Compare Gas Meter Types
This may be a surprise when you compare gas prices, but how much you pay could change depending on the type of meter you have installed in your home.
Some 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 (for example, no bills coming in), it often means that you pay a higher rate for utilities.
Using a prepayment meter means you can easily track the amount of gas you usewhich can help you manage your budget more effectively. If you have slipped into arrears with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help 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 inconvenience. You will often have 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 switched off until you top up.
Additionally, the best deals on energy tariffs are not available to people who pay for gas using a prepayment meter.
If you are on a prepayment meter, you may want to compare gas prices available on a conventional credit meter, to see if you could save 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 standard meter in place, you will be able to compare the various gas suppliers’ tariffs, to make sure your provider is offering value for money.
The quickest and easiest way to do this is to visit a price comparison site. Instead of contacting all your local suppliers to compare gas prices, all you have to do is answer a few straightforward 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 stay with a prepayment meter, or move onto a standard meter, you may be able to cut your bills when you compare gas prices and change supplier.
