About British Gas
British Gas is the UK's largest domestic energy supplier by customer numbers, serving around 8 million households with gas, electricity, or both. The company has operated in the UK energy market since privatisation in the 1990s and is one of the most widely recognised utility brands in the country.
It is a subsidiary of Centrica plc, a FTSE-listed British energy and services business. Centrica also operates energy trading, storage, and services divisions alongside the domestic supply business.
A brief history
The origins of British Gas trace back to the early nineteenth century. The company that would eventually become British Gas was founded in 1812 as The Gas Light and Coke Company, widely regarded as the world's first public utility. It supplied gas lighting to streets and buildings in London.
The business passed through various forms of public ownership across the twentieth century, including nationalisation as the British Gas Corporation in 1972. When the UK energy market was privatised and deregulated during the 1980s and 1990s, British Gas was listed on the stock exchange and eventually restructured, with its supply business becoming part of what is now Centrica.
Tariff types offered by British Gas
British Gas offers a range of domestic tariff structures. The specific products available change regularly. Check the partner comparison tool for current options at your postcode.
Fixed rate tariffs
Rates are locked for a defined contract period, typically 12 or 24 months. Unit rates and standing charges do not change during the fix, regardless of movements in the price cap or wholesale market. Most fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave before the end date.
Standard variable tariff
British Gas's default rate, subject to Ofgem's price cap. Rates can change when the supplier adjusts them within cap limits. No fixed end date and typically no exit fee.
Electric vehicle tariffs
British Gas offers tariffs designed for households with electric vehicles, providing cheaper overnight electricity rates during off-peak hours for overnight charging. A smart meter is required.
Prepayment tariffs
For customers with a pay-as-you-go meter. British Gas's prepayment products are subject to the Ofgem price cap in the same way as credit meter tariffs.
Homecare bundled tariffs
British Gas offers some tariff products that include boiler cover or home emergency cover as part of the package. These combine energy supply with an insurance or service element. The two components are priced separately within the bundle.
British Gas contact information
The following contact details are for existing British Gas customers with billing or service queries. For new tariff comparisons, use the partner comparison tool.
Phone (general billing and account enquiries): 0333 202 9816
Complaints in writing: Complaints Management Team, PO Box 226, Rotherham, S98 1PB
Online: britishgas.co.uk/contact-us
To compare current tariffs from British Gas alongside other UK suppliers, use the comparison tool below.
Priority Services Register: British Gas maintains a Priority Services Register for customers who may need additional support, including older customers, those with medical conditions, or households with young children. Contact them directly to register.
British Gas and the community
British Gas operates the British Gas Energy Trust, an independent registered charity established in 2004. The Trust provides grants to households struggling with energy costs and debt, as well as funding for debt support services. The scheme is open to both British Gas customers and non-customers.
British Gas also runs a number of programmes focused on improving energy literacy and supporting households in reducing their consumption. These include resources for schools and partnerships with community organisations.
British Gas Trustpilot rating
British Gas holds a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on customer reviews. This places it broadly in line with other large established suppliers, where scale typically produces a wide spread of both positive and negative reviews.
Common themes in positive reviews include familiarity with the brand, resolution of billing queries, and the Hive smart home system. Common themes in negative reviews relate to billing disputes, wait times for customer service, and issues following smart meter installations.
Trustpilot ratings change over time. The figure above reflects the position at the time this profile was last reviewed. Check Trustpilot directly for the current rating.
British Gas fuel mix
UK energy suppliers are required by Ofgem to publish an annual fuel mix disclosure showing the sources from which their electricity was generated. British Gas's fuel mix is published on their website and updated annually.
The fuel mix covers the percentage of electricity sourced from renewable sources, nuclear, natural gas, coal, and other fuels, along with associated CO2 emissions per kWh. This information is useful for households interested in the environmental profile of their electricity supply.
For current fuel mix figures, see the British Gas website directly. Utility Matchmaker does not hold or publish live fuel mix data.
Is British Gas available at my postcode?
British Gas supplies customers across Great Britain. Availability of specific tariff products may vary by region due to network differences and meter type. The partner comparison tool will show which British Gas tariffs, if any, are currently available at your postcode.