In one form or another, British Gas has existed since 1812, when it was launched as the Gas Light and Coke Company, which was the first public utility company in the world. Today it is one of the UK's biggest energy providers, with activities stretching beyond the supply of gas and electricity to boilers, smart energy and greener living.
Supplier | Standard variable tariff price (1 Apr 2021) | Standard variable tariff price (1 Oct 2021) | Standard variable tariff price (1 Apr 2022) |
---|---|---|---|
British Gas | £1,138.18 | £1,277.38 | £1,970.56 |
EDF | £1,138 | £1,277.23 | £1,970.44 |
E.ON | £1,138.18 | £1,277.38 | £1,970.56 |
E.ON Next (inc. former npower customers) | £1,138.18 | £1,277.38 | £1,970.56 |
ScottishPower | £1,138 | £1,277 | £1,970.53 |
SSE | £1,137 | £1,276 | £1,969.71 |
Based on a medium energy user on a standard dual fuel tariff, paying on receipt of bill, with bill sizes averaged across all regions.
British Gas energy tariffs include various plans that feature renewable energy as a selling point. These green tariffs come in the form of offsetting carbon use (by funding projects dedicated to reducing carbon emissions) when customers buy gas, or matching electricity consumption by purchasing electricity generated from renewable sources.
As of July 2023, British Gas has a 3.7 TrustPilot rating from over 150,000 reviews. With 49% of the reviews rated as five-star and 30% rated as one-star, it's clear that it's a polarising supplier where its longevity in the market and preconceptions that customers may have about it could be working against it. The good reviews highlight strong customer service and effective engineer call-outs.
British Gas's app allows customers to do all the normal things associated with having an energy account, like submitting meter readings, paying bills and tracking energy usage. However, because the boiler side of its business is so important, it also allows customers to book engineer appointments for services and repairs and sign up to and manage boiler cover.
British Gas customers can get a smart meter with British Gas regardless of whether you're on a credit or prepayment meter. All you need to do is log into your account and book your appointment for an engineer to come and install the new meter, which shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.
British Gas offers customers energy-efficient boilers or, for those who want to take the extra step to getting a greener home, air source heat pumps.
The energy market is challenging and unpredictable at the moment and there is a certain level of risk to some suppliers - find out why in our energy market Q&A guide.
Find out how you are affected by British Gas price changes in 2023 and how to get a cheaper deal on your energy. Compare and switch energy suppliers today.
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.
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