Fixed Rate Plans
A fixed rate generally carries a contract term with it, meaning you can lock in your gas price on a monthly basis after signing a contract. Terms generally run either 6 or 12 months. The advantage of a fixed rate plan is that your price doesn't fluctuate when the rest of the natural gas market does. Think of a fixed rate as sort of a security blanket.
Variable Rate Plans
Variable rates do change based on the several factors, most especially demand. During hot summer days or cold winter nights you'll often see price spikes as gas use increases. The advantage to having a variable rate plan is that you can cancel your service at any time, and the monthly and cancellation fees are often very low. Variable rates give the most flexibility, with companies offering everything from low prices to options for prepaying your natural gas every month.
Regardless of what you choose, living in a state that gives you power to find the service that meets your individual natural gas needs can be a great thing- but only if you're smart and take advantage of your power to choose!.
