The companies that provide gas, referred to as the gas supplier, can be many fold. One can easily find a long list of such gas supplier companies on the internet. All the gas supplier companies are licensed by the authorities i.e. Ofgem. To get a license a gas supplier must come up with a practice code.

• Complaint procedures

• Bill payment, arranging how to pay arrears and pre-payment meters

• Procedures to access sites.

• Advice on energy efficiency

• Services for older, disabled, sick and older people in the society.

Although these are not legally binding, the gas supplier company should properly follow them. One can ask the gas company for a copy of the codes if desired. To know what the codes say would be useful should one have a disagreement with the gas company. If the company doesn't follow the code then a complaint can be made. Customers have the right to a gas supply. But under certain circumstances this varies. One can lose the right to a gas supply when:-

• Gas pipes are in a dangerous condition

• There is a debt or disconnection

• Financial security is unavailable

• Area can't be supplied with gas because it has no gas supply network.

Gas supplier can be changed if one wants to do so at any time. While thinking about changing to another gas supplier, you should bear in mind that the prices, policies and services will vary with different suppliers. Careful comparison to your current gas supplier will help you to make it sure that your choice is the best one. When changing to a new home, the gas supplier would have to know the date of taking over the supply. If so and in order to be reconnected the supplier is entitled to make a charge. Consumer Direct can advise on whether or not a charge is applicable and what a reasonable amount should be. If you have not been disconnected, the meter should be read and the gas supplier should be informed of the reading.

It's important for consumer to keep a copy of the meter reading. If a consumer wants to change a gas supplier in that case both the current and the new gas suppliers should be notified. This way both the gas supplier will get a meter reading on very same day of installation. Such process could be done in various ways from different suppliers. Others will ask for a meter reading. In either case, keeping a note of the meter reading is important, should there be any dispute later on.

The Consumer Focus website can provide information about changing gas supplier. What to check for if one wants to change suppliers and also a list of local gas suppliers. Price comparison fact sheets are also available for a quick overview. If a gas supplier agrees to supply gas then normally it must follow in such way:-

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• Supply the gas to the customer as soon as possible and reasonably practical

• Continue to supply gas for as long as the customer wants it.