British Gas tariffs & prices (May 2026): unit rates, standing charges & switching
See British Gas’s latest electricity & gas unit rates, daily standing charges and exit fees — then compare against the whole UK market for your postcode in under two minutes.
- Live rates for Fixed Tariff, Exclusive Fix, Longer Fix, Cap Tracker & EV Power
- 1-year and 2-year fixed deals, with regional unit-rate & standing-charge ranges
- Exit fees, contract length and meter eligibility all in one place
Rates correct as of May 2026. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method — always confirm the tariff information label before switching.
British Gas tariff rates at a glance — May 2026
A snapshot of live British Gas tariffs for Monthly Direct Debit (dual fuel), showing the range of electricity and gas unit rates and daily standing charges across UK regions. Use these as a starting point and get a precise postcode quote below.
| Tariff | Type | Electricity (p/kWh) | Elec. standing (p/day) | Gas (p/kWh) | Gas standing (p/day) | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Fix Feb27 | Fixed · 14 months | 23.68–31.50 (avg 27.51) | 38–63 (avg 49) | 5.51–5.94 (avg 5.69) | 30–31 (avg 30) | £50 per fuel |
| Fixed Tariff May27 | Fixed · 13 months | 24.55–32.32 (avg 28.18) | 45–71 (avg 54) | 6.68–7.10 (avg 6.88) | 30–31 (avg 30) | £50 per fuel |
| Fixed Tariff Jun27 | Fixed · 13 months | 24.23–31.36 (avg 27.31) | 44–70 (avg 57) | 6.73–7.07 (avg 6.87) | 28–29 (avg 29) | £50 per fuel |
| Longer Fix May28 | Fixed · 24 months | 24.52–31.87 (avg 27.71) | 45–71 (avg 57) | 6.80–7.14 (avg 6.93) | 29–30 (avg 29) | £75 per fuel |
| Cap Tracker Jun27 | Tracker variable · 14 months | 23.67–31.63 (avg 27.20) | 38–64 (avg 50) | 5.60–5.94 (avg 5.74) | 22–23 (avg 22) | £25 per fuel |
| EV Power Dec26 | Fixed EV · 12 months | 29.37–32.94 (avg 31.00 day; off-peak much lower) | 48–72 (avg 58) | 5.45–5.91 (avg 5.67) | 32–33 (avg 33) | £50 per fuel |
| Standard Variable (default) | Variable (capped) · no end date | 23.67–35.95 (avg 29.08) | 44–71 (avg 56) | 5.60–6.15 (avg 5.84) | 29–36 (avg 32) | None |
Source: live British Gas product feed, Monthly Direct Debit, dual-fuel (gas + electricity). Electricity-only and prepayment tariffs price differently — check your postcode quote. EV Power includes a discounted off-peak EV charging rate; the day rate shown is for general household use.
Why the range? The 14 UK distribution regions each have different network costs. London and the North Scotland region are usually at opposite ends — your postcode quote will show the exact rate for your meter point.
Is British Gas a good supplier in 2026?
British Gas is the UK’s largest domestic energy supplier, serving around 7 million homes and businesses. It’s the retail arm of Centrica plc and traces its history back to the 1812 Gas Light & Coke Company. Alongside electricity and gas, British Gas offers HomeCare boiler & central-heating cover, the Hive smart heating range and PeakSave off-peak rewards. Whether it’s right for you comes down to your postcode region, meter type and payment method — not the brand alone.
Key takeaways (May 2026)
- Exclusive Fix Feb27 is British Gas’s cheapest mainstream 1-year fix this month.
- Longer Fix May28 locks in 24 months of price certainty (£75 per fuel exit fee).
- Cap Tracker Jun27 follows the Ofgem price cap with low £25 exit fees.
- EV Power gives EV drivers a cheap overnight charging window plus PeakSave Saturdays.
- 100% renewable electricity as standard across all domestic tariffs.
Who British Gas can suit
- Households wanting the UK’s largest supplier with engineer-led HomeCare bundles.
- Customers who value 24/7 UK phone support and a long high-street presence.
- EV drivers and Hive owners who want a single supplier for energy and smart heating.
Who should double-check first
- Customers with Economy 7, multi-rate or storage-heating setups.
- Prepayment users — availability and pricing differ from Direct Debit.
- Anyone mid-fix elsewhere with a material exit fee.
Quick check before you compare: grab your latest bill or open the British Gas / current supplier app. Note your tariff name, end date, exit fees and last 12 months’ kWh usage. That single step prevents most “switch regret”.
Compare British Gas with the whole UK market
Enter your postcode and a few details to see an estimated annual cost for British Gas tariffs alongside Octopus, EDF, E.ON Next, OVO, Scottish Power and other UK suppliers. We’ll match results to your meter type (standard, Economy 7, smart, prepay) and preferred payment method.
What you’ll need: postcode (rates are regional), meter type, payment method and — ideally — your annual kWh usage (on the second page of any energy bill).
How switching to British Gas works
- Compare: we use your postcode to show British Gas tariffs and competing offers with estimated annual costs.
- Choose: pick the tariff that fits your priorities (price, fix length, exit fee, payment method).
- Apply: British Gas handles the switch under the UK Faster Switching rules — usually five working days.
- Take a reading: submit opening and closing meter reads (smart meters do this automatically when communicating).
- Cooling-off: you have a 14-day cooling-off period from contract acceptance.
Renting? You can usually switch if you pay the bills directly and your tenancy doesn’t name a specific supplier. If your landlord includes energy in the rent, you can’t change supplier yourself.
Get your quote
We’ll use these details to send a tailored comparison and help you complete a switch if you choose to. No obligation.
British Gas vs other UK suppliers: what to compare
Headline unit rates are only half the story. Use the checklist below to make a like-for-like comparison between British Gas and rivals such as Octopus, EDF, E.ON Next, OVO and Scottish Power.
| What to compare | Why it matters | Where to find it | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (electricity & gas) | The price per kWh. With Exclusive Fix Feb27 starting at 23.68p/kWh (electricity), small differences add up. | Tariff information label / quote summary | Comparing a single “headline” rate without confirming region/meter |
| Standing charge | Fixed daily cost (British Gas: 38–72p/day for electricity, 22–36p/day for gas). Dominates bills for low-usage homes. | Tariff label / contract summary | Ignoring it when you live in a small flat or use little energy |
| Fixed vs tracker vs variable | Fixed (Exclusive Fix, Fixed Tariff, Longer Fix) gives price certainty; tracker (Cap Tracker) follows the cap; variable (Standard) tracks the Ofgem price cap directly. | Tariff name and terms | Not checking how and when prices can change |
| Exit fees (if you leave early) | British Gas charges £50/fuel on most 1-year fixes, £75/fuel on the 24-month Longer Fix, £25/fuel on Cap Tracker, and nothing on Standard Variable. | Contract terms / tariff info label | High exit fee with short remaining term on your current fix |
| Payment method | Monthly Direct Debit is usually cheapest. Cash/cheque, prepayment and quarterly DD price differently. | Quote options | Assuming Direct Debit prices apply to all payment methods |
| Meter compatibility | British Gas supports smart, single-rate, Economy 7 and prepayment meters — not every tariff is available for every meter. | Your bill, in-home display, or supplier account | Switching without confirming your meter setup is supported |
| Bundles & perks | HomeCare (boiler cover), Hive smart heating and PeakSave Saturdays can add value — but only if you’ll use them. | Supplier website / quote add-ons | Headline perks (e.g. free reward credit) hiding a higher unit rate |
5-point decision checklist
- I know whether I’m fixed or variable today (and when my fix ends).
- I’ve checked exit fees on my current tariff.
- I know my meter type (standard / Economy 7 / smart / prepay).
- I’m comparing the same payment method (Monthly Direct Debit, for example).
- I’m using my postcode so rates match my region.
Two worked examples (May 2026 rates)
Using regional averages for British Gas Exclusive Fix Feb27 (Monthly Direct Debit, dual fuel): elec 27.51p/kWh + 49p/day standing; gas 5.69p/kWh + 30p/day standing.
Scenario A: small flat, low usage
- Use: 1,800 kWh electricity, 6,000 kWh gas per year
- Elec: (1,800 × £0.2751) + (365 × £0.49) = £495.18 + £178.85 = £674.03
- Gas: (6,000 × £0.0569) + (365 × £0.30) = £341.40 + £109.50 = £450.90
Estimated total: ~£1,125/year
Scenario B: family home, higher usage
- Use: 3,600 kWh electricity, 12,000 kWh gas per year
- Elec: (3,600 × £0.2751) + (365 × £0.49) = £990.36 + £178.85 = £1,169.21
- Gas: (12,000 × £0.0569) + (365 × £0.30) = £682.80 + £109.50 = £792.30
Estimated total: ~£1,962/year
Figures use average rates across regions and are illustrative. Your postcode quote may be higher or lower; rates exclude VAT adjustments, PeakSave rewards and any one-off discounts.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls with British Gas
Most complaints we see aren’t about the supplier brand — they come from mismatched assumptions (meter type, payment method) or missing details (exit fees, contract end date). Use these checks before you commit.
Exit fees (£25–£75 per fuel)
British Gas charges £50 per fuel on most 13–14 month fixes (Fixed Tariff, Exclusive Fix, EV Power) and £75 per fuel on the 24-month Longer Fix. Cap Tracker is £25. Standard Variable has no exit fees.
Economy 7 & multi-rate
British Gas supports Economy 7 on most tariffs, but day/night rates and split-percentages vary. Check your overnight share before assuming you’ll save.
Prepayment customers
British Gas’s Safeguard tariff serves prepayment meters. Fixed tariffs typically aren’t available on prepay — ask about moving to smart prepay or Direct Debit if you want a fix.
Direct Debit reviews
British Gas reviews monthly Direct Debits at least twice a year. After a cold winter, payments often rise — submit a meter reading before each review and request a recalculation if your usage has dropped.
Smart meter expectations
Smart meters can occasionally drop out of communication and revert to “dumb” mode. If yours stops reporting, submit a manual reading via the British Gas app or website to keep bills accurate — and stay eligible for PeakSave.
HomeCare add-ons
British Gas often promotes energy + HomeCare bundles. Treat them separately when comparing: confirm the energy unit rate first, then decide if HomeCare is worth its monthly fee on its own merits.
Common pitfall: comparing a “dual fuel” total without breaking it into electricity + gas, especially if one fuel is on Economy 7. Ask for the breakdown: electricity unit rate + standing charge, and gas unit rate + standing charge.
British Gas FAQs
Is British Gas cheaper than the Ofgem price cap?
In May 2026, Exclusive Fix Feb27 sits below the Ofgem price cap for most regions, with average unit rates of 27.51p/kWh (electricity) and 5.69p/kWh (gas) on Monthly Direct Debit. Cap Tracker Jun27 tracks the cap with a small discount. The Standard Variable tariff tracks the cap exactly.
Who owns British Gas?
British Gas is the retail brand of Centrica plc, a FTSE 100 company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Centrica was formed in 1997 when British Gas plc demerged its retail business; the energy supply company is now British Gas Trading Limited, regulated by Ofgem.
Does British Gas supply 100% renewable electricity?
Yes. All British Gas domestic electricity is matched to 100% renewable sources via Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), at no extra cost. Gas is not renewable by default; British Gas offers a Green Future bundle that adds carbon offsetting for an extra fee.
Will my gas or electricity supply go off when I switch to British Gas?
No. Switching supplier changes who bills you, not the physical supply. You’ll be asked for a meter reading around the switch date so the old and new accounts close and open cleanly.
How long does a switch to British Gas take?
Under the UK Faster Switching rules, most switches to British Gas complete in around five working days after the 14-day cooling-off period ends. Some smart-meter setups take a little longer to start reporting on the new account.
Are there exit fees if I leave a British Gas fixed tariff?
Yes. British Gas charges £50 per fuel on 13–14 month fixes (Fixed Tariff, Exclusive Fix, EV Power), £75 per fuel on the 24-month Longer Fix and £25 per fuel on Cap Tracker. The Standard Variable tariff has no exit fees.
What is PeakSave with British Gas?
PeakSave gives smart-meter customers half-price electricity on selected Sundays (and occasional Saturdays). It applies on top of your standard tariff and runs as a rolling reward scheme — you don’t need a special tariff to qualify, but you do need a working SMETS smart meter.
Does British Gas offer an EV tariff?
Yes. EV Power gives a discounted overnight charging rate (typically 12am–5am) on top of a fixed day rate, for customers with a SMETS2 smart meter and a qualifying EV/charger. Rates and eligibility change — confirm current terms before applying.
Can I get a smart meter installed by British Gas?
Yes. British Gas installs SMETS2 smart meters at no upfront cost to eligible customers. After installation you can view half-hourly data in the British Gas app, get more accurate Direct Debits, and unlock time-of-use tariffs and PeakSave rewards.
What is HomeCare and do I need it?
HomeCare is British Gas’s boiler & central-heating cover product (with tiered plans for boiler-only, plumbing & drains, and electrics). It’s sold separately from your energy tariff — weigh the monthly fee against the cost of a one-off repair and any existing manufacturer warranty before bundling.
What is the Warm Home Discount with British Gas?
British Gas is part of the UK Warm Home Discount scheme. Eligible customers receive a one-off £150 rebate on their electricity bill. From 2026/27 the scheme covers a wider Core Group of low-income households — eligibility is checked automatically via DWP data.
I’m renting — can I switch to British Gas?
If you pay the energy bills directly, yes — even if you’re a tenant. Ofgem rules mean your tenancy can’t prevent you from choosing your own supplier. If energy is included in your rent, your landlord controls the account.
How do I contact British Gas?
UK customer service is on 0333 202 9802 (Monday–Friday 9am–5pm). The British Gas app and chat at britishgas.co.uk handle most account tasks online, including meter readings, Direct Debit changes and Priority Services Register signup.
Not sure what meter you have? Your bill usually shows “single rate”, “Economy 7”, or a meter serial number and register count (R1/R2). Send British Gas a photo and they’ll confirm the meter type.
How we assess British Gas: methodology & sources
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- UK Energy Specialist
- Rate data
- Live British Gas product feed
- Last updated
- 26 May 2026
Our methodology
We rate suppliers and tariffs through a consumer-first lens: estimated annual cost at typical usage (using regional unit rates and standing charges), tariff terms (fixed/variable, exit fees, payment-method rules) and practical fit (meter compatibility, smart-meter eligibility, household circumstances).
- Live rates: pulled from the British Gas product feed and aggregated across the 14 UK distribution regions.
- Like-for-like: comparisons fix the meter type and payment method so the cheapest tariff is genuinely the cheapest for you.
- Transparency: we show ranges (min/avg/max) rather than a single headline rate, because regional variation matters.
Limitations: supplier tariffs change frequently; some products (Exclusive Fix, EV Power) are restricted to specific customer segments. Worked examples on this page exclude one-off discounts, PeakSave rewards, Warm Home Discount and any HomeCare bundle value.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem energy price cap – current cap level and how it affects default variable tariffs.
- Ofgem: Switching your energy supplier – Faster Switching rules and your rights.
- Citizens Advice: energy – help with bills, complaints and switching problems.
- GOV.UK: Warm Home Discount – eligibility and how the rebate is paid.
Ready to compare British Gas on your postcode?
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