Compare Gas Meter Types
This may be a surprise when you compare gas prices, but how much you pay may change depending on the type of meter you have installed in your home.
Approximately 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 does usually means that you pay an above average rate for your utilities.
Using a prepayment meter means you can easily track the amount of gas you use. This will help you manage your budget more easily. If you have gone into arrears with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help clear this.
The downside is that, 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.
Also, 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 using a conventional credit meter, to see if it could save you money.
You can switch to a standard account if you have been debt free for at least three months.
Once you have a credit meter in place, you will be able to compare the various gas suppliers, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The easiest way to do this is to use 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 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 stay with a prepayment meter, or switch onto a standard meter, you may be able to save money when you compare gas prices and change supplier.
