The world of energy tariffs can be a mystifying place, but if you know what to look for there are some big discounts to be had. Here’s how to compare gas prices and find out who is the cheapest gas supplier in your area.
Cutting the cost of your gas supply can be a good way to make your money go that little bit further, especially as in all likelihood there will be little difference to your gas supply when you look for the cheapest gas company.
Here’s how to compare gas suppliers and find the best gas tariff for your circumstances.
Pick a tariff type
Fixed, tracker, discount, capped, online, variable; these are all words used to describe different gas tariffs so it’s fair to say that energy companies do make it tricky to distinguish one tariff from another.
However, picking the right tariff type for your circumstances is a big part of finding the cheapest gas company in your area.
Essentially there are two main types of gas energy tariff, variable or tracker tariffs where the price will move up an down, or fixed or capped tariffs where the amount you pay for your gas is set at a certain level or in some way controlled for a period of time.
In most cases a variable tariff will be the cheaper option initially, however if prices go up then so will the amount you have to pay – unlike if you choose a type of fixed tariff.
For more help choosing a type of gas tariff, read our guide: The Best Way to Keep Your Energy Bills Down.
How do you use your gas supply?
The first step to finding the cheapest gas company is to work out when and how much gas you currently use and subsequently what you will need from your new tariff.
This will allow you to look for a tariff that best suits your needs and avoid taking out a tariff that charges you more to use gas when you want it.
This is especially important if you think you will be a very low or high user as different tariffs may offer a discounted rate at different usage thresholds.
How are you going to pay?
The majority of gas companies will offer various discounts on their tariffs to customers willing to pay by direct debit and manage their bills online.
This can make a big difference to the amount you actually have to pay so you should decide how you want to manage your gas account and how you’ll pay before you begin your search to ensure you are comparing like for like.
Duel fuel?
If you are currently paying for your gas and electricity from two separate providers you may be able to save money by opting for a duel fuel supplier instead.
Before committing to a gas tariff it makes sense to check whether you could get a discount on both by opting to combine the two.
Check the tariff rates
The main determining factor which will make a gas tariff cheap or expensive is the rate you are charged per kWh.
The amount you are charge per kWh will vary depending on the gas company, the type of tariff you choose and where you live.
Once you have narrowed your choice of gas tariff by tariff type, how you want to pay you will need to compare gas suppliers gas rates.
Remind yourself to ‘compare gas prices in my area’ when getting prices from each company, so that your gas comparisons is an accurate illustration of the costs and you find the cheapest gas company available.
For more help finding a cheap energy supplier you can follow our Action Plan: How to cut your utility bills and to compare gas prices UK wide you can use our gas price comparison table.
