Dual fuel means getting your gas and electricity from the same supplier. But is it actually cheaper than buying them separately? This guide compares the best dual fuel deals and helps you decide whether bundling makes sense.
What Is Dual Fuel?
Dual fuel is a bundle that combines your electricity and gas supply with one provider. Instead of receiving two bills from two suppliers, you get one bill from one company.
Most major energy suppliers in Ireland offer dual fuel options:
Best Dual Fuel Deals Right Now
Based on average usage (4,200 kWh electricity + 11,000 kWh gas per year):
| Rank | Supplier | Estimated Annual Bill | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuno Energy | €2,380 | Best overall value |
| 2 | Flogas | €2,404 | €210 welcome credit |
| 3 | Bord Gáis Energy | €2,440 | Strong brand reputation |
| 4 | SSE Airtricity | €2,475 | Competitive smart tariffs |
| 5 | Energia | €2,510 | Various plan options |
| 6 | Electric Ireland | €2,545 | Largest supplier |
Prices include discounts, cashback, standing charges, levies, and VAT. Based on new customer urban rates.
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive dual fuel deal is approximately €165 per year.
Is Dual Fuel Cheaper Than Separate Suppliers?
Not always. Here's the honest assessment:
When Dual Fuel Is Cheaper
Bundle discounts: Some suppliers offer an additional €50-€100 discount for taking both fuels together.
Combined promotions: Dual fuel deals sometimes include enhanced cashback compared to taking fuels separately.
Efficient pricing: A supplier strong in both electricity and gas may offer competitive rates on both.
When Separate Suppliers Are Cheaper
Optimising each fuel: The cheapest electricity supplier isn't always the cheapest gas supplier. Buying separately lets you pick the best deal for each.
Limited gas options: Only 6 suppliers offer residential gas in Ireland, so gas competition is less intense than electricity.
Different promotional cycles: You might find an excellent electricity deal when gas deals are mediocre, or vice versa.
The Maths
Let's compare dual fuel vs separate suppliers:
Scenario A: Best Dual Fuel
- Yuno Energy dual fuel: €2,380/year
Scenario B: Best Separate
- Cheapest electricity (Yuno): €1,289/year
- Cheapest gas (Yuno): €1,091/year
- Total: €2,380/year
In this case, the results are the same because Yuno is currently cheapest for both fuels.
However, if the cheapest electricity supplier differs from the cheapest gas supplier, buying separately could save €50-€100 more.
Reality check: For most people, the convenience of one bill outweighs the potential extra savings from optimising separately.
Dual Fuel Suppliers Compared
Bord Gáis Energy
Strengths:
- Strong gas heritage (originally the national gas company)
- Comprehensive dual fuel options
- Rewards programme included
Considerations:
- Not always the cheapest
- Annual price adjustment clause
Best for: Customers who value brand recognition and rewards
Electric Ireland
Strengths:
- Largest supplier (established customer service)
- Strong electricity heritage
- Various plan options
Considerations:
- Prices not always competitive
- Annual price adjustment clause
Best for: Customers who prefer the state-owned supplier
SSE Airtricity
Strengths:
- Competitive smart meter tariffs
- Good renewable energy credentials
- Regular promotions
Considerations:
- Mid-range pricing
Best for: Smart meter customers, environmentally conscious households
Energia
Strengths:
- Part of larger energy group
- Various plan structures
Considerations:
- Not always price competitive
- Smaller market presence
Best for: Customers seeking alternatives to the big two
Flogas
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Strong cashback offers
- Growing market presence
Considerations:
- Smaller customer base than majors
Best for: Price-focused customers
Yuno Energy
Strengths:
- Currently lowest prices
- Strong cashback offers
- Smart meter focus
Considerations:
- Newer entrant, less established
- Requires smart meter for best rates
Best for: Customers prioritising lowest cost
Benefits of Dual Fuel
One Bill
Managing one account instead of two simplifies your finances. One direct debit, one login, one customer service contact.
One Supplier Relationship
If you have an issue, you deal with one company. No confusion about which supplier handles what.
Potential Bundle Discount
Some suppliers offer 5-10% extra off when you take both fuels. This isn't universal, so check specific deals.
Easier Switching
When you switch, you move both fuels at once. One application, one process.
Drawbacks of Dual Fuel
May Not Be Cheapest
If you're purely focused on minimising costs, optimising each fuel separately might save more.
Locked to One Provider
If your supplier increases prices significantly, you're moving two fuels rather than one.
Limited Gas Competition
With only 6 gas suppliers vs 11 electricity suppliers, gas competition is weaker. Dual fuel ties your electricity to this smaller market.
Contract Alignment
Your electricity and gas contracts need to end at the same time. If they don't align, switching can be complicated.
How to Get the Best Dual Fuel Deal
Step 1: Know Your Usage
Find your annual usage for both fuels:
- Electricity: Check bills or ESB Networks account (kWh)
- Gas: Check bills or Gas Networks Ireland (kWh)
Average usage:
- Electricity: 4,200 kWh/year
- Gas: 11,000 kWh/year
Step 2: Compare Dual Fuel Deals
Use a comparison site that shows combined costs. Enter both your electricity and gas usage for accurate results.
Step 3: Check the Terms
Before switching, verify:
- Contract length (usually 12 months)
- Exit fees (typically €50 per fuel, so €100 total)
- What happens after the promotional period
- Annual price adjustment clauses
Step 4: Apply for Dual Fuel
When you apply, specify that you want both electricity and gas. The supplier will handle switching both fuels from your current provider(s).
Step 5: Monitor for Better Deals
Set a reminder for when your contract ends. Compare again and switch if there's a better deal.
Switching Dual Fuel
The process is similar to switching a single fuel:
- Apply to new supplier for dual fuel
- Provide MPRN (electricity meter reference) and GPRN (gas meter reference)
- New supplier handles everything
- Switches complete (typically 21 days for electricity, similar for gas)
- Receive final bills from old supplier(s)
- Start receiving combined bill from new supplier
If you're switching from two separate suppliers to one dual fuel supplier, both switches happen in parallel.
Common Questions
Do I need a gas connection for dual fuel?
Yes. Dual fuel only makes sense if your property has both electricity and gas. If you don't have gas (e.g., oil heating), you'd only switch electricity.
Can I switch dual fuel if I owe money?
Outstanding balances with your old supplier(s) must still be paid, but they don't prevent switching. Your final bills will reflect any amounts owed.
What if my electricity and gas contracts end at different times?
You can still switch both, but you may pay exit fees on whichever fuel is still in contract. Calculate whether the savings outweigh the fees.
Do all suppliers offer dual fuel?
No. Some electricity-only suppliers (like some smaller players) don't offer gas. The six main gas suppliers are: Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, SSE Airtricity, Energia, Flogas, and PrePayPower.
Is dual fuel available for prepay?
Yes, though options are more limited. PrePayPower offers prepay dual fuel.
Summary
Dual fuel offers convenience—one bill, one supplier, simpler management. Whether it's cheaper depends on current market conditions.
Key points:
- Compare total dual fuel cost against separate suppliers
- The difference is often small (€50-€100 per year)
- Convenience usually outweighs minor price differences
- Switch every 12 months to maintain competitive rates
- Check for bundle discounts that make dual fuel more attractive
Ready to compare dual fuel deals? Use our [energy comparison tool](/energy/compare) to find the best price for your combined electricity and gas usage.
Last updated: January 2026