For most Aussie families, gas is an everyday life part of life—whether heating your home, cooking meals, or running hot water. Gas is an integral part of our life, but something we don’t think of too much unless there’s an issue or it’s adding to bills. Like most utilities, gas prices can fluctuate, making it tricky to keep your monthly costs in check.
That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly review your gas plan and consider switching providers when better rates or terms arise. Therefore, the big question is: when should you consider switching? Is it worth checking out new plans, or is sticking with your current provider the way to go?
This is precisely why you should take the time to compare gas prices to make sure you’re getting a deal that works for you.
Why Do Gas Prices Vary?
Several factors contribute to the fluctuation of gas prices for homes, so it’s important to regularly compare gas prices to ensure you're getting the best deal. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions when shopping for a new provider or assessing your current gas plan:
Supply and Demand: Gas prices fluctuate yearly due to changing demand and other factors. Gas usage peaks in winter (June to August) as households rely heavily on heating systems, driving up demand and, potentially, prices. In summer, while heating demand drops, many families use gas for hot water systems, pool heaters, and outdoor barbecues, contributing to steady usage. When you compare gas prices, you’ll get a clearer understanding of how these market conditions affect your costs.
Location: Different regions can have varying rates due to infrastructure, different energy providers, and local regulations. Comparing gas prices in your area helps you see if you’re paying more than you should for the same service.
Gas Plan Structure: Some energy providers offer fixed-rate plans, while others provide variable rates. Fixed-rate plans lock in a price for the duration of the contract, while variable rates can change based on market conditions. Your plan type plays a crucial role in how much you pay for gas, so it's essential to compare gas prices and plan structures to choose the one that best suits your needs.
How to Compare Gas Prices
Use Comparison Websites
Just like comparing electricity prices, there are some available tools for comparing gas prices. Gov websites like Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare allow you to enter your location and compare prices from different energy suppliers. These platforms also allow you to compare plans based on average usage, helping you find the best deal.
(Source: Energy Made Easy)
Understand Your Gas Usage
Before comparing gas prices, a clear picture of how much gas you use is essential. If you’ve been using gas for a while, you can usually find this information on your previous gas bill or by looking at your energy usage over the past year. If you're new to gas or don't have a usage history, don’t worry—you can estimate your usage based on your household size and the type of appliances you use.
Source: https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/energy-questionnaire
This will help you get a better idea of your average consumption and assess which pricing plans give you the best value.
Check for Fixed vs. Variable Plans when Comparing Gas Prices
Fixed-Rate Plans: These plans offer a set price for a certain period, typically one or two years. They can offer stability, especially if gas prices are expected to rise.
Variable-Rate Plans: With variable-rate plans, your prices change based on market conditions. While these plans can sometimes offer savings when prices are low, they come with the risk of price hikes.
Keep an Eye on Extra Fees
When comparing gas plans, don’t just focus on the advertised price. Some providers sneak in hidden fees like connection charges, exit fees, or late payment penalties.
But with Sumo, we keep things simple – no lock-in contracts or exit fees. That means you can switch providers whenever you like, with no nasty surprises. It’s always best to carefully check the fine print and ensure you're looking at the plan's full cost, including any extra fees, so unexpected charges down the track do not catch you out.
Consider Bundling Your Gas and NBN
Some energy providers offer discounts or better rates if you bundle your gas and NBN under one plan. If you’ve already got a solid deal on your gas, bundling could also help you save on your NBN costs.
For example, if you're a Sumo gas customer, you can grab discounts off your NBN plan monthly— another way to save when you bundle your services!
Switching gas providers and comparing prices might seem a bit of a hassle, but ensuring you’re getting the best bang for your buck is worth it. By understanding what affects gas prices, knowing how much you use, and comparing different plans, you can make smarter choices that save you a fair bit over time. One of the best ways to ensure you're paying the right price is to regularly compare gas prices and see if you're getting the best deal. With providers like Sumo offering flexible plans with no lock-in contracts and extra perks like discounts when you bundle, keeping costs down is much easier. It’s a good idea to regularly check your gas plan to avoid price hikes and keep your bills in check. So, whether you’re looking for a better deal or just curious, make sure you compare gas prices and pick the plan that works best for you.
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