Compare Home Gas Tariffs

What makes up your home gas bill

Understanding how your gas bill is calculated helps you make a more informed comparison when reviewing available tariffs.

Unit rate

The unit rate is the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas consumed, expressed in pence per kWh. It is the primary driver of your total bill. A lower unit rate reduces the cost of every unit you use, but must be considered alongside the standing charge to get a true picture of total cost.

Standing charge

The standing charge is a fixed daily fee charged regardless of consumption. It covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the gas network. Some tariffs offer a reduced standing charge in exchange for a higher unit rate — whether this works in your favour depends on your usage level.

Fixed vs variable tariffs

A fixed-rate tariff locks in your unit rate and standing charge for a set period, typically 12 to 24 months, giving you price certainty. A variable tariff can change when your supplier adjusts its pricing. Both have different characteristics depending on your circumstances and the state of the energy market.

Ofgem price cap

The Ofgem energy price cap sets the maximum a supplier can charge per unit of gas (and electricity) and the maximum standing charge for domestic customers in Great Britain on default variable tariffs. It is reviewed by Ofgem periodically. Customers on fixed-rate tariffs are not directly protected by the cap, but tariffs are often priced relative to it.

How much gas does a typical UK home use?

Ofgem defines three consumption tiers for typical domestic gas usage per year:

• Low usage – around 7,500 kWh per year
• Medium usage – around 11,500 kWh per year
• High usage – around 17,000 kWh per year

Most homes use gas primarily for central heating and hot water. Actual consumption depends on property size, insulation, boiler efficiency, thermostat settings, number of occupants, and seasonal patterns — with winter months typically accounting for the majority of annual gas use.

Your MPRN — what it is and where to find it

Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique reference for your gas supply point. It is not your account number — it stays the same regardless of which supplier you are with. You can find it on a recent gas bill or on your meter. Having your MPRN available when getting quotes helps ensure the results are accurate for your specific supply.

When to review your gas tariff

A good time to review is around six to eight weeks before your current fixed-rate tariff ends. This gives you time to compare what is available and arrange a new deal before potentially moving onto a variable tariff. If you are already on a variable or default tariff, you can review at any time.

Checklist before you compare

• Find your current tariff name and end date on a recent bill or annual statement
• Note your annual gas consumption in kWh
• Locate your MPRN (on your bill or meter)
• Check whether your current tariff has exit fees
• Compare total annual cost, not just the unit rate
• Look at both unit rate and standing charge together
• Consider whether fixed or variable suits your circumstances