea: Check dual fuel against separate gas and electricity suppliers. Convenience is valuable, but cost is what hits your account.


What it could cost - and what you stand to gain

The headline average under the 2025 price cap is £1,755 a year for a typical home paying by Direct Debit. That average hides big differences by usage, region, and meter type. Heavy users will pay more. Light users can pay less. A dual fuel discount can trim the total, but its size varies by supplier and tariff and can change frequently.

Potential savings come from three places:

  1. Switching to a cheaper tariff with better unit rates and standing charges.
  2. Applying any dual fuel discount that stacks on top of the tariff.
  3. Reducing usage with a smart meter and in-app tracking.

Risks to watch:

  • Exit fees on current fixed deals can reduce or cancel savings if you leave early.
  • Some dual fuel bundles are not cheaper than separate single-fuel deals.
  • Fixed tariffs trade flexibility for certainty. If rates fall, you might miss out.

Rule of thumb: Compare total annual cost based on your kWh, not just the discount headline.


Who can get dual fuel?

Most households connected to both mains gas and electricity are eligible. You can switch whether you currently have single-fuel suppliers or an existing dual fuel deal. Prepayment customers can also switch, though tariffs and discounts can differ. Smart meters are not mandatory, but they help you manage usage and provide accurate reads.

Eligibility considerations:

  • Address and postcode: Regional pricing affects unit rates and standing charges.
  • Meter type: Credit or prepayment, smart or traditional, single-rate or Economy 7 can change your quote.
  • Payment method: Direct Debit usually secures lower prices than paying on receipt of bill.
  • Contract status: If you are in a fixed term, check any exit fees for both fuels before switching.

Good to know: You do not need to contact your current supplier to switch. The new supplier handles the process.


Switching in simple steps

  1. Gather a recent bill or kWh usage for both fuels.
  2. Enter postcode and usage on a trusted UK comparison site.
  3. Filter for dual fuel and sort by estimated annual cost.
  4. Compare unit rates, standing charges, and exit fees carefully.
  5. Check whether a dual fuel discount is included and how applied.
  6. Choose your tariff and complete the online application.
  7. Submit opening readings if asked and set your Direct Debit.
  8. Track the switch - most complete within five working days.

Upsides and trade-offs

Dual fuel simplifies life with one supplier, one bill, and one customer service line. Discounts can make it better value, and switching is usually paperless and quick. The trade-off is that convenience is not guaranteed to be the lowest cost every time. Some households find separate single-fuel deals cheaper. Fixed tariffs can stabilise budgets, but you may face exit fees and could miss price drops. SVTs give flexibility but can change with the market. The smartest approach is to compare regularly and switch when the numbers stack up.


Checks before you commit

  • Confirm the total annual cost using your actual kWh.
  • Review exit fees clearly for both gas and electricity.
  • Verify how and when any dual fuel discount applies.
  • Ensure payment method and meter details are correct.
  • Look at customer service ratings and complaint handling.
  • If on Economy 7, make sure day and night rates match your usage.

If you cannot find your usage, start with estimates by property size, then refine later with a smart meter and monthly reads.


Alternatives to consider

  • Separate suppliers for gas and electricity if the combined price is higher than single-fuel totals.
  • Fixed term for price certainty if you value predictability.
  • Stay on SVT if you want flexibility and no exit fees.
  • Improve efficiency: smart thermostats, insulation, draught-proofing, and smarter habits can cut consumption regardless of tariff.

Remember: Lower usage is a guaranteed saving. The cheapest kWh is the one you do not use.


Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the current average dual fuel bill in 2025? A: Around £1,755 a year for a typical household paying by Direct Debit under Ofgem’s October 2025 price cap. Your actual cost depends on usage and region.

Q: Is dual fuel always cheaper? A: No. Many suppliers offer dual fuel discounts, but separate single-fuel deals can still beat the bundle. Always compare total annual cost.

Q: How long does switching take? A: Most domestic switches complete within five working days. There is no interruption to supply and the process is largely paperless.

Q: Can prepayment customers switch to dual fuel? A: Yes. Prepayment households can compare and switch like credit customers, though rates and discounts may differ.

Q: Will I pay exit fees? A: You might if you leave a fixed tariff early. Fees can apply separately to gas and electricity. Check your current contract.

Q: Do I need a smart meter to switch? A: No. But smart meters provide accurate reads and real time usage data, helping you cut consumption and costs.


What to do now

  • Use a trusted UK comparison site to get instant dual fuel quotes using your postcode and kWh.
  • Compare against separate single-fuel totals and check any exit fees.
  • If savings stack up, complete the online switch and set reminders to review again in a few months.

Bold next move: Pair your new tariff with a smart meter and usage app to double down on savings.


Important information

Figures reflect Ofgem’s October 2025 price cap and typical Direct Debit assumptions for England, Scotland, and Wales. Actual bills vary by usage, region, meter type, and payment method. Always verify rates, fees, and terms with your chosen supplier before switching.

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