It may come as a surprise when you compare gas prices, but how much you pay may depend on the type of meter you have installed.

Approximately six million people in the UK use a prepayment meter, which means they have to pay for their electricity and gas upfront. While this has some advantages, it often means that you pay a higher rate for your gas and electricity.

Using a prepayment meter means you can easily keep track of the amount of gas you use. This will help you manage your budget more effectively. If you have slipped into arrears with your energy supplier, a prepayment meter can help you clear this.

All the same, if you compare gas prices, you will quickly notice that prepayment meters have many disadvantages. The most obvious is the inconvenienceof having to make trips to the shop to top up your card or key. And if you don’t get to the shop in time, your gas supply could be turned off until you top up.

Also, the best deals on energy tariffs are not available to people who pay their gas using a prepayment meter.

If you are on a prepayment meter, you may want to compare gas prices available using a conventional credit meter, to see if it could save you money.

You’ll be able to switch to a credit account if you have been debt free for at least three months.

Once you have a credit meter installed, you can compare the various gas suppliers’ tariffs, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

The quickest way to do this is by using a price comparison site. Rather than contacting all your local suppliers to compare gas prices, all you will need to do is answer a few easy questions.

With some suppliers you will be able to switch online, through the comparison siteso you could begin saving money immediately.

Whether you choose to stay with a prepayment meter, or move onto a standard meter, you may be able to cut your bills when you compare gas prices and switch supplier.