British Gas Review & Prices: Is It Worth Switching?

13/07/2022


Here's all you need to know about Britain's largest energy supplier.

British Gas Review: Your Energy Supplier Guide 

Considering switching to British Gas? We want to help you make an informed decision on your new energy switch whilst getting the best possible deals. This guide offers an in-depth review of what the UK's largest energy suppliers offer households and business energy customers. 

 

Compare British Gas Deals

 

Who is British Gas?

British Gas is the biggest energy supplier in the UK and currently serves around 12 million homes all across the country. It officially became British Gas Plc back in 1986 but can trace its history back to 1812 when the Gas and Light Coke company was formed. Nowadays, their mission is to help keep Britain’s homes running smoothly by offering great value energy and a high-quality service which treats every customer fairly.

 

Features Service Offered
Online Billing Yes
Direct Debit Yes
Smart Meters Yes
Mobile App No
Flexible Payment Options Monthly
Additional Services Not as standard
Green/ Renewable Energy Yes
Trustpilot Review 3.8/5
Optional Paper Billing Yes
Priority Register Yes

British Gas Energy Tariffs: Home & Business Insight 


Home energy customers have the option to get a fixed or variable rate tariff. Home energy prices will depend on how many bedrooms you have, regional location and multiple other factors. 

Note: energy suppliers are now typically charging £75 exit fees on fixed-rate deals per fuel. 

Features: 

  •   - 100% renewable electricity

 

  •   - £75 per fuel exit fee



British Gas Business Energy Prices & Tariffs - Cheapest Average Tariff 

British Gas business energy prices per kWh are based on the average cheapest tariffs for February 2024. Annual usage is assumed for an SME-sized business at 25,000 kWh per fuel. This is an average of all contract lengths. 

Fuel Unit Rate (p/ per kWh) Daily Standing Charge Annual Cost (£)
Electricity 29.8p 62p £7,672.82
Gas 8.4p 75.5p £2,371.17

 

 

How Green Are British Gas?

British Gas invests in a variety of projects around the world, including one which aims to protect the Amazon rainforest, which works to reduce the amount of carbon in the air. The other 6% of your gas consists of clean, renewable biogas that’s produced by farm and food waste.

Customers who take the Green Future tariff will also see five trees in the UK protected per fuel for every year they’re on it. British Gas is very committed to sustainability having pledged to become net-zero by the year 2050. Since 2015, they’ve successfully cut their emissions by 39% and over the last decade have saved 11 million homes worth of CO2.

 

British Gas Fuel Mix

  •   - Coal - 2%

 

  •   - Natural Gas - 17%

 

  •   - Nuclear - 26% 

 

  •   - Renewable Sources - 54%

 

  •   - Other - 1% 

 

 

British Gas Renewables 

British Gas offers a range of renewable options for businesses. This includes the following for their fixed-rate tariffs: 

  • Zero carbon - made up of renewable and nuclear energy. Backed by REGOs.
  • Natural renewable electricity - this is sourced from renewables like wind power, solar panels and hydropower plants. 
  • Standard gas - this is a non-renewable source and is a standard option from all suppliers. 
  • Carbon neutral gas - this balances carbon emissions with absorption by financing ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is commonly known as carbon offsetting.

     

What is British Gas Customer Service Like?

British Gas is not only the largest energy supplier but they have served the energy market the longest. 

The supplier also holds an average score of 3.9 stars out of 5 on the popular review site Trustpilot. This is based on over 160,000 reviews. 

What is British Gas's Contact Number?

To contact British Gas, contact its customer service team on 0333 202 9802.

 

Can I Take Any Other Services From British Gas?

In addition to energy, there’s a great selection of services on offer from British Gas. There are varying tiers of homecare boiling and heating cover, plumbing and drains cover and home electrical cover all of which allow you to choose how much excess you pay.

If you don’t have homecare, you can still book a one-off repair for your heating, plumbing and electrics. Those who are thinking about giving their home a more energy-efficient overhaul can purchase a new boiler and take advantage of British Gas’s improvement service.

An engineer will come out for a free consultation and give you a quote for devices like water softeners, system filters and combi save valves to help you get the best out of your home. Cover, repair and home insurance is also available for landlords along with buildings and contents insurance for homeowners.

 

 

Does British Gas Offer Smart Meters?

Both standard and prepayment energy customers can get a smart meter installed with British Gas. These devices are free and can help you to cut the cost of your energy bills. They automatically send your meter readings off so you no longer have to rely on estimated bills and the accompanying digital display helps you see where your usage is highest so you know where to make changes.

 

British Gas is installing the type of smart meter known as SMETS 2, which doesn’t lose its functionality if you switch to another provider, but in the rare circumstances where this isn’t possible, you will receive an SMETS 1 meter. If you do have an SMETS 1 meter, the current aim is to have them all fixed by the end of 2021.

 

Does British Gas Offer The Warm Home Discount?

British Gas is one of many UK energy suppliers who take part in the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is an initiative started by the government to help vulnerable people afford their energy bills during the cold winter months when usage is generally higher.

 

Eligible customers will have a one-off payment of £140 credited to their electricity account between March and October. If you’re on a prepayment tariff, you’ll receive a top voucher with the value of £140 during the same period.

 

Should I Switch to British Gas?

British Gas is the largest energy supplier in the UK which has a variety of energy tariffs to choose from. Although it’s only got one green deal, the fact it boasts 100% renewable electricity and offsets 94% of your gas is impressive. Its customer service is pretty good too and there are lots of different options for home cover so you can protect yourself against all kinds of eventualities.

 

Compare British Gas Prices in 30 Seconds

Compare our best energy deals and switch in minutes

Get started >

A service you can trust

Trustpilot excellent rating

How switching works

  1. Enter your details

    Answer a few quick questions and then we can find you some great energy deals based on your location and usage.

  2. Compare our best deals

    Once we’ve got your prices we’ll help you compare the best ones, and we can answer any questions you have too.

  3. We’ll handle the switch

    With us there’s no obligation, but if you want to take one of the energy deals then we’ll handle it all for you free of charge.

Compare British Gas Deals