Compare Gas Prices
This may be a surprise when you compare gas prices, but the amount you pay may depend on the type of meter you have in your home.
About six million people in the UK have a prepayment meter, which means they have to pay for electricity and gas upfront. While this can have some advantages, it does usually means that you pay a higher rate for your gas and electricity.
Using a prepayment meter means you can easily keep track of the amount of gas you usewhich can help you manage your budget more easily. If you have slipped into debt with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help you clear this.
All the same, if you compare gas prices, you will quickly notice 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 to the shop in time, your gas supply could be turned off.
In addition, the best deals on energy tariffs are not available to people who pay using a prepayment meter.
If you are on a prepayment meter, it’s a good idea to compare gas prices on a conventional credit meter, to see if you could save money.
You’ll 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’ tariffs, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The quickest 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 will need to do is answer a few straightforward questions.
Some suppliers enable you to switch online, through the comparison site. Consequently, you could begin saving money immediately.
Whether you choose to stick with a prepayment meter, or switch onto a standard meter, you may be able to save money when you compare gas prices and switch supplier.