Your Comprehensive Guide to British Gas: Tariffs, Services, and Reviews

As one of the most recognisable names in UK energy, British Gas has a history that stretches back over two centuries. Today, it remains a major supplier of gas and electricity to millions of homes. But beyond its heritage, what does British Gas offer customers in the modern, competitive energy market?

This guide explores everything you need to know, from its range of energy tariffs and customer benefits to its home services and customer satisfaction record.

1. Who is British Gas? A Look at the UK's Most Established Energy Provider

The story of British Gas begins in the early 19th century, making it the UK's longest-standing energy company. Now part of the wider Centrica Group, it is a dominant force in the domestic energy sector. While it operates as British Gas in England and Wales, you'll find it trading under the name Scottish Gas in Scotland.

Beyond its core business of supplying energy, British Gas is known for its charitable work. The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that provides financial support and advice to individuals struggling with energy debt, regardless of who their supplier is.

2. Exploring British Gas Energy Tariffs

British Gas aims to cater for a wide variety of households with a diverse selection of tariff structures. The prices you pay will depend on the type of plan you choose.

Fixed-Rate Tariffs: Certainty for Your Bills

A fixed-rate tariff locks in the price you pay per unit of energy (kWh) and the daily standing charge for a set period, typically 12 or 24 months. This means your rates are protected from market volatility, offering peace of mind and predictable costs. While your total bill will still change based on your usage, the underlying price won't.

Standard Variable Tariffs: Flexibility with the Market

If you are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), the price you pay per unit of energy can rise and fall. These tariffs are not fixed and closely follow the energy price cap set by the regulator, Ofgem. This provides flexibility as you can switch to another deal at any time without penalty, but it also means your bills could increase if the price cap goes up.

Specialist Tariffs for Modern Homes

British Gas also provides tariffs tailored to specific needs, such as:

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Tariffs: These plans offer significantly cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours overnight, making it much more cost-effective to charge an electric car at home.
• Time-of-Use Tariffs: Similar to EV tariffs, these offer different prices for electricity at different times of the day, rewarding customers who can shift their energy usage away from peak times.

Prepayment Tariffs: Pay-As-You-Go Energy

For customers with a prepayment meter, these tariffs allow you to pay for your energy upfront. You top up your meter with credit, and when it runs out, your supply is paused until you add more. This can be an effective way to manage a budget and avoid getting into debt.

3. Exclusive Customer Perks and Savings Schemes

British Gas offers several schemes designed to help customers manage their energy consumption and save money.

• PeakSave Scheme: This is a popular initiative available to customers with a smart meter. It provides half-price electricity every Sunday between 11am and 4pm. It also includes occasional "PeakSave events" during periods of high renewable energy generation, where customers can again get their electricity at a reduced cost for an hour or two.
• Free Tariff Swaps: If you're on a British Gas fixed tariff and they release a new, cheaper fixed deal, you can switch to it without incurring any exit fees.

4. Beyond Energy: What Else Does British Gas Offer?

The company has expanded far beyond simply supplying gas and electricity. Its extensive network of engineers provides a wide range of home services, available to both customers and non-customers alike.

These services include:

• HomeCare Cover: A suite of insurance products that cover your boiler, central heating, plumbing, drains, and home electrics.
• Boiler Repair and Installation: One-off repairs and the installation of new, energy-efficient A-rated boilers.
• Smart Home Technology: Installation of smart meters and smart thermostats like Hive to give you greater control over your energy use.
• Green Home Solutions: British Gas offers installation for air source heat pumps, solar panels, and home insulation to help households reduce their carbon footprint.

5. Customer Service and Reviews: What Do Customers Really Think?

British Gas is a provider that attracts a wide spectrum of feedback. On review platforms like TrustPilot, it maintains a generally positive rating from hundreds of thousands of reviews.

Many five-star reviews praise the professionalism and efficiency of its engineers, particularly for HomeCare visits and boiler installations. Conversely, negative reviews often focus on difficulties with billing or call centre experiences. This contrast suggests that while its engineering division is highly regarded, customer service experiences can vary.

6. Getting in Touch with British Gas

You can contact British Gas through several channels, including live chat and email. For phone support, the number you need to call depends on the format of your customer number.

• If your customer number starts with 'A' or 'BGX':
  • Call 0330 080 3880 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm).
• If your customer number starts with '85':
  • Standard Customers: 0330 100 0056 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm).
  • Prepayment Customers: 0330 100 0303 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

For any urgent meter-related issues, there is a dedicated 24/7 emergency line: 0333 009 6135.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About British Gas

Can I get a smart meter with British Gas?
Yes, British Gas offers free smart meter installations to its customers. You can usually book an appointment easily through your online account.

Are there charges for leaving a contract early?
If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, you will likely be charged an exit fee for leaving before the contract end date. This fee is typically around £50 per fuel. However, these fees are waived if you switch within the last 49 days of your contract. There are no exit fees for standard variable tariffs.

What is British Gas's approach to renewable energy?
Many of British Gas's fixed-rate tariffs come with 100% renewable electricity as standard. This is sourced from wind, solar, and hydro generation. The company is also investing heavily in greener technologies like heat pumps to support the UK's transition to net zero.

Is it easy to switch to British Gas?
Switching is a straightforward process managed entirely by British Gas once you sign up. Your energy supply will not be interrupted, and the switch is typically completed within a few weeks.