While there is no way to obtain gas and electricity with no out of pocket expense, the competition among power companies is such that you can use this competition to your advantage and find the least expensive rates. Due to this, your best course of action would be to shop and compare the rates you find online before you choose a provider. The internet is great for this. There are many different online sites where you are able to type in your local area and find a list of providers in your local area.
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What are Cheap Utilities?
There is a clear-cut difference among providers of cheap gas and electricity. You want to find a company that possesses great customer service after the sale so that if you have any issues they will be resolved promptly. You do not want to find a cheaper provider only to find that their customer service is “cheap,” as well. In other words, be sure that you research the company well that you are thinking of using.
Choosing a Company
You want to choose a provider that has excellent rates, but that also has great customer service. Thus, you may have to pay a little bit more in upfront costs; however, you will be more satisfied with the service you receive after the sale. Service providers that have great reputations will also be more honest with you about the services that they provide, so your service will actually cost less in the long run.
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Be Wary
There are less than reputable providers out there that may offer you rock bottom prices for your utilities; however, they may hike up your rate soon into your contract. You will then not be happy with their customer service reps or with the price they want you to pay. Therefore, you must be wary that you are choosing a company that offers excellent customer service, as well as has a great reputation. From there, you can compare prices to obtain the best overall service.
You Can Consider Going Green
When you are comparing providers, don’t forget to research just where the provider’s energy resources come from. As an example, several providers are trying to go as “green” as possible when it comes to their service offerings. For instance, many providers try to obtain their energy from as many renewable sources as possible. These types of sources are ones, such as solar or wind power, as well as geothermal. Gas is certainly not “green” in any sense, but many companies are trying to be as gentle to the environment as possible when harvesting this energy source.
In other words, when looking for the cheapest gas and electricity, you should not just look at the prices, but also the sources from which the provider obtains their power. Try to find the provider that couples greener energy with the lowest rates. Chances are, you will be much happier with your provider if you do the necessary research before making your switch.