It may come as a surprise when you compare gas prices, but the amount you pay may depend on the type of meter you have installed.
About six million people in the UK use a prepayment meter, which means they have to pay for electricity and gas upfront. While this has some advantages (for example, no bills coming in), it often means that you will pay an above average rate for utilities.
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 easily. If you have slipped into debt with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help clear this.
The downside is that, if you compare gas prices, you will quickly see 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 until you top up.
Also, the best deals on the energy market 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 using a conventional credit meter, to see if you could save money.
You’ll be able to switch to a standard account if you have been debt free for at least three months.
Once you have a standard meter in place, you can compare the various gas suppliers, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The fastest way to do this is to go to 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 stick with a prepayment meter, or change to a standard meter, you may be able to cut your bills when you compare gas prices and switch supplier.
