Why should you switch gas supplier?
Switching to a cheaper gas tariff is by far one of the simplest ways to save money on your monthly energy bills. If you haven’t changed your gas supplier in a while, or you've just moved into a new property, chances are you’re paying more than you need to.
Gas prices are notoriously unpredictable, so if you're not already on a fixed rate tariff (or your current deal is ending) it might be a good time to switch. Locking in a deal now could protect you from price hikes in the future and help bring your energy costs under control.
What makes up your gas bill?
When you look at your gas bill, you’ll see that the total cost is made up of two main charges:
Unit Cost
This is what you pay for each unit (kWh) of gas you use at home.
Standing Charge
This is a flat daily fee for having access to the gas supply, regardless of how much you use.
When comparing tariffs, make sure to look at both of these. Some deals may offer lower unit rates but higher standing charges, while others flip that around. The best deal for you depends on your usage - high-use households usually benefit from lower unit costs, while those who use less gas might save more with a lower standing charge.
How are gas rates determined?
A few key factors influence what you pay for your gas at home, including:
Wholesale gas prices
The price your supplier pays for the gas, which is affected by global market trends.
Distribution and network costs
These cover the cost of getting the gas to your home.
Supplier operating costs
This includes admin, maintenance, and customer support.
Environmental levies
Some of your bill goes towards government schemes aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
VAT
Domestic gas is usually charged at the reduced VAT rate of 5%.[3]
How much does gas cost in 2025?
The price you pay for gas will depend on your supplier, tariff, how much gas you use, and when you use it. However, due to the price cap, there is a limit on how much energy suppliers can charge a typical household for their gas usage.
After the most recent price cap change in October 2025, the unit price of gas is capped at 6.29p per kWh, while the daily standing charge for domestic gas supply is capped at 34.03p per day.[4]
It’s important to remember that the price cap doesn’t set a limit on how much you can pay for your gas each year, but on how much you pay for each unit of gas you use. So, if you use more gas than the average household, then your bills will also be above the average.
To get an idea of how much you should be paying per year on gas, based on your annual consumption, take a look at the following table:
Household Size | Average Annual Gas Consumption | Estimated Annual Gas Bill |
|---|---|---|
Low Usage Homes (1-2 people) | 7,500 kWh | £560 |
Medium Usage Homes (2-3 people) | 11,500 kWh | £866 |
High Usage Homes (4-5 people) | 17,500 kWh | £1,243 |
Remember, these figures are based on the price cap for a typical usage household - your actual rates may vary depending on your region, provider, and tariff type, while your annual bill will be determined by your usage.
Types of gas tariff
When shopping around for a new gas supplier, you’ll come across a few different types of tariff. Here’s what they mean:
Fixed Tariff
A fixed tariff locks in your unit price for the duration of your contract - typically 12, 18, or 24 months. That means no nasty surprises if wholesale gas prices shoot up.
Variable Tariff
With a variable tariff, the price you pay can go up or down in line with the market. These can be cheaper when prices fall, but riskier if they rise.
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT)
If you’ve never switched or your fixed deal has ended, you're probably on an SVT. These are usually among the most expensive, so it's a good idea to move off them as soon as possible.[5]
Prepayment Tariff
With a prepayment meter, you pay for your gas in advance using a top-up card or app. These tariffs can help with budgeting but often cost more per unit of gas.
How to switch gas suppliers
Switching your home gas supplier is quick, easy, and won’t cause any disruption to your supply. Here’s what you need to do:
Get a quote
Click ‘Get a Quote’ and fill out a short form with your postcode, current supplier, and usage (you can find this on a recent bill).
Compare tariffs
We’ll show you a range of available tariffs. Compare unit rates, standing charges, contract lengths, and any perks on offer.
Make the switch
Once you’ve chosen a tariff, we’ll take care of the rest. There’s no need for engineers or paperwork, and your supply won’t be interrupted. Your new deal will usually go live in 2–3 weeks.
What to look for in a gas supplier
Price isn’t the only thing to consider when picking a new supplier. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when comparing tariffs:
Price
Obviously this should be a key factor behind your decision, but remember to weigh up both the unit rate and the standing charge.
Customer service
A supplier with strong customer reviews and quick response times can make a big difference if something goes wrong.
Green credentials
More and more suppliers are now offering environmentally friendly tariffs. Choosing one can help lower your carbon footprint without raising your bills.
Flexible terms
Look out for contracts with no exit fees or short tie-ins if you want the flexibility to switch again down the line.
How to save gas at home
While switching suppliers is a smart move, you can also cut your gas bills by making your home more energy-efficient. A few simple changes to how you use gas day-to-day can make a noticeable difference over time.
Use heating timers
Set your heating to come on only when you need it, such as just before you wake up or get home from work. There’s no point warming an empty house.
Insulate your home
Draught-proofing doors and windows, insulating your loft, and using thick curtains can all help keep the heat in. The less heat you lose, the less gas you need to stay warm.
Service your boiler regularly
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently. Annual servicing can help prevent breakdowns and keep your gas use in check.[8]
Heat only the rooms you use
If you spend most of your time in just a few rooms, consider turning off radiators in unused areas and shutting the doors to keep heat contained.
Use hot water wisely
Hot water accounts for a significant chunk of your gas use.[9] Try fitting an efficient shower head, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and only boiling as much water as you need in the kettle.
Small changes can really add up. By combining these energy-saving tips with a cheaper tariff, you’ll be well on your way to cutting your gas bills and making your home more energy-efficient.
Resources:
- https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9714/
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/switching-energy-supplier/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-fuel-and-power-notice-70119
- https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap-explained
- https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/standard-variable-tariff-comparison-28-november-2016
- https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/guides/energy-saving-tips.html
- https://www.britishgas.co.uk/the-source/no-place-like-home/whats-the-ideal-home-temperature.html
- https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/expert-advice/increase-boiler-efficiency/
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/heating-your-home/