Comparing gas prices

Comparing electricity and gas prices doesn't need to be any trouble if you use an online price comparison site.

Of course, you can manually track down all the different suppliers that operate in your area, contact them to discuss their various price plans and then compare them to see which offers the best deal. But doesn't that seem like too much hard work?

A price comparison site will provide a simple league table of gas suppliers, showing you which providers can save you money. They will also be given a grade for customer service, based on the experiences of other consumers.

All you have to do is answer a few quick questions about your current gas supplier, your price plan, how you pay your bill and the average amount you spend on gas each month.
You will then be asked how you want to pay your utility bills in the future. Remember that paying by Direct Debit could result in a discount.

You will then be able to choose your supplier. If you are looking for both electricity and gas suppliers, you may want to consider dual fuel.

A dual fuel plan means you will get both supplies from the same company, which can save you even more. However, this isn't always the case, so be sure to check the prices of single suppliers.

Once you have decided on a plan that offers the best value for money, you may be able to switch online. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you could begin to cut your gas bills.
This is particularly important during winter. You do not want to be paying over the odds for gas central heating if you don't have to - especially if the only other option is being cold.

When you are comparing energy companies, you should remember that there is a wide range of payment plans available.

If you are looking for convenience, an online plan allows you to manage your account and pay your gas bills over the Internet. You may also want to consider a fixed plan.

This simplifies your energy bills, as the price of each unit is fixed for a set period of time.

According to a YouGov poll, around 75 per cent of people find their electricity and gas bills confusing. This means that anything that makes them easier to understand has to be a good thing.