British Gas is the oldest established energy company in the UK. Discover everything you need to know about one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers.
British Gas offers both gas and electricity to homes in the UK. It also offers a range of related services, from home cover to solar panel and heat pump installation. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the UK’s longest established energy company.
About British Gas
The origins of British Gas stretch all the way back to the early 19th century when, in 1812, the Gas Light and Coke Company was formed. After nationalisation in 1948, the company was renamed British Gas in 1973. The brand name remains in use today even after privatisation and acquisition by its current owners, Centrica plc, in 1997.
Until recently. British Gas was the undisputed number one among the Big Six energy companies. In December 2023, however, it lost top spot in the electricity supply market to Octopus. Despite this, British Gas is still the second biggest electric supplier with a market share of 20.3%. It remains the number one gas supplier, however, with 27.8% of the market. In total British Gas supplies over eight million homes and businesses in the UK with electricity and/or gas.
British Gas reviews 2024
Over 195,000 customers have reviewed British Gas on TrustPilot as of April 2024, giving it an average score of 4.1 stars. Of those, 54% have been 5-star reviews. This places it 24th out of 167 electric utility companies.
What tariffs does British Gas offer?
British Gas dual fuel, electric-only and gas-only plans are available to all customers. It offers both variable and fixed-rate tariffs. In addition to a standard fixed energy tariff, British Gas also offers specialist fixed energy deals for electric vehicles as well as those with Dimplex Quantum storage heaters.
The company also offers a standard variable tariff. British Gas’s standard tariff’s price per kWh tracks Ofgem’s energy price cap, so changes every three months. There is also a Safeguard PAYG for those with a prepayment meter.
You can compare British Gas prices with other energy suppliers. This allows you to quickly see how a British Gas quote compares to its rivals to find the best deal.
What services does British Gas offer?
British Gas also offers the following services, which are also available to non-energy customers:
- HomeCare cover: A range of products protecting various parts of the home, including boiler and heating, home electrics, plumbing and drains, and more.
- Repair: British Gas engineers can also be hired to perform boiler, appliance, home electrics and plumbing and drains repairs.
- Heating systems: You can also use British Gas to fit new and replacement boilers, plus service existing ones. It can also fit heat pumps, thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves.
- Greener homes: In addition to fitting free smart meters, British Gas also offers installation services for solar panels, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and home insulation.
Which meter types does British Gas support?
British Gas supports both standard credit and prepayment meters. Most standard tariffs will work with both smart and non-smart meters, but some newer tariffs may require a smart meter be fitted first.
Can I get a smart meter with British Gas?
Yes, British Gas will install smart meters for free in most properties for its customers. Visit its website for more details and to book an appointment.
How do I contact British Gas?
Users can contact British Gas by phone, live chat and email from its contact page. Phone numbers vary depending on the type of customer and customer number.
If your customer number starts with A or BGX
- Standard credit customers (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm): 0330 080 3880
- Prepay customers (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): N/A
If your customer number starts with 85
- Standard credit customers (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm): 0330 100 0056
- Prepay customers (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): 0330 100 0303
Also check the British Gas Emergency Support page for emergency contact numbers and other help. It includes a dedicated line for meter emergencies (0333 009 6135, available 24/7).
Does British Gas have an app?
Yes, British Gas supplies mobile apps for customers. It’s currently in the process of moving customers across to a new system, which means there are two separate apps available for both Android and iPhone users.
The newer British Gas Energy app offers customers the following features:
- Manage your account balance
- View your bills
- Submit meter readings
- View and make payments
- See your account energy details and manage multiple energy accounts
Does British Gas use renewable energy?
British Gas uses renewable energy as part of its fuel mix. Those on its fixed-rate tariffs get 100% renewable electricity. Those on other tariffs get a mix of renewable – 36% - and non-renewable fuels. In total, 54% of British Gas’s electricity is supplied from renewable sources.
What help does British Gas offer customers struggling with bills?
British Gas's dedicated page shows ways to save money across all its tariff types. It also provides a hardship fund – the British Gas Energy Support Fund – that can provide grants to British Gas customers struggling to pay their bills. The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that offers independent help and advice to all energy users, not just British Gas customers.
Also see our guide that covers available help for those struggling with energy debt. You’ll find help is available through government schemes as well as from charities and other organisations.
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