You can compare gas and electricity quotes separately or together. While dual fuel is a popular way to keep your energy bundled together, you can also get gas and electricity from different providers..

Energy prices change all the time. They reflect market supply and demand, and fluctuate as a result. They’re also affected when wholesale costs change.

The current Ofgem Energy Price Cap is set every three months, reflecting inflation as well as underlying costs of energy. It caps the unit price of gas and electricity for a typical household with a dual-fuel tariff paying by direct debit. But the amount you pay altogether will still depend on how much energy you use.

The cheapest way to pay your gas and electric bill is usually via direct debit.

Shopping around for the cheapest deal can often be the best way to save on gas and electricity. However, there aren’t many deals available to switch to at the moment.

But with wholesale energy prices falling, this is expected to change. This could signal a return of competition in the energy market and a cheapest energy supplier or tariff returning.

Fixed-rate tariffs – the unit cost is fixed and will stay the same for an agreed length of time. 

Variable tariffs – the unit cost can go up or down in line with changes in the wholesale energy market. 

Find out more in our types of energy tariffs guide.

Switching dual fuel or switching one energy type on its own are both simple when you use Compare the Market. The only potential complication would be if you are on a fixed-term contract that hasn’t yet expired, as you may have to pay an exit penalty.

When switching is possible again, it will help if you have both your latest gas and electricity bill to hand, because the answers to the questions we’ll ask you will be there. If you don’t have a bill, then don’t worry, we’ll be able to compare energy prices based on estimations.

If you’re moving and your existing deal is a good one, it can be carried over to your new home – just tell your energy supplier the new address and the moving-in date.  

On moving day, take a meter reading before you leave and give this to your supplier. This way you can be sure your final bill will only reflect what you’ve used.    

Be sure to also take a meter reading at your new home so you won’t be paying for energy used by the previous owner.  

See more on moving home and changing your gas or electricity suppliers.

It depends on what stage your gas and electricity supplier is at in their smart meter programme. The rollout is being managed by individual energy companies. You can ask your current energy supplier for a smart meter and they will let you know if it is possible to get one and when.

Make sure any tariff you switch to is the best energy deal for you –in the past there have been some beneficial tariffs for smart meter users. 

See more about how smart meters work in our guide to smart meters.

When you can compare with us again, you’ll be able to choose to see tariffs for 100% renewable electricity.

See more on renewable energy.