Dual Fuel Usage in Different Household Types in the UK

A dual fuel tariff means you get both gas and electricity from one energy supplier. You only have one energy account with your supplier. There is just one point of contact for help or questions. You do not get separate bills for gas and electricity. You get one bill instead. A dual fuel deal makes things simpler since you work with only one energy supplier.

Whether you get the best deal or not can be up to several things. It depends on how much energy you use in your home. The size of your household can also matter. The number of appliances you have will make a difference, too. Dual fuel energy is often a good choice for some people. But, it may not be the cheapest option for everyone.

How Dual Fuel Tariffs Work in Practice for Different Households

When you choose a dual fuel plan, the energy costs you pay come from both gas and electricity.

• Unit rates tell you the pence you pay for each kWh when you use gas or electricity.
• A standing charge is a set fee. You have to pay this fee every day, even if you use less energy than others.
• The way you pay, such as through direct debit, by a prepayment meter, or using normal credit, can affect what it costs you.
• What you pay depends on the plan. You might be on a fixed tariff or a standard variable tariff.
• A dual fuel discount could be given if you buy both your gas and electricity from the same company.

Because of this setup, the cheapest option is not always the same for every home. It can be different for each house. It can also change depending on how much you use and the way you pay.

Energy Price Cap Rates and Standing Charges (October–December 2025)

Ofgem says the energy price cap will be £1,755 a year for a usual home. This is that if you pay by direct debit. The price cap will be from October to December 2025. The cap will keep a limit on unit rates and standing charges. It applies to standard variable tariffs.

Note: The numbers shown are the average for England, Scotland, and Wales. The actual amounts can be different in each area. They can also change based on the meter type and the way energy use happens in the home.

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Usage Categories and Dual Fuel Deals

Small or Low-Usage Households

• Flats or one-bed homes use less energy than bigger homes.
• Standing charges take up more of the bill. Because of this, the dual fuel discount may not help you much.
• You may find that getting gas and electricity from separate suppliers can cost less than using a dual fuel plan.
• When you do an energy comparison, always look at your recent bill. This lets you find out the real cost for you.

Medium or Average-Usage Households

• These plans are mostly for those who use both gas and electricity.
• If you get both from the same company, you might get a discount. This also makes customer service easy.
• A dual fuel plan is the best energy deal for most homes. The discount and easy customer service help with your regular costs.

Large or High-Usage Households

• A home with lots of bedrooms, an electric heater, or an electric vehicle will use a good amount of energy.
• In this case, the cost per unit of energy is what matters the most. A dual fuel deal that gives you better unit rates might be the best dual fuel deal for you.
• A large house with many people may feel more at ease with fixed tariffs. But you should check first for any early exit fees before you pick a plan.

Example: How Household Size Affects Dual Fuel Savings

Figures show the normal amount of energy people use each year. This is what Ofgem uses too.

Dual Fuel vs Single Fuel or Separate Suppliers

• Dual fuel with one supplier gives you one bill. You also get one online account and one point of contact.
• Separate suppliers might give you cheaper electricity tariffs or offer green energy plans. You will have to get two bills. You also need to do two meter readings. There may be extra exit fees too.
• Many people feel that dual fuel plans with a well-known supplier are a better deal. This is true when you check the standing charges, unit rates, and any extra discounts you can get.

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Factors That Affect What’s Best for Your Household

Fixed vs Variable Dual Fuel Tariffs

• A fixed tariff gives you a set price that will stay the same. You have the same price until your contract ends. If you leave before it is over, there is often an exit fee.
• Variable tariffs may go up or down as market prices change. They will still have to follow the Ofgem price cap rules.

Payment Method and Meter Type

• Paying each month by direct debit is usually the least expensive way to pay. This can be seen in the price cap set for this option.
• Homes that use a prepayment meter have a different price cap. Starting in October 2025, some people might pay a little less. But most people who have a prepayment meter still pay more than those using direct debit.
• A smart meter gives you correct meter readings. It helps you track your energy use. This makes energy comparison much easier.

Switching and New Suppliers

• When you want to go to a new supplier, always check your recent bill. Use the right usage numbers. Do not use guesses or rough numbers when you compare.
• Keep an eye out for exclusive discounts or deals that are only for new starts. Look to see if there are any hidden fees that can come up if you decide to leave later.
• The Energy Switch Guarantee lets your energy supply stay on with no stop when you change to a new supplier.

Which UK energy suppliers offer the best dual fuel deals right now?

The best dual fuel deal can change from time to time. Companies often change their prices, discounts, and deals. A dual fuel deal that is good now may not be the best later. If you want the best dual fuel deal or the right dual fuel supplier, check the offers that are available now. It is important to look at all your options before you make a choice.

• Use your recent bill to find out your energy usage.
• Run an energy comparison tool with your postcode. It shows you offers from new and current suppliers.
• Look for tariffs that cost less than the Ofgem price cap for what you use.
• Check if there are real dual fuel discounts. These include better standing charges or lower unit rates, and not just promo claims.
• Be careful about any exit fees or other costs before switching.
• Think about each supplier’s reputation. See how their customer service is, and how simple it is to change suppliers with the Energy Switch Guarantee.

FAQs: Dual Fuel Usage by Household Type