Businesses located in deregulated states have a huge advantage. They can choose their own natural gas provider and shop around until they find the right company and contract. But this can be challenging as there are plenty of options to choose from.

When choosing a natural gas supplier, business owners need to do their homework. Not all companies are created equal and getting stuck with the wrong company or in the wrong plan will cost you valuable time and money.

What to Look for in a Natural Gas Supplier

The first step to finding a natural gas provider is to set your own priorities in order. What is most important to you in a supplier? Things like predictable rates, low rates, reputation and expertise just some of the factors to consider.

Clarifying your own priorities first will help you as you begin to compare different companies. You should also know what your average gas usage is so the supplier can give you a more accurate quote.

Once you’ve done those two things, you are ready to start looking for providers. Here are three things you should consider before choosing a natural gas supplier:

1. Reputation and experience

When you are looking for a natural gas supplier, it’s important to consider that company’s reputation. Who is leading the organization?

Does the company have strong values and demonstrate integrity? This is something you are not likely to learn from browsing their website.

It’s also important to find out how long they have been in business. Companies that have been in business for several decades will have a level of expertise that newer firms won’t have.

You should also ensure that any company you are considering is a certified natural gas provider in your state.

2. Rates and plans

The energy industry can be quite volatile and there are a number of different factors that can influence the market.

So to avoid large fluctuations in price, you should look for a supplier that offers fixed-rate contracts. That way your monthly bill will stay the same regardless of market changes.

But once you find a contract that seems fair, your work isn’t done. You want to make sure you understand all the fine print, such as contract length, cancellations fees, or service fees.

3. Customer service

Customer service is one of the most important things to consider about anyone you are considering doing business with. If a problem arises, you want to know that your supplier will take care of the issue immediately.

So it’s important to gauge what kind of service the company offers before signing a contract with them. Do they have a 24-hour customer service available?

How quickly did they respond to you when you contact them to request a quote? How have other customers reviewed them online? These are all things you should consider. 

Conclusion

Choosing between different suppliers can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t well-versed in the energy industry. If you have been struggling to find the right natural gas supplier, we recommend you consider working with an energy broker.

Qualified brokers have insights into the energy markets that other people don’t have access to. A broker will work with you to understand your business’s needs and help you find a supplier and energy plan that will be the right fit.

This will save you time and a lot of guesswork along the way. If you’re a commercial customer looking to purchase energy or interested in finding a broker to work with, we want to talk to you.

As the country’s largest retail energy network, we have access to top suppliers and brokers. Contact us so we can learn more about your business and energy needs.