Israel Launches Gas Bill Calculator to Show Potential Annual Savings

The Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has enhanced its home gas price calculator, allowing consumers to estimate potential annual savings by switching to a cheaper provider. The upgraded tool, named "My Personal Savings," requires users to input their current gas company, bi-monthly consumption in cubic meters, and the amount of their last bill. For those using gas cylinders, the price per cylinder is entered instead. The calculator then compares this data to reported prices from other suppliers in the user's area and estimates the yearly savings achievable by switching, also suggesting a cheaper provider.

Previous ministry analyses have revealed significant price discrepancies among gas suppliers, with potential annual savings reaching hundreds of shekels, and in some cases, even more. For instance, a price survey in Tel Aviv showed a bi-monthly difference of up to 126 shekels for central cylinder systems, accumulating to approximately 760 shekels annually. The calculator also addresses a scenario where a consumer is already with the cheapest provider in their area but may still be overpaying compared to other customers of the same company. If the actual price paid exceeds the supplier's reported average price to the ministry, the calculator will highlight this difference and the potential savings.

This feature is intended to empower consumers to negotiate with their current gas company by presenting evidence of price disparities. The ministry has also launched a campaign to encourage consumers to review their gas bills due to these price gaps and low switching rates. The calculator now includes guides for switching providers in both private homes and buildings with central gas systems, detailing the necessary steps for obtaining new offers and completing the transition. These upgrades are part of a broader ministry initiative to increase competition in the domestic gas market through transparency and by simplifying the process of switching suppliers, aiming to lower prices for households.