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The Effectiveness of Switching City Gas Providers

In a recent exclusive survey by Selectra Japan K.K., researchers sought to understand whether customers actually save money when switching their city gas providers. This survey gathered responses from 300 city gas users, revealing significant insights since the liberalization of gas supply in April 2017.

Overview of the Survey

Since the gas retail market opened, customers have had the freedom to select from multiple pricing plans and services offered by new providers, challenging the dominance of larger companies. City gas is recognized for being much cheaper than propane gas, leading to higher satisfaction levels among its users. The survey focused on how many customers considered or executed these switches and the actual savings they achieved.

Key Findings

1. Customer Satisfaction: Out of 300 participants, 64.7% (194 respondents) expressed satisfaction with their current city gas rates.
2. Consideration for Switching: 37.7% of respondents had considered changing their city gas contracts to reduce their bills.
3. Actual Switches Made: Among those who considered a switch, 46% went ahead with the change.
4. Savings Achieved: Remarkably, 80.8% of those who switched reported a successful reduction in their gas bills, while no respondents experienced higher costs after switching.
5. Alternative Perspectives: Compared to previous surveys of propane users, who reported dissatisfaction with their higher costs, the majority of city gas users appear much happier with their situation.

Contract Switching: A Deeper Dive

Among customers satisfied with their current prices, satisfaction levels were differentiated as follows:

• - Some expressed slight satisfaction (29.7%), while others stated they were satisfied (22.8%) or very satisfied (7%).
• - By contrast, a survey conducted by Selectra in October 2025 found that 58.4% of propane users felt they were overpaying for their gas services.

Awareness of Switching Options

Interestingly, even years after the liberalization, 6.7% of participants still indicated they were unaware of their ability to change city gas providers. This statistic suggests a need for ongoing education among consumers about their choices. Additionally, 35.3% of users expressed dissatisfaction with their current rates, indicating a potential market for reassessment or change based on user awareness.

How Much Can You Save?

When it comes to actual savings, most users reported saving between 500 and 1,000 yen per month, with some even achieving savings of over 2,500 yen. This efficiency in savings has been attributed to the fact that as gas usage patterns become more apparent, switching becomes a more viable and beneficial option for customers.

Decision-Making Process for Provider Changes

Most respondents (57.7%) took the initiative to research new providers on their own, while others relied on comparison sites like Selectra for advice (28.9%). Interestingly, 23.1% were motivated by advertisements, showcasing different levels of market influence.

In contrast, 36.6% of customers made their decisions under the influence of family and friends or based on unsolicited sales pitches, which could lead to challenges later if their chosen plan doesn't suit their usage needs.

The Road Ahead: Maximizing Your Savings

With 94% of those who switched reporting a smooth transition, it is evident that the barriers to switching are considerably low. For anyone considering a change, understanding personal usage data and comparing rates across several companies will facilitate an informed decision.

Utilizing services such as Selectra, which provides meticulous comparisons of various plans based on individual households, can lead to better financial outcomes. Customers seeking to lower their gas bills can benefit significantly from these platforms as evidenced by the survey results. The key, then, is awareness – both of the options available and the potential benefits associated with switching.

Conclusion

As urban consumers struggle with energy costs, attention to providers and available plans could yield significant financial relief. Selectra's unique insights encourage users to rethink their current providers and explore the potential of switching for greater savings. In an environment where energy prices continue to fluctuate, proactive consumer behavior can lead to substantial, long-term benefits.