Switching Gas Suppliers Guide

Fact Checked

Changing utility providers can be an anxious period for Aussies. Will the gas be turned off? Are there any hidden breakaway fees? These types of questions aren’t unusual when the time comes to say auf wiedersehen to your gas supplier. So, if you’re ready to crank up the heat and turn those uncertainties into answers, let’s get stuck into it.

How to switch natural gas providers

Switching gas suppliers is generally a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

• Contact your new gas supplier and ask to switch
• Your new gas provider will send a request to the network distributor on your behalf
• This request will be forwarded onto your current gas provider
• After your final meter read, the new gas supplier will take over your property’s account
• You will receive a final bill from your old gas supplier

During the switching process, your new gas retailer will need your supply address, banking details and Delivery Point Identifier (the meter number found at the top of your bill).

What to look out for when changing gas suppliers

Before electing a new company to take over your gas account, it’s best to think about which features are most important to you. Here’s what you should think about:

1. Usage charges: Some gas suppliers have set usage rates for all gas consumption, while others may charge gas usage in ‘block rates’, meaning prices will change depending on how much gas is used.
2. Supply charges: Gas supply rates reflect the cost of supplying gas to a home – either via natural gas lines or the delivery of LPG cylinders. Supply charges are generally the fixed price component of a gas bill.
3. Hidden fees: Some gas suppliers may have hidden fees tied to its plan, such as a connection fee, credit card surcharge, late payment fees or a paper billing charge. Always read the fine print before settling on a plan.
4. Customer satisfaction: A feature often overlooked is the level of service customers receive from their chosen gas supplier. Whether it’s having longer call centre hours or next day LPG delivery, customer service and value for money are worth thinking about.
5. Location: A postcode can have a major impact on the price of gas. Customers should consider the difference in supply and running costs between both natural gas and LPG, particularly for those in regional areas or who have lower gas usage needs.
6. Incentives: It could be in the form of a discount or a sign-up offer, incentives are a great way for gas providers to compete for business. It might even be a larger discount for bundling electricity with the same gas company.

Read more: What’s cheaper: Electricity or Gas?

Can I change gas providers in my state?

With the exception of regional Queensland and Northern Territory, most customers should be able to change natural gas suppliers. The availability of natural gas will depend on a home’s location and whether or not the area is serviced by the gas mains – the underground pipes which supply gas to households.

Most customers should be able to switch LPG suppliers, so long as there are local companies servicing their area. In regional areas of Australia, customers may have limited choice, so it’s best to jump online and search for an LPG retailer in your location.

Which retailers offer gas?

Here is a list of natural gas providers customers can switch to. Keep in mind that not all of these companies operate in all areas of Australia, and please refer to each retailer’s website for further details.

• ActewAGL
• AGL
• Alinta Energy
• CovaU
• Dodo
• EnergyAustralia
• GloBird Energy
• Kleenheat
• Kogan Energy
• Lumo Energy
• Momentum Energy
• Origin Energy
• Powershop
• Red Energy
• Simply Energy
• Sumo
• Tango Energy

LPG Suppliers in Australia

LPG is largely accessible across most of Australia, however many LPG suppliers will only service local areas. There are, however, a few bigger companies – like Origin and Elgas – that deliver LPG nationwide. Here are some bigger LPG brands you may have heard of:

• Agas National
• Kleenheat
• Origin LPG
• Elgas
• Supagas

Can you change gas suppliers if you owe money?

Like an electricity account, customers will need to settle any outstanding bills with their existing gas supplier before switching. Depending on the company, a credit check may be carried out by the new gas provider to determine the level of risk, however some smaller companies may not require this. For everything you need to know about switching energy providers in debt, read our guide.

You can check your credit score for free here

How long does it take to switch gas suppliers?

The time it takes to change gas suppliers will depend on when your home’s last gas meter reading was carried out. If you are billed every quarter, it can take anywhere between a few days to a couple of months. You will usually find the date of your next meter reading on your most recent gas bill.

Is there a cooling-off period when switching gas?

Yes, like an electricity account, customers who switch gas suppliers have a 10-day cooling off period. This means if you get cold feet about your new gas provider, you’ll have 10 business days from the agreement date to cancel the contract. Failing to do so within this time period may result in exit fees.

Will it cost money to change gas companies?

Customers will need to be wary of connection, disconnection and exit fees before switching gas companies. All gas retailers are required by law to publish an energy price fact sheet for each of their plans, meaning every fee and charge will be listed within this document. That’s why reading the fine print cannot be stressed enough.

Will there be an interruption to my gas supply?

There shouldn’t be any interruption to your natural gas supply when changing retailers. The gas supplied to your home all comes from the same gas mains network, meaning once your final meter reading has taken place, it’s as simple as the new gas provider taking over your account.

Can you save by switching gas suppliers?

While giving your old gas retailer the flick won’t necessarily promise savings, it can be a viable option on the table. According to a recent Canstar Blue survey, 57% of respondents who had switched natural gas providers in the last two years said it proved to be a good financial to do so. And with most brands offering no lock-in contracts and no exit fees, there isn’t much to lose when changing over to a new provider.

If you’re not willing to say sayonara just yet however, there are other avenues you can take, like contacting your retailer and asking for a better deal. If all else fails, just remember to do your homework and shop around for the most competitive deals in your area. To get yourself started, be sure to head to our free natural gas comparison tool below.

Compare Gas Plans and Prices

Image credits: MarinaGrigorivna/Shutterstock.com, Thinglass/Shutterstock.com, N. Vector Design/Shutterstock.com, koya979/Shutterstock.com

Original Author: Jared Mullane