To date in 2024, British Gas's energy prices have risen once in line with the energy price cap.
Like most energy suppliers in the UK, British Gas standard variable tariffs have been subject to Ofgem's energy price cap since its introduction at the beginning of 2019. This cap sets the maximum price suppliers can charge for their standard variable tariffs, which are typically the most expensive tariffs on offer. It does this by monitoring wholesale energy prices, which dictate the cost for suppliers to buy energy, and caps the amount they can then charge for it via unit rates. Fixed deals have historically been cheaper than standard variable tariffs, so most customers have regularly switched and fixed. British Gas has tended to price its standard variable tariff at around the level of the price cap since its introduction.
For most of the cap's lifetime, its level didn't change significantly in either direction as wholesale energy prices remained fairly stable. However, in the autumn of 2021, prices rocketed, and ultimately so did the level of the price cap.
Over time, customers' fixed deals ended but because suppliers weren't offering new fixes to switch to, they were rolling on to the standard variable tariff, which was becoming prohibitively expensive. The government therefore introduced the Energy Price Guarantee, which effectively worked as a proxy price cap set at £2,500 per year for average use households paying by direct debit. However, when the price cap lowered to £2,074, it began to set the unit rates of standard variable tariffs again. After dropping to £1,834, it is currently set at £1,928 until 31 March 2024.
The table below shows how the price cap and Energy Price Guarantee have defined British Gas's standard variable tariff prices over the years.
All customers on a British Gas standard variable tariff will be impacted by price rises or drops.
If you're on a fixed deal from British Gas, your rates will remain fixed for the remainder of the contract. But remember that you'll automatically be rolled onto a standard variable tariff when your fixed deal ends. Some fixed deals are available, but not in the quantities of a few years ago. Compare energy prices below to see if there's anything you could switch to.
You can read about previous price changes from other suppliers below:
The energy price cap is currently predicted to decrease for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2024. The new level will be announced at the end of February.
Find out about British Gas, including British Gas customer satisfaction reviews, on Uswitch's dedicated British Gas supplier page.
The Uswitch guide to British Gas in 2024, with up-to-date information about price changes, customer reviews, and general supplier information.
Learn moreNo need to be confused by your British Gas energy bill. We break down an example bill to help you read your energy bill and cut through the confusion.
Learn moreFind out which suppliers have increased or decreased their energy prices and how that affects your energy bills in 2024.
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