British Gas: Tariffs, Prices and Switching Guide (October 2025)
Get the latest information on British Gas tariffs, pricing, support and smart services. Compare live energy deals and switch in minutes with Energy Plus.
Last updated: October 2025. Availability and pricing change frequently; check live quotes for today’s options.
About British Gas
British Gas is one of the UK’s largest domestic energy suppliers and part of Centrica plc. It supplies gas and electricity nationwide, offers smart meters, and provides optional home services such as boiler and heating cover. Many customers also know the Hive smart home brand, which is part of the same group.
- Nationwide supply for electricity and gas
- Smart meters with in-home display and app insights
- Optional add-ons: boiler cover, heating care, Hive smart home
- Support schemes including the Priority Services Register and Warm Home Discount (eligibility rules apply)
British Gas tariffs in 2025
British Gas typically offers a mix of tariff types. Specific names, unit rates, and standing charges change regularly and can vary by region, meter type, and payment method. For accurate prices and today’s availability, run a live quote.
Main tariff types
- Standard Variable Tariff (SVT): Prices can move up or down in line with wholesale costs and the Ofgem price cap. No fixed end date; exit fees usually don’t apply.
- Fixed-rate tariffs: Unit rates and standing charges are fixed for a set term (e.g., 12 months). Exit fees may apply if you leave early. Availability varies.
- Prepayment (PAYG) and Smart PAYG: Pay in advance via key/card or via a smart meter. Top up online, in-app or in-store depending on your meter type.
- Time-of-use and EV-friendly options: Certain smart tariffs may offer cheaper off-peak electricity or incentives to shift usage (availability and eligibility vary by meter, usage and region).
British Gas has also run demand flexibility and smart savings incentives (for example, PeakSave events) for eligible smart meter customers at certain times. These programmes change over time and may be seasonal or limited—check current eligibility when you get a quote.
What affects your British Gas price?
- Region: Distribution costs differ across the UK, so prices vary by postcode.
- Meter type: Standard credit, Economy 7/10, prepayment and smart meters have different pricing structures.
- Payment method: Direct Debit is often cheaper than pay-on-receipt-of-bill.
- Usage: Higher or lower consumption can change effective annual cost; a tailored quote uses your actual or estimated kWh.
- Ofgem price cap and wholesale costs: The cap is reviewed regularly and influences variable tariffs.
Smart meters and the British Gas app
British Gas installs smart meters across the UK at no extra charge. With a smart meter you can:
- See near real-time usage on an in-home display
- Get more accurate bills (no manual reads)
- Access smart features such as online top-ups (for Smart PAYG) and more detailed usage insights
- Potentially access time-of-use or incentive events when available
Installation is subject to regional availability and property suitability. During your quote we’ll confirm if smart options are available for your address.
Support, discounts and protections
- Priority Services Register (PSR): Free support for eligible customers with additional needs (for example, medical equipment users, pension-age customers, or those with a disability). You can register directly with your supplier.
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off rebate for eligible households each winter, subject to government rules and supplier participation. Eligibility criteria and timelines apply.
- British Gas Energy Trust: An independent charitable trust that can offer grants and money advice to people in financial difficulty (not limited to British Gas customers). Check current eligibility and how to apply.
- Energy efficiency support: Advice on reducing usage and improving home efficiency; smart meters and the app can help track savings.
If you’re struggling with bills, contact British Gas as early as possible to discuss support options or repayment plans.
Fees, charges and contract points to check
- Standing charge: A daily fee that covers fixed network and policy costs; shown separately to unit rates.
- Exit fees: Some fixed tariffs include an exit fee if you leave early. This will be shown in your quote before you switch.
- Meter works: Changes like moving a meter or replacing a non-standard setup may involve separate charges and survey checks.
- Prepayment: Smart PAYG may allow online/app top-ups; traditional key/card top-ups are still available in many areas.
Moving home with British Gas
When you move, take opening/closing meter readings and notify suppliers at both properties. British Gas can supply your new address, subject to availability. Alternatively, compare deals for your new postcode to see if a different tariff or supplier could be better value.
Why switch with Energy Plus?
- Fast, free comparison with no obligation
- Live pricing from leading UK suppliers, including British Gas
- Clear breakdown of unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees
- Support for all meter types, including smart and prepayment
- Secure journey designed for accuracy and transparency
How switching works
- Get a quote: Enter your postcode and usage (or choose typical usage). We’ll show tariffs available today.
- Pick a plan: Compare British Gas and other suppliers on price, features and terms.
- Apply online: We pass your details securely to the supplier you choose.
- Cooling-off: Most switches include a statutory cooling-off period. If you change your mind, you can cancel within that window.
- No interruption: Your energy stays on during the switch.
British Gas FAQs
Are fixed British Gas tariffs available right now?
Fixed tariffs come and go based on market conditions. Availability can change weekly. Run a live quote to see if a fixed option is offered today for your postcode and meter type.
What is the Ofgem price cap and how does it affect me?
The price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge typical customers on standard variable tariffs. It’s reviewed regularly and can go up or down. It doesn’t set your exact bill—your usage still determines what you pay.
Do British Gas smart meter customers get special rates?
Smart meters enable accurate billing and can unlock certain tariffs or incentive events (for example, off-peak or demand-flexibility periods). Availability varies by tariff, region and time of year.
Can I switch if I’m on prepayment (PAYG)?
Yes—prepayment customers can usually switch, including to Smart PAYG where available. You’ll see suitable options in your quote based on your meter type.
Will there be exit fees if I leave a British Gas fixed deal early?
Some fixed tariffs have exit fees. We show all fees clearly before you confirm a switch, so you can make an informed choice.
What support is available if I’m struggling to pay?
Contact British Gas to discuss payment plans and support. You can also review eligibility for the Warm Home Discount, PSR, and the independent British Gas Energy Trust which offers grants and money advice to eligible applicants.