Compare Gas Meters
This may be a surprise when you compare gas prices, but the amount you pay may change depending on the type of meter you have installed in your home.
Some six million people in the UK use a prepayment meter, which means they have to pay for their electricity and gas upfront. While this has some advantages (for example, no bills coming in), it does usually means that you pay an above average rate for your gas and electricity.
Having a prepayment meter means you can easily keep track of the amount of gas you use. This will help you manage your budget more effectively. If you have gone into arrears with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help clear this.
However, if you compare gas prices, you will quickly find that prepayment meters have many disadvantages. The most obvious is the inconvenienceof having to make trips to the shop to top up your card or key. And if you don’t get topped up in time, your gas supply could be turned off until you top up.
Finally, the best deals on energy tariffs are not available to people who pay their gas using a prepayment meter.
If you are on a prepayment meter, it’s a good idea to compare gas prices available on a conventional credit meter, to see if it could save you money.
You will be able to switch to a credit account if you have been debt free for at least three months.
Once you have a credit meter in place, you can compare the various gas suppliers, to make sure your provider is offering value for money.
The easiest way to do this is by using a price comparison site. Rather than contacting all the suppliers in your area to compare gas prices, all you have to do is answer a few simple questions.
With some suppliers you will be able to switch online, through the comparison site. Consequently, you could begin saving money immediately.
Whether you choose to stick with a prepayment meter, or move onto a standard meter, you may be able to save money when you compare gas prices and change supplier.