Compare Gas Suppliers: Cheap Rates and Plans

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Deregulated natural gas

Natural gas — a cleaner-burning fossil fuel used for heating, cooking, and other home energy needs — is one of the largest sources of energy production in the U.S., making up 38% of the U.S.’s energy production in 2023, according to the Energy Information Association (EIA). However, rising prices make finding cheap natural gas rates a challenge.

Thanks to natural gas deregulation, however, you can save money by choosing a provider and plan that’s best for you. Deregulation creates competition among natural gas providers to offer more affordable prices and high-quality customer service. This means you can shop around for the best rates and potentially lower the cost of your gas bill.

States with deregulated natural gas

In the U.S., you’ll find deregulated natural gas markets in 17 states and Washington, D.C. Some states offer deregulated natural gas for residential customers, while others only offer it for commercial customers. The following table lists states with deregulated natural gas, but entering your ZIP code on SaveOnEnergy is the best way to compare gas rates in your area.

Deregulated natural gas markets

Find a natural gas plan with SaveOnEnergy

You can easily compare natural gas prices and plans to find the cheapest energy supplier for your home or business. While our site specializes in deregulated electricity plans, our partner site, ChooseEnergy.com®, features a variety of deregulated natural gas plans. Use the following steps to sign up and find the best natural gas plan for your energy needs:

• Enter your ZIP code. Our partner site, Choose Energy, displays natural gas rates by ZIP code.
• Compare plans. You can filter the options based on your rate type, contract length, and provider preferences. Sort prices from low to high to explore the cheapest natural gas providers.
• Sign up online. When you find a plan you like, you can sign up online or over the phone. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your plan details. From there, your new provider will coordinate the switch with your utility company.

Natural gas plans and options

When comparing plans, consider your typical gas usage patterns by reviewing your past natural gas bills. Knowing your average usage will help you determine potential monthly costs. We recommend comparing your rate options to the state’s average price to determine if you’re getting a good deal. If the rates offered are higher than the average, you might find a better price from another natural gas provider.

Understanding your options will help you narrow down the choices in your area and choose the best natural gas plan for your home or business.

Types of natural gas plans

Fixed- and variable-rate plans are the two main natural gas plan types. Every natural gas plan on our sites is fixed-rate. With these plans, companies charge a set price for the energy you use. Fixed-rate plans protect customers from price changes in the energy market and lock in your rate for the length of the contract. Even if market prices increase, you’ll pay the same rate. Signing up for a new plan during seasons of lower demand, like spring or fall, helps you secure the best price.

Variable rates don’t require a contract and the price you pay may change monthly based on the energy market. These plans are a flexible short-term solution but are risky and expensive if prices spike unexpectedly.

Natural gas contracts

Natural gas contracts typically last 12 to 36 months, depending on your location and provider. Each plan includes a Terms of Service (TOS) document explaining your rate, potential fees, contract length, and other important details.

When signing up for a plan, consider your living situation to avoid paying an early termination fee (ETF). This charge is only applied if you break your contract before the end date. For example, if you rent your home or apartment, you can choose a 12-month plan to align with your lease. If you plan to stay in your home longer, a 24-month contract may offer a lower rate over time. ETF amounts vary, but you can find the exact cost in the TOS.

Deregulated gas vs deregulated electricity

The deregulated energy market is similar to the gas market in which electric companies compete to offer the best prices and energy plans. The biggest difference is the resources used to power your home and the costs. Electricity plans typically come from coal, wind, and solar power, unlike natural gas, which relies on a single source. This variety in energy sources creates more flexibility in pricing and availability.

For pricing, natural gas is measured in dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet (MCF), while electricity is billed in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). According to the EIA, the average natural gas rate in the U.S. is 22.98 dollars per MCF, while the average U.S. electric rate is 16.62 cents per kWh. Although natural gas seems more expensive, it has a higher energy content, which makes it a challenge to compare the costs directly.

Whether you’re searching for an electric or natural gas plan, you can compare all the options in your area by entering your ZIP code on this page.