Gas

The gas market looks set to become the next focus of switching activity now that Flogas has entered into competition against Bord Gais Energy (BGE).

Airtricity is planning to enter the market later this year too.

The gas market was fully opened to competition in July 2007, but it’s only now that alternative suppliers have begun to offer a domestic gas supply service.

Like the electricity market, suppliers had initially concentrated on the business sector following deregulation in February 2005 before eventually turning attention to the domestic market.

Flogas, which launched its switching campaign last October, says it will offer 7pc lower prices than Bord Gais for gas, with a further saving of 2pc if you commit to paying by direct debit.. There are no costs for changing over, and you can switch again if you want after only 20 days.

Like the electricity market, switching gas suppliers is easy and quick and requires no changes to meters or pipework.

But even if you decide not to switch, the good news is gas prices have been falling over the past year.

Check out the CER’s consumer information website, www.energycustomers.ie, for more information.

Information correct as of 12 June 2010