British Gas is part of Centrica PLC. It’s a British-based international energy and services company, with headquarters in Berkshire.
Centrica PLC has several brands, but British Gas is arguably the best known. This is because it is the UK’s biggest energy provider.
British Gas as we know it today began life as the The Gas Light & Coke Company (GLCC) in 1812. Following nationalisation in the 1940s, the gas industry was privatised in 1986. This was when British Gas PLC was formed. British Gas for business supplies over 500,000 organisations, making it the biggest commercial energy provider in the UK.
Utility Bidder is proud to partner with such a major brand name. Our close relationship with British Gas means we can offer your business tailored products and services.
Click here to see British Gas Business reviews.
British Gas provides business energy on a fixed price plan of between 1 and 5 years. During a fixed term plan, you’ll pay the same unit rate. This is great news for budgeting and managing energy costs. Regardless of what happens to the market, your price will remain the same.
If you prefer a flexible option, that’s no problem. British Gas has a 30-Day Rolling Energy Plan which offers more freedom. This is a good option for businesses considering moving premises, or who like to shop around for the best deals. You won’t be locked into a fixed price, but unit prices could go up or down. However, if prices rise, you’ll be informed at least 30 days in advance.
As British Gas is such a large operation, it offers a full range of commercial services. It all starts with a full boiler service for all new or renewing customers.
When you’re a British Gas customer, managing your energy is easy. Using your online account, you can log in to submit meter readings, pay your bills online and access many other services. Choose direct debit or another method as the easiest way to pay – whatever works for you.
Is your business energy renewal coming up? If so, you’ll receive a letter from British Gas around 60 days before your fixed energy plan ends. This is an excellent time to speak to Utility Bidder to see how we can help you find a new deal.
British Gas plans don’t usually auto renew. This means that the next bill you pay online after your renewal could be linked to a Variable Price Plan. This could be more expensive, so it’s really important to speak to us as soon as you receive your renewal notice.
You could even plan ahead and do it earlier. We’re happy to help with early renewal negotiations.
Get in touch with our specialists to compare business electricity rates.
British Gas is keen to encourage business customers to move to smart meters. These devices show your energy usage in real time (usually every 30 minutes).
Smart meters are ideal for large businesses that use a lot of energy. You’ll gain an accurate picture of your energy usage, which can create opportunities for improved energy efficiency. A smart meter can also help British Gas to offer you a more tailored deal.
And of course, if you compare business energy with Utility Bidder, we’ll use your meter readings and bills to provide a bespoke quote.
Commercial Gas Safety
All UK businesses have a legal obligation with it comes to gas safety. You need to ensure that gas appliances, pipe work and flues are maintained and checked by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
Due to its size, British Gas has a nationwide team of certified engineers available for Gas Safety checks. There’s even a 24/7, 365-day support line.
Using British Gas will provide you with the relevant certification, not to mention peace of mind. The company also offers various levels of annual service for business customers. This can cover numerous appliances including boilers, heaters, catering and laundry equipment.
British Gas services for landlords
If you’re a commercial landlord, British Gas has a range of services to help. For example, it offers a six-month commercial landlord tariff offering fixed contract rates. This is ideal for managing or letting agents, as well as retail shop and care home owners.
British Gas will also help ensure you meet your gas safety responsibilities. This includes a Gas Safety Record for annual services and repairs on gas appliances.
Large business energy contracts
British Gas has developed a specific application for large energy business users. It’s designed for companies spending over £100,000 per year on gas or electricity.
Energy360 is an energy management platform. It’s designed to help your business understand usage and have more control over costs. Using the software, you can view and report on data from your meters. This should help you identify how you can reduce wastage.
Have more than one premises? Energy360 allows you to develop league tables and set alerts if there are any unexpected changes. It also makes it easier to comply with the Carbon Disclosure Project and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme.
Energy360 has three levels to choose from. These include:
- Monitor – for businesses who want to monitor and reduce consumption.
- Control – for businesses wanting more engagement with consumption across their portfolio.
Master – offering full control of energy performance. This should facilitate reduced costs and improved return on investment across an entire portfolio
Renewable energy with British Gas
If your business is serious about investing in sustainability, British Gas can help. Due to its experience as a national energy service, British Gas is leading the way when it comes to green energy. It can advise on the design, installation and maintenance of heating, hot water and renewable energy solutions. This includes systems powered by air source heat pumps, solar PV energy or biomass boilers.
British Gas offers a 100% renewable electricity product for business customers that has been independently certified by the Carbon Trust. The company is one of only two suppliers that has this status.
If you choose this contract, every megawatt-hour of electricity you use is matched with the same volume of renewable energy supplied to the grid. This enables you to report zero grams C02 per kWh in line with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Scope 2 guidance.
Compare business electricity prices here
2030 ambitions
Centrica PLC has set out a 2030 responsible business ambition plan. This includes making energy easier to understand for customers. It also means developing more tailored solutions.
As a major energy company, it’s committed to shaping a low carbon future. The aim is to help businesses reduce emissions as well as lowering its own carbon footprint. Finally, Centrica PLC wants to build a diverse workforce. This includes helping a million carers stay in or return to work, by promoting career-positive policies.
