British Gas price announcement
Centrica PLC
BRITISH GAS CUTS STANDARD GAS PRICES BY AN AVERAGE 7% – IS NOW THE
CHEAPEST GAS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER THROUGHOUT BRITAIN
British Gas, the largest residential energy supplier in Britain, has
today cut its standard gas prices by an average 7%.
The price cut, which will benefit 8 million households, takes effect
immediately and makes British Gas, on average, the cheapest supplier of
standard gas and electricity right across Britain – no matter which way
customers choose to pay. The change will save the average gas customer
£55 a year.
This is the third time British Gas has cut prices in the past 12 months
– cutting a total of £187 off the average annual dual fuel bill.
Last year, the company cut both standard gas and electricity prices by
an average 10%. The electricity price reduction in May 2009 made British
Gas on average the cheapest supplier of standard electricity across
Britain; it has remained unchallenged by any major supplier in this
position ever since.
Today’s price cut means the company is now also the cheapest major
supplier of standard gas at average consumption – and therefore of dual
fuel – right across Britain.
Announcing the gas price cut, British Gas Managing Director, Phil
Bentley, said:
“At British Gas, we know household budgets are stretched, and that
our customers are concerned about the effect the recent cold weather
will have on their winter fuel bills.
“I’m pleased we’re able to offer our customers some extra help with
this gas price cut – and that we’re able to do this while it’s still
winter, allowing our customers to really feel the benefit.
“This latest price cut means that, no matter where you live in
Britain, British Gas is offering on average the cheapest standard gas,
electricity and dual fuel prices – beating all other major suppliers.
“But, at British Gas, we know that cutting prices is just part of the
picture in helping our customers cut their fuel bills; we’re also doing
more than any other supplier to help our customers use less energy. As
well as cutting prices three times in the past year, we have been
helping our customers improve their energy efficiency and cut their
energy use by 7%.”
British Gas has also removed the price ‘differential’ for gas
pre-payment meter accounts. This means British Gas’ pre-pay gas
customers are now paying, on average, the same for their energy as
customers who pay by cash or cheque. British Gas has, for some time,
been working to become more efficient, improve customer service and cut
costs for its pre-pay customers.
ENDS
Note to Editors
1. British Gas cheapest comparisons are based on consumption of
20,500kWh for gas and 3,300kWh for single rate electricity as at 4
February 2010
2. The 7% cut (£55) is based on standard tariff, rounded average across
all regions and across Monthly Direct Debit, Pay As You Go Energy and
Prompt Quarterly Cash/Cheque payment methods
3. The total saving of £187 is for a dual fuel customer at average
consumption
Contact
British Gas Media Relations 0845 072 8002
