Understanding a gas-only tariff

A gas-only tariff provides a dedicated supply of natural gas to your home, separate from your electricity provider. This option is ideal for households with distinct energy needs, such as those generating their own electricity or receiving it from a different supplier. It allows for precise management and transparency over your gas consumption, offering a strategic choice for modern households seeking ultimate control over their energy setup.

If you're looking for a gas-only tariff that offers clear pricing and easy management, Fuse Energy can help. Switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your gas bills. Click here to get started.

What is a gas-only tariff?

Defining gas-only energy

A gas-only tariff is an energy plan solely for your household's gas supply, covering heating, hot water, and cooking. Unlike dual fuel tariffs, which bundle both gas and electricity from a single provider, a gas-only deal means you contract with one supplier for your gas and a different one for your electricity. This setup caters to specific energy consumption patterns and preferences, allowing for tailored energy management.

How gas-only differs from dual fuel

The primary difference lies in the number of suppliers you engage with. With dual fuel, you receive both gas and electricity from one company, often simplifying billing and account management. A gas-only tariff, however, means you have separate contracts and bills for your gas and electricity. This distinction is crucial for households that might find better value or service by splitting their energy supply, or those who do not require an electricity supply from the same provider at all.

Who benefits from a gas-only tariff?

Gas-only tariffs are not for everyone, but they offer significant advantages for specific household types.

Households with separate electricity suppliers

Some households prefer to manage their electricity and gas independently, perhaps due to a legacy contract, a specific electricity-only deal they wish to maintain, or simply a preference for separate billing. A gas-only tariff allows these homes to secure their gas supply without disrupting their existing electricity arrangements.

Homes with renewable electricity generation

For homeowners with solar panels, wind turbines, or other forms of renewable electricity generation, a gas-only tariff can be a sensible choice. Since they generate some or all of their own electricity, they may not need a traditional electricity supply from the grid or might export surplus power back to it. In such cases, a dedicated gas tariff ensures their heating and cooking needs are met without paying for a bundled electricity service they do not fully utilise.

Renters with electricity included

Renters whose electricity costs are included in their rent or service charges might also find gas-only tariffs beneficial. This setup allows them to manage and pay for their gas consumption directly, without paying for an electricity supply that is already covered.

Pros and cons of gas-only deals

Choosing a gas-only deal involves weighing its advantages against potential drawbacks.

Advantages of a dedicated gas supply

Opting for a gas-only tariff can provide greater flexibility and control over your energy bills. It allows you to shop around for the most competitive gas prices without being tied to a specific electricity provider. This can lead to potential savings if you find a particularly good gas-only deal. Furthermore, it offers transparency, enabling you to precisely track and manage your gas usage and costs. For those with unique energy setups, such as renewable electricity generation, it is a strategic move for precise energy management.

Potential drawbacks to consider

While there are benefits, gas-only tariffs can sometimes mean managing two separate accounts and bills, which might be less convenient than a single dual fuel bill. You might also miss out on potential dual fuel discounts offered by some suppliers. It is crucial to compare gas-only tariffs against dual fuel options to ensure actual savings for your specific energy consumption, and to avoid overlooking contract end dates or potential exit fees when considering a switch.

Finding the cheapest gas-only tariff

Finding the most cost-effective gas-only tariff requires understanding pricing structures and utilising available tools.

Understanding unit rates and standing charges

Gas tariffs are typically made up of two main components: the unit rate (measured in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh)) and a daily standing charge (in pence per day). The unit rate is what you pay for each unit of gas you consume, while the standing charge is a fixed daily fee that covers the cost of supplying gas to your property, regardless of how much you use. To find the cheapest deal, you need to consider both, as a low unit rate might be offset by a high standing charge, or vice-versa, depending on your usage patterns.

Using comparison websites effectively

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, oversees gas suppliers to ensure fair practices and consumer protection. Utilising an Ofgem-accredited comparison service is the most effective way to explore available gas-only deals from various suppliers. These platforms allow you to input your postcode and current gas usage to compare tariffs side-by-side, helping you identify potentially cheaper options.

Key factors beyond price

While price is a major factor, it is not the only consideration. Researching supplier customer service quality, contract length, and any exit fees is vital. A cheaper tariff might come with poor customer support, which could be frustrating in the long run. Fuse Energy, for example, offers 24/7 human customer support, providing peace of mind and responsive assistance for gas-only customers. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before committing.

Switching to a gas-only tariff

Switching energy suppliers, even for gas only, is a common practice for consumers seeking better deals or improved service.

Step-by-step switching process

1. Assess your current setup: Determine if a gas-only tariff aligns with your household's needs.
2. Gather information: Collect your current gas usage data and existing tariff details for accurate comparison.
3. Compare deals: Utilise an Ofgem-accredited comparison service to explore available gas-only deals.
4. Review terms: Carefully check tariff terms, including unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees.
5. Initiate the switch: Once you have chosen a supplier, initiate the switch with them, providing all necessary details.
6. Final meter readings: Submit final meter readings to both your old and new suppliers to ensure a smooth transition and accurate final bill.

What happens after you switch?

After initiating a switch, your new supplier will handle most of the process. You will typically have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without penalty. Your new supplier will contact your old one, and you will be asked to provide a meter reading on the day your supply officially switches over. This ensures you are billed correctly for the gas you have used with each supplier. The actual switch can take up to five working days for households.

Addressing unsupported meters

Some legacy meters, such as those using the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), are being phased out across the industry, with the phase-out beginning on 30 June 2025. RTS meters are unsupported for switching to new suppliers like Fuse Energy. If you have an RTS meter, your current supplier is responsible for replacing it with a smart meter, usually at no cost to you. Once this upgrade is complete, you can then switch to a modern gas-only tariff. RTS meters are being switched off for good. Once your supplier has replaced yours with a smart meter, you can switch to Fuse and get the latest smart meter technology and a digital-first experience.

Frequently asked questions about gas-only tariffs

Does the energy price cap apply to gas-only tariffs?

Yes, the energy price cap1 applies to variable gas-only tariffs. This cap, set by Ofgem, limits the maximum amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy and the daily standing charge. It is designed to protect consumers on standard variable tariffs from excessive costs. Fixed-rate tariffs, however, are not subject to the price cap for the duration of their contract.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter?

Yes, having a smart meter generally makes switching even easier. Smart meters automatically send your readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions and ensuring accurate billing. This seamless data transfer can facilitate a smoother transition when switching to a new gas-only provider. If you have a manual meter, Fuse Energy can offer a free smart meter upgrade once your supply has switched in.

What if I change my mind after switching?

You typically have a 14-day cooling-off period after agreeing to a new energy contract, during which you can cancel the switch without penalty. If you change your mind within this period, simply contact your new supplier to cancel. If the switch has already completed, you can still switch to a different supplier, though you may incur exit fees if you are on a fixed-term contract.

Managing your gas supply should be straightforward and transparent. Fuse Energy is committed to providing clear pricing and excellent customer support, making it easier for you to manage your energy usage and costs. With our digital-first approach, you can easily track your consumption and access help whenever you need it.

Ready to take control of your gas bills? Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience a modern energy service.

References

1. Ofgem. Energy price cap and standing charges explained.