United Kingdom is divided into twelve Local Distribution Zones to supply gas energy. Eight gas distribution networks plays role in managing these LDZs. Every zone is dominated and controlled by few major Gas Providers . North West, London, West Midlands and East of England are taken care by the National Grid. While, Wales and the West is controlled by Wales and West Utilities. Scotia Gas Networks, operating as Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks, dominates the Scotland & South of England respectively. North of England is owned by Northern Gas Networks, having operational activities on the contract basis to United Utilities Operations. In 1996, European Union started deregulating UK gas suppliers. The effect of this development was greater competition resulting in suppliers offering cheaper deals. These lucrative packages are often very complex and confusing. Consumers are faced with troublesome task of finding the most beneficial package.
Combination of gas and electricity bought from the same supplier is called dual fuel. It is cheaper than paying different suppliers for two forms of energy. Convenience is enhanced with dual fuel as consumers are suppose to deal with only single supplier. Gas providers get greater traffic which compensates for the discounts. Discounts are offered by the energy providers for some preferred modes of payment. Internet tariff is making online payments for the energy bills. Suppliers give substantial discounts on internet tariff for the increased convenience it provides to them. Paper cost and courier charges are avoided with online transactions. Direct debit monthly payment is paying a fixed amount for the gas every month. The fixed amount is calculated on previous bills of the consumer. Any balance either way is cleared annually at the end of financial year. Over-billing and under-billing are two possibilities that arise with this payment mode. Heavy discounts are attached to this mode of payment. Gas suppliers also charge hidden costs often covered under fine black print behind the contract. Paper billing and non direct payment are two popular examples of such hidden coasts. Availability of a supplier determines many aspects of services provided. Satisfaction level of consumers is more for UK gas providers with greater availability as their services are better. Dominance in an area help suppliers offer cheaper packages with excellent services. Timing the switch correctly to a new energy supplier is essential to experience maximum benefits. Intense competition forces every supplier to minimize the cost of gas supplied by them. Therefore, amendments made by one gas provider are often followed by modifications carried by remaining suppliers.
All the essential and important information about gas providers in UK is available online. Many dedicated sites help users to formulate a clear and correct view regarding these suppliers. They also allow to subscribe or switch the suppliers without any unnecessary trouble or complications. Many discounts are offered by these websites making the deals even more lucrative. Voucher codes also provide an easy way to save on the cost of gas. These are internet coupons that are extremely easy to obtain and very convenient to use. Right knowledge and effective sources are the key for finding the right gas provider and beneficial packages.
Andrew J Peterson is a professional writer. He is writing on various products and services to distinguish price comparison on mobile phones, Contract Mobile Phones, broadband providers, Wireless Broadband , Home Broadband, utility guide and many others.
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