Compare Gas Meter Types
It may come as 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.
Around six million people in the UK have a prepayment meter, which means they have to pay for electricity and gas upfront. While this has some advantages, it does usually means that you will pay a higher 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 accurately. If you have slipped into arrears 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 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 turned off until you top up.
Also, the best deals on the energy market are not available to people who pay 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 standard 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 your provider is offering value for money.
The easiest way to do this is to visit a price comparison site. Instead of 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 prefer to stay with a prepayment meter, or move to a standard meter, you may be able to save money when you compare gas prices and switch supplier.
