The Overlooked Tariffs That Could Cut UK Bills This Winter

UK households are once again bracing for higher energy bills this winter, with the average dual-fuel home expected to pay more than £1,700 a year under the current price cap. While many people focus only on their unit rates, consumer experts warn that the type of tariff you choose could be just as important as the supplier itself.

New analysis shows that millions of households are missing out on potential savings by sticking to default plans or switching only one fuel. For many, the key to lowering costs could be found in overlooked options such as dual fuel tariffs UK and even green dual fuel deals, which now compete closely with standard fossil-fuel tariffs.

Why focusing only on electricity is a mistake

For years, many households have checked electricity prices in isolation, hoping to shave a few pounds off their bills. But industry specialists say this approach is incomplete. When you onlycompare electricity prices, you risk ignoring bundle discounts that come from combining both fuels with the same supplier.

The average UK household uses around2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year(Ofgem’s Typical Domestic Consumption Values). That means gas accounts for the majority of total energy use in dual fuel homes. By focusing only on electricity, households overlook the much larger share of their bill — and the savings that could come from bundling both fuels together.

Suppliers benefit from lower admin costs when they manage gas and electricity together, and many pass those savings back to customers in the form of cheaper standing charges or additional discounts. That means a household who switches just one fuel might actually end up paying more overall than if they had moved both accounts at once.

The rise of dual fuel tariffs in the UK

A dual fuel tariff simply means your gas and electricity are supplied by the same company under one plan. Once marketed as a matter of convenience, dual fuel has evolved into a competitive product that often undercuts single-fuel deals.

One of the key advantages is avoiding duplicated standing charges. With separate suppliers, households may face two sets of fixed daily fees, sometimes adding more than £300 a year before using a single kilowatt-hour of energy. By switching todual fuel tariffs UK, families can consolidate these charges and often see immediate savings.

According to switching data, customers who moved both fuels together typically reported annual savings ranging from £80 to £150 compared with running two separate accounts. On top of this, they benefit from a single bill, one set of customer service contacts, and streamlined budgeting.

The hidden opportunity in green dual fuel deals

For years, green energy had a reputation for being more expensive. Households often assumed tariffs backed by renewable electricity came with a premium, making them less attractive during a cost-of-living crisis.

But the landscape has shifted dramatically. In 2023,renewables generated around 47% of the UK’s electricity, showing how mainstream clean energy has become. As suppliers compete heavily in this space, manygreen dual fuel dealsare now priced at the same level as, or even cheaper than, fossil-fuel tariffs.

These deals come with an added advantage: insulation from the volatile global gas market. Renewable generation is less dependent on international supply chains, meaning its pricing can offer more stability over time. For households looking to future-proof their bills, this makes greener bundles a compelling option.

Tools making comparisons easier

Despite these opportunities, millions remain stuck on default standard variable tariffs. These may be capped by Ofgem, but they are rarely the best value available.

The fastest way to identify potential savings is through digital tools. Online platforms allow households to enter their postcode, payment method, and average usage, then instantly compare available tariffs. These comparisons don’t just show the cheapest prices — they also highlight features like green credentials, fixed vs variable structures, and bundled discounts.

By using tools that let you compare electricity prices alongside gas, consumers can see whether a dual fuel or green option makes sense for their home. For many, the results are surprising: greener, bundled tariffs are often cheaper than their current “standard” rates.

Why households are switching again

Before the energy crisis of 2021–22, switching suppliers was routine, with over four million households moving every year. That trend collapsed during the crisis, as many tariffs vanished from the market.

But now, competition is returning. Smaller renewable suppliers are offering innovative packages, and the major firms are under pressure to win back customers. Analysts say this is the perfect time for households to review their plan, as new deals are reappearing after years of limited choice.

By considering dual fuel tariffs UK and green dual fuel deals, families not only secure potential discounts but also contribute to the UK’s net zero transition.

Looking ahead

The winter months will bring fresh pressure to household budgets, and energy bills are unlikely to fall significantly in the short term. But the choice of tariff structure — not just supplier — could make a decisive difference.

Experts stress that the most overlooked saving isn’t switching alone, but choosing smarter tariffs. That means reviewing dual fuel, green dual fuel, and electricity price comparisons side by side, rather than letting contracts roll over unnoticed.

For many families, the savings could run into hundreds of pounds a year, with the added benefit of supporting a cleaner energy future.

As one analyst put it: “It’s not just about who supplies your energy, but how you buy it. The right tariff structure can be the difference between overpaying and staying in control this winter.”