British Gas introduced the UK’s largest social energy tariff, aimed at reducing gas and electricity bills for 750,000 of our most vulnerable customers. The Essentials Tariff provides additional help to vulnerable customers, particularly those who use Pay As You Go Energy™ meters.

Our aim is to offer our lowest standard gas and electricity prices, which have been otherwise inaccessible to people who don’t have a bank account. British Gas customers who registered for the British Gas Winter Rebate scheme will automatically be moved onto the Essentials tariff.

National Energy Action (NEA), the leading fuel poverty charity, has applauded British Gas for introducing a new social tariff.

William Gillis, NEA chief executive, said: “A new social tariff aimed at cutting gas and electricity bills for up to 750,000 of British Gas’s most vulnerable customers will see their energy bills drop by around £307 per annum.

"NEA has pressed the energy supply industry to introduce social tariffs that actually represent the best deals available. NEA applauds British Gas for the introduction of a social tariff which will ensure that its low-income and vulnerable customers are guaranteed the best deal in terms of the prices they pay for gas and electricity from the company."