Georgia natural gas rates Fixed rates or Variable rates?
Residents can exercise control over their Georgia natural gas rates and prices by not only switching providers, but by comparing the benefits of two different types of rate plans. Before comparing Georgia natural gas rates or providers, another important choice awaits you. There are essentially two different type of billing or rates plans that residents can currently choose from; variable rate plans and fixed rate plans. What's a variable rate? Simply put, it's the current market rates or prices that Georgia natural gas providers choose to charge. Generally speaking these rates can be relatively competitive. But what this type of plan offers most is flexibility. No yearly or 6 month contract is necessary and you are afforded the right to cancel your service and compare other Georgia natural gas providers and prices at anytime without any penalty or cancellation fees. The only potential problem is the sometimes unpredictable natural gas price market. Keep in mind that like gasoline or crude oil, natural gas is a world wide commodity thats traded daily and outside factors can increase all Georgia natural gas rates and prices. In fact this is why it's referred to as a variable rate, because future market conditions are the unknown in the pricing equation. How is a fixed rate plan different? A fixed rate plan allows residents to lock in a particular rate for several months at a time. This offers potential stability and security, because regardless of the market conditions your current rate will not increase. Usually a fixed rate can be locked in for 6 months and sometimes for an entire year. But keep in mind that for as long as you are locked in you are contractually obligated to continue your service with a particular provider. And if service is terminated then most natural gas providers in Georgia will charge you a cancellation fee for breaking your contract. It's also important to note that the future is uncertain, therefore there's no absolute correct answer for every household. But weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both types of natural gas price plans and it pays to keep seasonal conditions in mind.
Should you remain on a variable rate? Or is it time to lock into a low fixed rate? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and receive free advice on which rate plans and which providers in Georgia are this month's best picks. The Georgia Public Service Commission also has an online calculator that allows residents to check the accuracy of their most recent natural gas bill.
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