What is a dual fuel tariff?
A dual fuel tariff is when you use the same supplier for both your gas and electricity, and get one bill for both. These tariffs offer the convenience of only dealing with one bill and you have a single point of contact for queries, or if a problem arises. Sometimes discounts are offered, but duel fuel tariffs may not be the cheapest way to buy your energy.
Who do dual tariffs suit?
Whether dual fuel tariffs are right for you depends on your energy needs, and priorities. But it’s always worth spending some time to compare energy prices and check you’re on the best tariff.
Pretty much all tariffs offer a dual fuel option. If your priority is streamlining your bills and making them easy to manage, dual fuel tariffs are probably the best option for you. Since you only need to deal with one supplier, it makes it simple to submit regular gas and electricity meter readings, without having to contact different suppliers.
85% of customers who switch energy provider with MoneySuperMarket switch to a duel fuel energy tariff. According to MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of March 2018.
What kind of discounts do dual fuel deals offer?
Discounts vary between suppliers. It’s not unusual to see a 15% discount if you choose to take gas and electricity from the same supplier, and pay by direct debit, for example. You’ll see if a dual fuel discount is available when you review the tariff.
When a dual fuel discount is applied, it slashes the cost of taking gas and electricity separately from that supplier. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be cheaper single fuel deals elsewhere. The best way to save money is to compare energy deals as you could save up to £250. If you choose paperless bills and online account management, you could also see discounts applied to your bill.
What are the cons of dual fuel tariffs?
You may end up paying more for your gas and electricity if you choose a dual fuel tariff instead of shopping around for different providers.
How do I find out which energy tariff is the cheapest?
The best way to find a cheap energy deal is to compare energy price quotes. You can filter your results to look at dual fuel tariffs, as well as ‘just gas’ and ‘just electricity’ deals. To see if dual fuel is the cheapest option, you simply need to add up the cost of ‘just gas’ and ‘just electricity’ and then review the combined options.
How easy is it to switch energy?
Switching energy supplier is actually very easy. Once you’ve compared quotes and found a deal that suits your usage, simply confirm the tariff you want to switch to from the results table. You will then have to enter a few details, such as your direct debit and contact information.
Your new supplier will contact your current gas and electricity providers on your behalf. The process should take 21 days, and you will never be without gas or electricity during the switching period. You can also call our customer helpline on 0800 177 7087 for help when switching.
If you’re already signed up to a dual fuel deal, remember you can switch in the future, but keep an eye out for exit fees which can be in the region of £25 - £30 per fuel if you switch before the end of your contract.
Are dual fuel tariffs available to everyone?
Dual fuel isn’t available to everyone. If your home only uses electricity, or your energy is provided by electricity and oil, you won’t be able to sign up for a dual fuel tariff.
