Compare Gas Meter Types
It may come as a surprise when you compare gas prices, but the amount you pay could depend on the type of meter you have installed.
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 (for example, no bills coming in), it often means that you will pay an above average rate for utilities.
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 gone into arrears with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help clear this.
All the same, 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 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 on a conventional credit meter, to see if it could save you money.
You can switch to a credit account if you have been debt free for at least three months.
Once you have a credit meter installed, you will be able to compare the various gas suppliers’ tariffs, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The easiest way to do this is to visit 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 siteso you could begin saving money immediately.
Whether you decide 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 switch supplier.
