British Gas Review

Big Six

British Gas is the UK largest energy supplier, part of the Centrica group. They serve around 7 million households across Great Britain and offer gas, electricity, home services, and smart home products.

Founded

1986

Headquarters

Windsor, Berkshire

Customers

7 million

Green Rating

Average

Pros

Largest UK supplier with extensive customer service network
HomeCare boiler cover and home insurance bundles
Smart meter rollout leader
Hive smart home products integration

Cons

Typically not the cheapest tariffs available
Customer service wait times can be long
Standard variable tariff often above price cap competitors

About British Gas

British Gas has been supplying energy to UK homes since privatisation in 1986. As part of Centrica, they are the largest residential energy supplier in Great Britain. They supply both gas and electricity to approximately 7 million customer accounts.

British Gas Tariffs

British Gas offers a range of tariffs including fixed-rate deals, variable rate plans, and green energy options. Their standard variable tariff follows the Ofgem price cap. Fixed deals typically lock in a rate for 12 or 24 months, offering protection against price rises.

British Gas Customer Service

British Gas operates a UK-based customer service team available by phone, online chat, and through their mobile app. They have a network of engineers across the country for home visits and installations.

British Gas Green Energy

British Gas offers a green electricity tariff backed by renewable energy certificates. They have invested in offshore wind and solar generation capacity through Centrica parent company.

Areas Served by British Gas

British Gas supplies energy across Great Britain. Compare their plans in these areas:

SW — South West London SE — South East London E — East London N — North London NW — North West London W — West London EC — East Central London WC — West Central London B — Birmingham M — Manchester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is British Gas the cheapest energy supplier?

British Gas is not typically the cheapest energy supplier in the UK. While their standard variable tariff is capped by Ofgem, their fixed deals may be more expensive than challenger suppliers like Octopus Energy or OVO. Compare current rates on AskUKEnergy to find the best deal.

Can I get British Gas in my area?

British Gas supplies energy to all areas of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). They do not supply Northern Ireland. You can switch to British Gas regardless of your current supplier.

Does British Gas offer smart meters?

Yes, British Gas has been a leader in the UK smart meter rollout. They offer free SMETS2 smart meter installations to all customers, which provide real-time usage data and automatic meter readings.

Compare British Gas Plans

See how British Gas compares to other suppliers in your area.

Compare Plans

British Gas official website →

Supplier data sourced from Ofgem and Citizens Advice. Last updated April 2026.