If you use natural gas to heat your home, it may be prudent to compare various available options. Because natural gas rates change periodically, you may be able to negotiate a better contracted rate. Natural Gas Rates are regulated and have to be recorded with each state. Having easily obtainable rates provides consumer transparency and is helpful to the consumer.
Determine the government entity responsible for regulating the natural gas companies in your state. The title varies from state to state. For example it could be known as the "Public Service Commission," "Public Utilities Commission," or "Office of Utility Consumer Counselor."
Navigate to your utility commission's official website. Many of the utility commissioners provide comparison charts for their consumers on their web pages.
Look in the front of your telephone companies telephone books. The natural gas companies are listed in the the first few pages in the book.
Call the companies and request the rates. Request the companies mail the rates to you or write the rates down for each company. Review then compare them. Factor in variables, such as the length of contract terms for each specific rate to determine which works best for you. For example, if you have plans to move within the next six months, it wouldn't be prudent to sign a contract for a year.