Even as the prices rise, simply switching where you buy your natural gas could help save you money.

The Ohio Choice program was started in 2001 and allows you to chose where you get your natural gas. It is designed to create a more competitive marketplace for gas suppliers.

After three decades in her Dayton home, Betty Comingore switched suppliers. Last year, she started buying her natural gas from a supplier other than Vectren. She believes consumers should do their homework. " It would be wise to read and study on it," said Comingore.

Even if you switch suppliers, 20-25% of your bill still goes to Vectren for their delivery and customer service. The other 70%-80% of your bill will go to the new supplier. Lynda Hoffman of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio said, "We have entry systems or entry points on the system, so they bring the gas to there and then we take the gas and deliver it to your home."

Greg Collins, President of Vectren Source said, "One of the advantages of buying from a competitive supplier is that they have more flexibility on how to buy gas and can buy at times when it's really attractively priced."

Officials said Vectren is at the mercy of monthly gas price changes, and those costs are passed on to consumers. That makes switching suppliers attractive for some people.

Hoffman said, "You really just have to look at all the options, compare that to what you're paying Vectren and make your choice."

For more information on The Ohio Choice Program visit The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) at www.puco.ohio.gov and look for the "Apples to Apples Comparison Charts." Or the Ohio Consumers' Counsel at www.pickocc.org. and look for "Comparing Your Energy Choices." You can also visit Vectren's website at www.vectren.com.

Interstate Gas Supply, Inc. -- http://www.igsenergy.com or (877) 444-7427 MxEnergy, Inc. -- http://www.mxenergy.com or (888) 898-4323 Vectren Source -- http://www.vectrensource.com or (800) 516-6740