Cheapest gas supplier 2022
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Looking to save some money? Well, then an energy supplier that offers a cheap tariff might be the best option for you. However, it is important to note that the cheapest gas supplier is not necessarily the best. There are other factors involved such as customer service, accurate billing and smart meters. Plus there are environmental considerations. For many people finding a supplier who offsets their gas or also offers green electricity is an important factor.
Last update: November 2022
As you may have heard on the news, the UK energy market crisis is driving up energy costs and putting several energy suppliers out of business. As a result, we have currently paused our supplier switching services, however, we hope to return as soon as possible. To learn more about this and stay updated you can read our page on the UK energy crisis.
However, knowing the cheapest gas supplier can help you to make an informed decision. This guide aims to tell you everything you need to know.
Heating our homes and having access to hot water, as and when we need it, are essential basics for everyday life. Of course, for most of us, that means paying for an energy supply. And for 86% of homes in the UK, that means using the natural gas mains connection – that’s around 23 million properties across the country. However, just because gas is an essential service that doesn’t mean we want to be paying any more for it than we should be. Read on to find out more about the cheapest gas supplier.
Who is the UK's cheapest gas supplier?
At the moment, as a result of a global gas shortage, gas prices in the UK are at record levels. As a result, many notable suppliers have stopped listing their tariffs online and urged customers not to switch suppliers given the current instability of the market.
However, there are several reputable suppliers that have continued to list their current rates and offer quotes to potential new customers.
What are the cheapest gas tariffs currently available?
Following you can find the cheapest gas tariffs that are currently on the market.
| Provider | Tariff | Fuel | Availability | Standing Charge | Unit Rate | Annual Cost | Exit Fees | Green Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Double Gold | Standard Variable | ✅ | 26.61* | 10.51* | £ 1,358.16* | £ 0.00 | ✔️ |
 | Prepayment Variable | Prepayment Variable | ✅ | 29.49* | 10.79* | £ 1,402.51* | £ 0.00 | ✖️ |
| Prepayment | Prepayment Variable | ✅ | 37.51* | 10.79* | £ 1,431.55* | £ 0.00 | ✖️ |
Prices differ on a postcode basis, this table therefore displays national averages
Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
A tariff is green if for each kWh consumed a kWh of renewable energy is injected in the grid.
What are the cheapest gas offers i the UK?
The overall cheapest gas tariffs in the UK market are listed down below.
| Supplier | Tariff Type | Name | Availability | Standing Charge | Unit Rate | Annual Cost | Exit Fee | Green Tariff** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fixed - 12 months | / | ❌ | 21.48* | 3.04* | £ 443.50* | £ 15.00 | ✖️ |
 | Standard Variable | / | ❌ | 23.84* | 3.26* | £ 478.28* | £ 0.00 | ✖️ |
 | Standard Variable | / | ❌ | 23.85* | 3.27* | £ 479.51* | £ 0.00 | ✔️ |
Prices displayed are national averages
Based on Ofgem’s TDCV (2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year).
Is a Green tariff if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.
Outfox the Market
Well known throughout the UK for offering low rates on their energy, Outfox the Market may not be a major surprise for many. Since being founded in 2017 customers of Outfox the Market have formed a loyal community that advocates for their value-based strategy, which is something you can't find in many larger suppliers.
At the moment they offer one of the lowest rates for gas, with their variable rate tariff, "One Green Flex", however, it is important to note that this tariff is only available as part of a dual fuel tariff plan, meaning that you'll have to purchase both your gas AND your electricity from Outfox the Market to get their rates.
The pricing for this tariff can be seen below:
| Supplier | Type | Availability | Standing Charged | Unit Rate | Annual osts | Exit Fee | Green Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outfox the Market | Standard Variable | ❌ | 32.935 | £ 62.181 | £ 1,922.686 | 50 | ✖️ |
| Outfox the Market | Fixed - 12 months | ❌ | 32.935 | £ 62.181 | £ 1,923.544 | 50 | ✖️ |
Together Energy
Together Energy focuses on bringing both simplicity and transparency to the UK energy market, and as a result, many consumers have found them to be a hospitable provider for their energy needs. Among their several tariff options is their standard variable tariff, which is aptly named Freedom Variable.
You can find the tariff cost information on this tariff below:
| Plan | Tariff type | Standing Charge (P/Day) | Unit Rate Cost (p/kWh) | Average total annual cost (£/year) | Exit cost (£/fuel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Variable | Variable Rate | 26.11 p* | 4.00 p* | £ 575.50** | £ 0.00 |
* Prices vary from one city to another, so we display national averages Prices are accurate as of 18/10/2021.
** Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
Including 5% of VAT.
Together Energy
Annonce
Scottish Power
As one of the "Big 6" energy suppliers in the UK, Scottish Power is one of the most stable suppliers in the UK. Not only does their large infrastructure allow them to supply energy to a large number of customers across the entire UK, but it is also designed to operate sustainably. Scottish Power is among several notable suppliers in the UK that are able to offer renewable energy at a very good rate. However, the gas supplied by Scottish Power is actually not green rather it is sourced from fossil fuels, so this may be an area of concern if sustainability is a must for your next supplier.
Their most affordable gas tariff's rates can be seen below:
| Plan | Tariff type | Standing Charge (P/Day) | Unit Rate Cost (p/kWh) | Average total annual cost (£/year) | Exit cost (£/fuel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Variable | Variable Rate | 26.110 p* | 4.010 p* | £ 576.567** | £ 0.000 |
* Prices vary from one city to another, so we display national averages Prices are accurate as of 15/10/2021.
** Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
Including 5% of VAT.
Scottish Power
Annonce
Entice Energy
This rather small supplier first started off back in 2015 and has been competing with large scale competitors without immense struggle since then. Customers that have left reviews online for this supplier seem to suggest that they have either met or exceeded the expectations of all their customers.
Their range of tariffs is exceedingly simple, being that they only offer one variable rate and one fixed rate tariff, their variable rate tariff currently offers one of the most affordable gas plans in the UK.
You can find the cost information on this tariff below:
| Plan | Tariff type | Standing Charge (P/Day) | Unit Rate Cost (p/kWh) | Average total annual cost (£/year) | Exit cost (£/fuel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Saver | Variable Rate | 25.73 p* | 3.99 p* | £ 572.76** | £ 0.00 |
* Prices vary from one city to another, so we display national averages Prices are accurate as of 18/10/2021.
** Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
Including 5% of VAT.
Entice Energy
Annonce
Bristol Energy
Bristol Energy was started by the Bristol City Council back in 2015 to ensure that affordable energy was available throughout the UK. The company is well known for its strategy of putting its profits right back into the community by supporting local projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
Many of their tariffs are very competitively priced and as a result, even offer one of the lowest gas rates in the UK at the moment with their "BE Standard Green" tariff.
The pricing information on this tariff can be seen below:
| Plan | Tariff type | Standing Charge (P/Day) | Unit Rate Cost (p/kWh) | Average total annual cost (£/year) | Exit cost (£/fuel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE Standard Green | Variable Rate | 26.110 p* | 4.000 p* | £ 575.367** | £ 0.000 |
* Prices vary from one city to another, so we display national averages
** Based on 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year on average
Including 5% of VAT.
Bristol Energy
Annonce
What is a standing charge?
Standing charges are the fees we pay each day for the energy supply to be connected to our homes. So, as well as paying for the amount of gas we consume, we also pay a daily rate for the connection. The amounts of these charges can vary and a result will affect the cost of your supply shaping what the minimum for your monthly energy bill could look like.
The standing charge covers:
- Using and maintaining the energy networks such as the pipes that carry gas around the country
- Keeping your home connected to the mains
- Meter readings
- Payments towards government initiatives
Gas standing charges in the UK can vary between 10p and 80p per day, depending on your tariff. The national average is £85 a year but some people pay as much as £250. There is talk Ofgem, the industry regulator, putting a cap on standing charge prices which would benefit low income households.
There are some energy suppliers who do not use a standing charge or set a rate at £0 on your bill. This means you only pay for the energy you use, which is great news for occasional use properties such as holiday homes. However, the energy unit rates are usually much higher and medium to high users will usually end up paying more. Currently there are two suppliers offering zero standing charges. These are Ebico Zero Green Fixed and Utilita's Smart Energy.
A standing charge close to 10p day is about as low as it goes. For most of the Big Six, gas standing charges are around 25p to 27p per day.
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What suppliers offer Green Gas?
Green gas, often referred to as biogas or biomethane, is a term used to refer to gas sourced from renewable and environmentally conscious methods, and it does not include gas from harmful resources like fossil fuels. Green gas can be sourced in a number of ways but the most common is called anaerobic digestion, which ostensibly means decomposition without oxygen.
To obtain green gas from anaerobic digestion a sealed oxygen-free container is filled with food, human or animal waste and allowed to decompose. As the organic material decomposes gases are released which can ultimately be harnessed, and even used to heat your home or power your kitchen stove.
Green gas is not very common among UK energy suppliers, so only a select few of them offer it at the moment.
What suppliers offer the cheapest green gas?
As green gas is still a relatively new concept, as mentioned above, there are only a handful of suppliers that offer it. For your convenience, we have broken down a list of the cheapest tariffs offered by suppliers that use green gas in their power supply.
You can find the pricing information of these tariffs below:
| Supplier | Name | Availability | Standing Charge | Unit Rate | Annual Cost | Exit Fee | Green Tariff** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | / | ❌ | 25.71* | 4.00* | £ 573.91* | £ 0.00 | ✔️ |
| / | ❌ | 26.59* | 4.07* | £ 585.52* | £ 0.00 | ✔️ |
 | / | ❌ | 38.42* | 11.37* | £ 1,505.09* | £ 75.00 | ✔️ |
Prices vary from one city to another, so we display national averages
Based on Ofgem’s TDCV (2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year).
Is a Green tariff if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.
What country has the cheapest gas?
Within Europe, Ukraine has the cheapest natural gas thanks to a large supply of the natural resource. Sweden pays the most, followed by the UK, Switzerland and Belgium. However, there are some countries in areas where gas reserves are very good where prices are even lower still. This included several countries in Central Asia.
Is gas free in any country?
Turkmenistan has offered free energy, including gas and electricity to all its citizens. However, they made a move away from this policy, describing it as ‘ineffective’. Every citizen was entitled to 50 cubic metres of gas each month but this ended in 2014, with only people with lower incomes receiving this benefit.
Wholesale gas market price vs retail price
The price that a supplier buys the gas from in large volumes is called the wholesale price. The amount we pay for it as consumers is called the retail price. The difference between these two is the profit and running costs of the supplier. So, just how big is the difference between wholesale and retail prices.
Obviously it depends on the company, as every provider both buys and sells at different rates according to their own business model. However, on average in the UK supplier costs and margins make up around 67% of the consumer bill. This is by far the highest component of your gas bill.
Other charges on your bill include:
- 16% distribution charges
- 2% transmission charges
- 6% environmental charges
- 5% VAT
- 4% other
Wholesale gas price evolution and reasons
The price of gas in the United Kingdom is expected to be about 37.6 pence per therm by 2024/25. This would equal a 38% decrease compared to 2018/19, when gas prices reached a peak of 60.7 pence per therm.
The reasons for this decrease are to do with the supply and demand. If supply is set to increase in the coming years from various sources, then this will result in a drop in prices. Supply side fluctuations are caused by factors such as global reserves, cost of transportation and regional stability.
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FAQ
Who is the UK's cheapest gas supplier?
At the moment, the cheapest gas tariff is offer by Outfox the Market. However, this tariff is part of a dual fuel package so you will also need to sign to have your electricity supplier by them as well.
Which energy supplier has the cheapest standing charge?
Technically, the cheapest are provided by Ebico and Utilita, which have no current standing charges for some of their tariffs. However, these are more suitable for holiday homes as they charge more per unit. Most other companies charge between 10p and 80p per day for their standing charges.
Is gas free in any country?
Turkmenistan used to offer free gas and electricity to all its citizens. However, they described the policy as ‘ineffective’ and ended the universal scheme in 2014. Some people still receive free energy, however, on a means tested basis.
What is the difference between wholesale gas market price vs retail price?
Suppliers buy the gas in large volumes at a wholesale price. The amount consumers pay is called the retail price. The difference between these two is the profit and running costs of the supplier.
Updated on 29 Jan, 2024
Alexander Striano
Consumer Energy Expert
Alex joined the papernest team as a SEO Project Manager Assistant for Broadband Plans. He has developed a real expertise on connectivity topics and works on delivering the best possible content to help you navigate your broadband in and outside your home.
Alex joined the papernest team as a SEO Project Manager Assistant for Broadband Plans. He has developed a real expertise on connectivity topics and works on delivering the best possible content to help you navigate your broadband in and outside your home.
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