How to compare the best deals for gas and electricity

How to get the best gas and electricity deal

Switching energy suppliers isn't just about finding the cheapest deal. You need a tariff that's right for your home, your family and your lifestyle. So with plenty of suppliers to choose from, it's important you spend a little time finding out which one could be right for you.

Do you need a fixed-energy tariff for a set rate throughout the year? Or if you don't use gas at all, maybe an electricity-only tariff would be best for you.

Whatever you need, our step-by-step guide will help you choose the right supplier and find the best deal.

How to choose an energy provider

Follow these steps to find the right deal for you.

1. Review your current deal to get the best energy rates

Take a look at a recent bill or statement. Are you paying separately for gas and electricity? Having a single supplier can be more convenient, and sometimes be the best energy tariff. Check out the benefits of a dual fuel tariff.

Even if you want to pay for gas and electricity separately, it is still worth comparing suppliers to find the best energy tariff. 

2. Understand how much energy you’re using to find the best tariff

Your choice of tariff might be affected by how much energy you use, so before comparing different tariffs, log into your account and take a look at your last few energy statements or bills to find your average energy use. This should help you work out what the best energy tariff is for you.

How does your energy use compare to the typical UK household?

How much you use depends on your lifestyle, your home’s size and how many people you live with. Check out our average energy bill guide to find out more.

3. Compare tariffs to find the best energy rates

Look on comparison or energy supplier websites to understand what gas and electric deals they’re offering.

You might want to think about different types of tariffs:

What's a fixed price tariff?

A fixed price tariff guarantees your energy rates and standing charges will stay the same for the length of your contract, giving you peace of mind and price certainty.

What's a variable tariff?

This is usually a supplier's default rate – currently set quarterly by Ofgem’s price cap. Your unit rates and standing charges can go up and down as the wholesale cost of gas and electricity and operating costs change.

Take a look at our fixed vs variable energy tariffs guide to better understand how these type of tariffs work.

Compare similar energy tariffs

With so many different gas and electricity tariffs on the market, it's important to make sure you’re comparing similar energy tariffs. If not, you'll need to take their differences into account when making your decision.

For example - is it an online only tariff? Or a tariff that needs you to pay by monthly Direct Debit?.

4. Consider your payment method

Direct Debit

This is the easiest way to pay for your energy. Energy suppliers usually offer the best energy rates if you pay this way.

Pay As You Go meters

Pay As You Go meters (also called prepayment meters), let you buy your energy up front. This way you never get a bill you can’t afford.

Pay via monthly or quarterly bills

You’ll see how much energy you’re using. But it’s not normally the best deal for gas and electricity.

5. Weigh up your options before you switch energy supplier 

Online or offline

If you’re happy to manage your energy account online you could save money with an online tariff. Think about whether you find the provider’s website easy to navigate or if they have an app. From here you should be able to:

• Send meter readings
• View and pay bills or statements
• Contact customer service
• View your previous bills or statements
• Change your billing information and any other account details

If you’d prefer to receive your statements by post, switch to a supplier that offers this too.

Exit fees

Some energy suppliers charge exit (or cancellation) fees for leaving a fixed-term contract early.

 Make sure you do the sums before leaving. If the potential saving is less than your exit fees, it's probably not worth switching. But some energy providers will offer to pay your exit fees if you join them - it's worth checking.

 It could be worth waiting for the last 49 days of your current deal. Remember that exit fees don't apply during the last 49 days of a fixed-term contract.

Ready to switch? 

Let us show you just how easy it is to switch to British Gas or get a quote.