Gas Only Suppliers Guide: what you need to know

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When comparing different gas only suppliers and their prices, it may be difficult to pick the best one for yourself. Many factors come into play such as gas prices, quality of service, customer reviews, renewable sourcing of the gas (green gas) and so on. Most people go for the cheapest gas supplier nevertheless gas prices are currently badly hit by the instability of the current wholesale gas prices as a consequence of the gas crisis. A crisis that puts even more importance on the resilience of the suppliers and their ability to weather the gas crisis without going bust.
Last updated in: November 2022

To ensure you find the best gas only supplier, this article will explain everything you need to know. It will you an insightful view on the cheapest gas only supplier, the gas suppliers with the best customer service, the green gas options available on the market, how to switch suppliers, and how to compare gas only tariffs.


 

What are gas only tariffs?

When you have a gas only tariff, it typically means that you have supplier in charge of delivering only your gas and a supplier in charge of your electricity. These tariffs are typically for customers that can’t or don’t want to have dual fuel tariffs.

Normally, this happens when the customer is happy with their current electricity or gas tariff or they rather search for the cheapest tariff in both gas and electricity separately. Customers can usually get cheaper deals with dual fuel tariffs, meaning a deal including both gas and electricity, but sometimes that is not the case. To find the best deals available for dual fuel tariffs and electricity only tariff visit our dedicated pages.


What is a gas only supplier?
A gas only supplier is simply a supplier with a licence that sells natural gas and related services to its customers.

How does gas only differ from other energy tariffs?

The main difference is that with gas only suppliers you will receive two separate bills from your energy suppliers. You will therefore have a different bill and tariff between your gas and electricity supplier.

The opposite option would be...

For you to get a dual fuel deal with only one supplier. With this option, you will receive one bill for both types of energy.

Are gas only tariffs more expensive than dual fuel tariffs?

The majority of the time, dual fuel tariffs tend to apply a small discount vs gas or electricity only rates thus being cheaper. However, it is possible for you to find a cheaper deal for your separate bills and we will help you do that..

Cheapest Dual Fuel Live Tariffs vs Gas Only Tariffs
 

Dual Fuel: 2,511.54
VS
Gas Only: 1,358.16


 

Who is the cheapest gas only supplier?

When trying to find the cheapest gas only supplier, you need to keep in mind which suppliers offer gas only energy and which supplier is the cheapest. Normally, the cheapest gas only supplier is an energy supplier that offers the cheapest tariffs. Gas prices are composed of three parameters:

  • Unit rate (per kWh): the price of each kWh of gas consumed by a user. This usually fluctuates at the same pace as the gas wholesale energy rate.
  • Standing charges: The fee you pay every day to cover the supplier and the distribution network costs: maintenance of the infrastructure, client monitoring and management, etc.
  • Exit fees: Not included in your daily bills, the exit fees still have an impact on your overall budget since they are the price you need to pay to get out of a fixed deal ahead of time.
    • Choosing the cheapest gas only supplier is therefore choosing the supplier offering the lowest
      unit rate x standing charge
      Currently, the cheapest gas only supplier is Utility Warehouse

      However, it is important for you to keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be the best supplier you can choose from.

      Which suppliers offer gas-only energy?

      Overall, there are several companies that offer gas-only energy to their customers. These companies range from big to smaller companies.

      In the larger companies, we have the big six. The big six, there are the six largest energy suppliers in the UK. These suppliers include the following:

      As for the smaller companies, there are several options you can choose from as well. These companies include:

      What types of gas tariff can I get?

      Normally, when comparing different tariffs from different suppliers, you will need to know the three types of gas tariffs available.


      Types of gas tariffs
      Tariff
      Characteristics
      Fixed A fixed tariff means that your gas and electricity unit rates are defined in the contract and will not change foor its entire duration. This popular tariff will provide protection against any price rises but will also mean you pay extra if the market goes down.
      Variable A variable tariff, also known as SVT, means that your gas and electricity price can be changed throughout the time of the contract. This is the standard option supplier you are on and is also known as the “contractless” deal since you can walk out of it whenever you want.
      Prepaid Prepaid tariff work on a pay-as-you-go basis. Meaning you pay for your energy in advance and have to recharge everytime you’re out of credit.


      Which supplier is the cheapest?

      In the table below, you can compare the cheapest gas live tariffs. You’ll be able to compare the Unit Rate Cost, Annual Cost, as well at the Exit fee which is often forgotten. On the far right column, you’ll be able to see which supplier is a green tariff as well.


      Cheapest Gas Live Tariffs
      ProviderTariffFuelAvailabilityStanding ChargeUnit RateAnnual CostExit FeesGreen Tariff
      Utility Warehouse logoDouble GoldStandard Variable26.61*10.51*£ 1,358.16*£ 0.00✔️
      E energy logoPrepayment VariablePrepayment Variable29.49*10.79*£ 1,402.51*£ 0.00✖️
      Utility Warehouse logoPrepaymentPrepayment Variable37.51*10.79*£ 1,431.55*£ 0.00✖️

      Prices differ on a postcode basis, this table therefore displays national averages
      Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
      A tariff is green if for each kWh consumed a kWh of renewable energy is injected in the grid.



       

      What is the impact of the gas crisis?

      The UK energy crisis has had a huge impact that has unpredictably increased the prices of gas throughout the country. This ongoing issue has been forcing several companies to go out of business and has been severely increasing consumers’ bills. These impacts include the following:

      • Energy bills have significantly increased – Overall, electricity has increased by 346% in the past 12 months and gas has increased xxx% forcing the government to raise the energy price cap to $…$ (meaning a 27% since 2021à.
      • Many energy suppliers have gone bust – Since 2021, more than 70 suppliers in the UK have closed
      • Other industries have been affected – The steel industry in the UK has been significantly affected, making it unavailable during certain times of the day. In addition, several small businesses have been closing due to the soaring energy bills.

      With Switch Plan, you can compare the cheapest gas tariffs to help you through this crisis. With the table below, you’ll be able to compare the different standing charges, unit rates, annual costs and exit fees.


      Cheapest Gas Tariffs
      SupplierTariff TypeNameAvailabilityStanding ChargeUnit RateAnnual CostExit FeeGreen Tariff**
      EDF Energy logoFixed - 12 months/21.48*3.04*£ 443.50*£ 15.00✖️
      Coop energy logoStandard Variable/23.84*3.26*£ 478.28*£ 0.00✖️
      Octopus Energy logoStandard Variable/23.85*3.27*£ 479.51*£ 0.00✔️

      Prices displayed are national averages
      Based on Ofgem’s TDCV (2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year).
      Is a Green tariff if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.


      Why is gas so expensive right now?

      There are 4 major reasons as of why gas is so expensive right now and it is affecting everyone and will create several impacts. These reasons include the following:

      • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – Due to the invasion that happened in February, several countries have reduced their reliance on Russian gas. In response, Russia has started decreasing its deliveries leading to an explosion of gas rates.
      • Struggling to identify alternate providers – Europe’s will to replace Russian imports have been confronted with tension in the current market with Qatar, Algeria and other alternate gas providers struggling to meet increasing demand.
      • Increase in global demand – Asian and South American nations have been buying more and more gas the past few years.
      • Renewable energy sources have been less productive – Since 2021 renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have been less productive than expected due to the weather conditions.

      More info

      What happens if my gas supplier goes bust?

      As you may be aware, the UK energy market crisis is increasing energy costs and making several businesses go bust. If your gas supplier goes bust, no need to worry, we got you.

      If your energy supplier has gone bust, Ofgem will assign you a new supplier so your home does not lose the flow of energy. Because of this, you do not need to try and change your supplier on your own, otherwise, you may reach some complications. Once you have been officially switched, your new supplier will reach out to you.

      If you are unsure if your supplier has gone bust, you can check on our UK energy crisis page, linked above, which is up to date.

      Gas prices per kWh explained

      When receiving your first billing from your gas-only supplier, you will notice that you are billed in kWh. Kilowatt-hour is a type of energy consumption measurement that measures how much energy your appliances use and how long they are being used.

      Although the kWh is a common measurement, your price of gas will also depend on who your supplier is and what your contract states.

      Average cost of gas per kWh
      Your cost of gas per kWh will depend on the gas supplier.
      However, according to the Energy Saving Trust (July 2022), the average price for gas is 7.4p per kWh.


      Current Average Live gas in kWh
      15.73 kWh


       

      How to switch gas-only suppliers for cheaper energy?

      The process of switching gas-only suppliers is quite easy. All you need to do is follow a few easy steps. For more information, check out Switch Plan to know how to switch energy suppliers in depth.


      Steps to switch:

      • Find out what tariff you’re currently on
      • Calculate your annual energy usage
      • Find out your MPAN and MPRN Numbers
      • Compare energy prices and offer
      • Choose the tariff best suited to you
      • Take a meter reading
      • Sign up! After following all these steps, you are ready to switch. You can do this by calling our experts with the number on the top of the screen.

      Will switching to a new gas supply affect my current supply?

      No, switching to a new gas supply will not affect your current supply. While you are switching energy suppliers, you will not have your energy cut off during the process. Since the gas supply remains the same, the only difference is how the gas will be paid for and how it is charged with the supplier.

      Additionally, suppliers sometimes offer exclusive plans through Switch Plan. With Switch Plan, you are able to find the cheapest gas tariffs.

      When is the best time of year to switch energy suppliers?

      The best time to switch your energy supplier is in October. During this time, you’d be able to compare deals and switch before the winter. By doing this, it can ensure that you’re not overpaying in the winter.

      Additionally, it is important that you switch your supplier every 12-18 months. By doing so, it will allow you to always have the cheapest gas deal. However, if you do not switch before the plan ends, you will pay for the most expensive type of plan.

      How long does it take to switch gas suppliers?

      The shortest part of switching gas suppliers would be comparing deals from different suppliers online. Then the longest part would be the switch. The overall process can take up to 21 days for your information to be transferred to another supplier. During this time, you’d be able to switch suppliers if you end up changing your mind.

      Will my gas is cut off if I switch gas suppliers?

      No, your gas will not be cut off while you switch gas suppliers.


       

      How do I compare gas-only tariffs?

      Comparing gas-only tariffs with Switch Plan is quick and simple. All you need is a list of information needed to compare your current supplier.

      What is a dual fuel tariff?

      A dual fuel tariff is when you get your gas and electricity from the same energy supplier and you’ll receive only one energy bill. Some companies offer discounts for combining your energy supply. Recently, companies have been offering the lowest price to their customers instead of discounts.

      What information do I need to compare gas suppliers?

      To compare the cheapest gas suppliers, you will need the following information:

      • Your address
      • Gas or electricity
      • Current supplier
      • Information on current bills (current tariff, payment preference, etc.)
      • State of energy usage

      To find out more about what you need to compare gas suppliers, click here.

      Why compare gas prices?

      Comparing gas prices is always important when you are trying to find the best deals. Your area, the type of tariff and the price of your gas bill are all critical when comparing gas prices. With Switch Plan, we will save you from the hassle and find the best deal for you. The best way to find out which gas price and supplier is best for you is to compare on a site like ours.


       

      How can I reduce my gas bill

      Due to the ongoing energy crisis, prices are rapidly increasing making deals hard to find. In the meantime, here is a list of ways that can help you reduce your gas bill:

      1. ⚙️ Equipment replacement such as a new boiler, smart meter and smart thermostat.
      2. Preventing heat loss by installing insulation, double glazing and draft excluders.
      3. Taking advantage of schemes from the government. The government helps eligible people with their bills.
      4. Keep an eye out for new deals by installing insulation, double glazing and draft excluders.
      5. Turn down your thermostat. Lowering by 2 degrees can help you save £140 on a £1,000 bill.

      Discover more ways to save on your energy bills here.

      Switching to gas only providers made easy.

      Free of charge, hassle and paperwork. Contact us now and start saving over £200 on your bills.

      Contact Us

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      FAQ

      🤔 Is it cheaper to buy gas only than dual fuel?

      Typically, it is cheaper to buy gas from a dual fuel supplier than a gas only supplier. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes you’ll find cheaper gas only deals.

      ⁉️ Can I get a gas only tariff?

      Yes, anyone can get a gas only tariff. Individuals, businesses, and organisations can all get gas only supplier.

      🌐Who is the cheapest gas supplier in the UK?

      You can find out the cheapest gas supplier in the United Kingdom on our website.

      🔥 Can I switch gas only?

      Yes, you can switch to a gas only supplier with the help of Switch Plan. If you would like to switch your supplier and do not know how to, click here to learn more.

Updated on 10 Nov, 2022

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Ilona

Switch Plan specialist