5 Steps To Conduct A Gas Price Comparison Online

UK energy suppliers have recently announced that they will be raising prices again in a few weeks. In some cases, gas and electricity rates will rise as much as 10 percent. With rent and utilities now accounting for approximately 25 percent of household budgets, consumers are looking to cut their energy expenses as much, and as quickly, as possible. One way to cut costs is by performing a gas price comparison.

The most popular way to do a gas price comparison is online. Numerous websites have initiated comparison scenarios that are designed to help consumers compare gas suppliers, their rates, and the plans they offer. With another gas hike on the rise, it makes sense to look into your options as soon as possible. Follow these steps to do your own online gas price comparison.

Step 1: Find a Website
Simply conduct a search for the words "compare gas prices online."  Your search should return a list of websites that offer gas price comparisons online. Some people prefer to select the website that appears first on the list, but in truth, you may want to use more than one website to conduct your comparison, just so that you can get a feel for what results you will be getting.

Step 2: Enter Your Post Code
Regardless of which website you select to perform your online gas price comparison, you will be asked to enter your post code so that the website can return a list of gas suppliers and accurate prices in your area. Although many gas suppliers supply customers all over the UK, the prices they offer may vary greatly from region to region. So, by entering your post code, the website knows what prices are being offered in your area.

Step 3: View Your List
Once you have entered your information, you will be presented with a list of gas suppliers in your area and the rates that each supplier offers. Some gas suppliers offer more than one rate based on certain plan specifications. For instance, you may find that one gas supplier offers a very low rate based on a short-term, variable rate plan. The same supplier may also offer a higher rate plan that is based on a multi-year contract term. Look over the suppliers and the plans they offer so that you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Think About It
Although the next gas price hike is imminent, you may want to think about your decision before you make the actual switch to another gas supplier. Your goal is to pick the lowest rate and the best rate plan term. Some consumers are wary of contracting with a small supplier for fear that the supplier may go out of business before the contract term has ended. Because of this fear, many consumers will only compare and consider the rates offered by established gas suppliers that have been around for years.

But, in reality, there is no need for concern. Even if a small gas supplier goes out of business before your contract with that supplier has ended, you will not be left out in the cold. The government has provisions in place that will switch you to another supplier should this unlikely event indeed occur. Do not shy away from a great plan offered by a small supplier because you fear the longevity of that supplier. You will not be left out in the cold.

Step 5: Make the Switch
After thinking about your options and perhaps discussing them with other household members, switch to the lowest price gas supplier. According to some financial and energy market experts, switching to a gas supplier that offers a lower price may be the only way to effectively lower your gas bill. At the very least, it may be the only way that you can keep your energy bills from rising to the point where they become completely unaffordable.

Using the same website that you used to base your gas price comparison, switch to your new gas supplier. You may also switch by calling a representative at the new company. Switching is easy and convenient and you will not experience any interruptions in billing or service.

Sam Jones found it very hard to choose amongst the vast array of gas price comparison sites, then heard about uSwitch.com and found some great money saving offers as well as some great energy saving tips.