What is dual fuel energy?

Dual fuel energy means you get your gas and electricity from the same supplier. Not only can this save you money, it’s often more convenient than using separate suppliers as you’ll only have one bill and one company to deal with. But you’ll need to shop around, as dual fuel deals aren’t always cheaper – sometimes it costs less to use separate energy providers.

Written by

Dan Tremain

Energy and business energy expert

Last Updated

8 MARCH 2024

6 min read

Are dual fuel energy tariffs cheaper?

Having a dual fuel deal can be cheaper than buying your gas and electricity from separate suppliers, but it isn’t always.

Some energy suppliers will give you a discount for taking both gas and electricity from them, although the saving can be small when compared with your overall bill.

It’s worth shopping around, so compare today to see what deals are available. Sometimes it’s smart to take out two separate single fuel plans, other times you’ll find it’s cheaper to switch to a dual fuel energy deal.

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How do dual fuel tariffs work?

Having a dual fuel tariff simply means that you get your gas and electricity from one supplier. Instead of having two separate bills, you’ll receive one, making for easier life admin. Sometimes you’ll get a discount for combining the two supplies, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Why switch to a dual fuel tariff?

There are a few reasons people choose dual fuel tariffs:

Less hassle – combining your supply makes it easier to see your overall energy spend. It also means you only have to get one quote.
One point of contact – if you have an issue with your bill or energy supply, it’s easier to have only one company to deal with.
Discount on energy prices – Depending on what dual energy deals are available, you could benefit from a saving – although this is unlikely in the current market.
Easy to switch – switching should be hassle-free thanks to the Energy Switch Guarantee.

Do all energy suppliers offer dual fuel tariffs?

Most energy suppliers offer duel fuel tariffs, although there’s nothing to stop you from getting your electricity and gas from different suppliers if it makes financial sense. Once you can do so again, it’s worth shopping around for quotes.

How do I find out if I have a dual fuel tariff?

If you’re not sure what kind of tariff you’re on, check who supplies your gas and electricity. If it’s the same company, the chances are you’re on a dual fuel tariff. To be sure, try logging into your online energy account or checking a recent bill, as both will include your tariff name. If it’s still not clear, you can always get in touch with your energy supplier.

Is it easy to switch to a dual fuel energy tariff?

Wholesale energy prices are currently so high that few suppliers are offering fixed tariffs. When you compare energy suppliers with us, just choose the option to compare both gas and electricity. We’ll show you a list of dual fuel plans available to you.

Once you’ve chosen your tariff and submitted your switch with us, your new supplier will do all the legwork for you. There’s no complicated paperwork, and there won’t be any interruption to your energy supply.

Remember, if you’re on a fixed term deal there may be early cancellation charges if you switch before your contract ends. We’ll show you any exit fees when you get a quote, so you have the full picture before making a decision.

How can I find the best dual fuel deal?

The best dual fuel deal isn’t the same for everybody. Every home uses a different amount of energy and where you live can affect how much you pay for it. However, you probably won’t be rewarded for sticking with the same supplier. So when market conditions allow, a good way to get a better deal on your energy is to to switch regularly and take advantage of new deals.

In normal circumstances, fixed tariffs are usually a better deal, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on these to see if they come down in price.

With so many suppliers out there, finding a better deal for energy can seem daunting. That’s why at Compare the Market we aim to make life simple. All we need is your address and we can help you find deals from a range of energy suppliers.

What should I look for when comparing dual fuel deals?

Looking for the best dual fuel deal? Here’s what to think about:

Price – the number-one consideration for many people. By comparing dual fuel deals with us, you can sort results by price to find a cheaper deal.
Supplier ratings – if something goes wrong or you need to contact your supplier, you want to know they have a good reputation for customer service. We include supplier ratings in our comparison service, making it easier to compare. The cheapest quote may not have quite the same customer service rating as the next cheapest, which could make it worth paying a little extra.
Greener energy – if renewable energy is important to you, you might want to choose a supplier who specialises in greener energy sources to minimise your carbon footprint.
Exit fees – if you’re locked into a contract and a better deal comes along, it’s worth knowing how much it will cost to free yourself from your deal. We show supplier exit fees, so you can see what you’ll pay if you decide to leave early.
Contract length – a lower price may tie you into a longer deal, preventing you from switching if a better deal comes along and forcing you to pay exit fees.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the cheapest energy supplier?

How much you pay for your energy will depend on lots of factors, such as where you live and how much energy you use. As energy suppliers offer their customers different prices and tariffs, it’s impossible to say which one is the cheapest. That’s why it’s best to compare prices to find the right deal for you.

Can I get a fixed energy tariff?

Right now, wholesale energy prices are extremely high, making it difficult to get a fixed deal that offers good value for money. But you can compare with us to see if there are any deals out there that are right for you.