Cheapest standard electricity on average of any major supplier

We understand that our customers are concerned about high energy prices. That's why we've dropped our Standard electricity prices by an average 5%[1], and our customers can now enjoy the cheapest Standard electricity of any major supplier, at average consumption, right across Britain[2].

As a British Gas energy customer you don't need to do anything. The price changes take effect from 12th January 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are we announcing?

We are reducing our standard electricity prices by an average of 5%[1] and this price decrease will take effect from 12th January 2012.

We now have the cheapest Standard electricity prices, on average, of any major UK supplier[2].

There have been falls in both gas and electricity wholesale markets, so why are you cutting electricity prices but not gas prices?

The extremely mild start to the winter has resulted in lower than usual levels of demand for gas. As a result, wholesale gas prices for this winter have reduced since the autumn - but this happened after British Gas had already purchased the bulk of gas its customers would need this winter; our gas prices were already locked for this winter. We have more flexibility on electricity.

Why aren't we cutting electricity for Economy 7 customers?

Because of the low prices we offer to our Economy 7 customers at night we make lower margins overall and are therefore unable to pass on a reduction at this time.

How am I affected if I'm a pre-payment meter customer?

The lower prices will be effective from 12th January 2012 and your meter will automatically update the next time you top up with electricity.

[1] Based on average annual consumption of 16,500 kWh for gas and 3,300 kWh for single rate electricity, is an average across all regions and an average across the Monthly Direct Debit, Pay as You Go Energy™ and Prompt Quarterly Cash or Cheque methods of payment, rounded and including VAT.

[2] Based on average annual consumption of 3,300kWh for single rate electricity. Comparing Standard prices as at 12th January 2012.