British Gas

British Gas (Centrica) is the UK's traditional gas supplier. They have the largest share of the UK gas market and a large share of the electricity market. They also provide telecoms services and other home services such as boiler care and heating services.

Their parent company is called Centrica and they are also known as Scottish Gas in Scotland and Nwy Prydian in Wales

They supply gas and electricity to both homes and businesses in the UK as well as being involved in gas shipping and exploration through the parent group of companies.

Their domestic standard gas product is one of the most expensive products on the market but they do have some more competitive products in their Click energy electricity and they have a capped product to lock in to prices for a set period. The capped product is not the best on the market, as you have to pay a penalty if you wish to leave them.

For British Gas's business customers they offer a range of services. If you get your gas and / or electricity from British Gas for your business, and you are on a contract, you will have to give them 90 days notice to terminate your contract. They do not make this clear when you take the contract.

Because of this large notice period it can be difficult at times to get alternative prices as some suppliers will not quote more than four or five weeks into the future.

British Gas also have a policy of sending higher renewal quotes, which if you discuss with them means you can often get it a touch cheaper, but there are more competitive suppliers in the market.

British Gas have been warned by the advertising standards authorities on number of occasions in 2005 to 2006 over misleading adverts and TV campaigns.

The company is French owned.

They can be contacted at:

House Contact Centre
PO Box 50
Leeds
LS1 1LE