Leaving British Gas

What is Faster More Reliable Switching?

Faster More Reliable Switching (FMRS) is an initiative by the energy regulator, OFGEM that allows you to switch your energy supplier within days instead of weeks – making it much quicker than the conventional process.

How quickly can a switch be completed?

Usually, your switch can be completed in as little as 3-5 days. But the time it takes may be a little longer if there are bank holidays or weekends during your switching period.

Your switch may also be extended by a further three days if you have a prepayment meter. This is so that your energy supplier can make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can continue to top up your meter.

What if I’m moving home?

If you’re moving home, you should be able to move into the property and use its current energy supplier. 

If you want to switch supplier, you'll need to wait until the day you become responsible for the property.

Already with British Gas? Log in to your online account and let us know if you want to take us with you to your new home.

What should I consider when choosing a supply start date?

When choosing a date, you should consider if the date you become responsible for paying the energy supply is likely to change. This is because once the switching process starts, your new supplier won’t be able to change the supply start date you’ve chosen, due to industry-wide rules.

You should also consider if your current tariff has an exit fee, as ending your agreement early may require you to pay this.

What’s meant by Billing Consent?

We ask you to agree to this before your supply can begin. It means you’re happy to pay for any energy you’ve used (including standing charges) if you decide to cancel within the 14-day cooling off period. This is necessary to make the whole switching process move faster. You can choose not to agree to Billing Consent, but your supply will only begin once the cooling off period has ended.

I want to leave British Gas - how do I switch my energy supplier?

We’re sorry you want to leave and don’t want to see you go. If you’re not happy with your tariff, have you checked out our latest tariff offerings here.

Also, don’t hesitate to talk to us if you’re thinking of leaving for any other reason. If it’s a supply or service issue, we’ll look into it for you.

If you'd still like to leave, you'll need to agree a new contract with a new supplier first. You don't need to contact us directly, as your chosen supplier will get in touch with us to arrange the switch.

We’ll continue to supply you up until the point when the switch is made. But do allow up to six weeks for everything to complete.

What are exit fees and will I have to pay them?

If you’re on a fixed rate tariff, you may be asked to pay an exit fee to leave your contract early. If you’re not sure, you can find out by checking the terms and conditions for your tariff by logging in to your account online. This fee doesn’t apply if you leave us within the final 49 days/ seven weeks of the fixed rate tariff.

Do I need to submit a final meter reading to British Gas?

Your new energy supplier will ask you for opening meter readings to start your supply, then they will pass them to us. This way, the point at which your energy bills start with them and end with us will be the same. So please make sure you give them an up-to-date meter reading when they ask.

We'll use that reading to close your British Gas account, rather than using estimated readings for your final bill.

Can I still switch energy supplier if I have an outstanding balance?

If you have a large outstanding balance, you may need to pay this before a switch to a new supplier can go ahead. If we stop your switch for this reason, we'll let you know why and explain your options.

Will my smart meter still work if I switch?

Some of the earlier smart meters may lose some functionality when you switch to another supplier. However, it will still record your usage, but you’ll have to submit readings like you would with an old-style meter.

This is a common problem with all early smart meters and the energy industry is working towards restoring their ‘smart’ capabilities as part of the Smart meter enrolment scheme. You can find out more here.

I'm a HomeCare customer as well. Does switching energy supplier affect this?

Switching energy supplier doesn’t affect any HomeCare services you’re currently enjoying. They’ll continue as normal unless you decide otherwise.

How can I confirm when my energy supplier will transfer?

Your new energy supplier should let you know when your supply start date will be.

When will I get my final bill or statement?

Typically, it takes no more that four weeks to close your accounts with British Gas and send you any final bills.

Your new supplier will send us your meter reading from the switch, which we use to close your account & create your final bill(s).

If you your bill usually combines gas and electricity, you may receive separate final bills for each fuel.

For more information about your bill, see our understanding your energy bill guide.

I pay by Direct Debit - should I cancel it?

No, please leave it active.

Once we’ve closed your account we'll send your final bill. We'll then request any final payment via your Direct Debit. On the other hand, if you're in credit we'll send a refund via your Direct Debit.

If the final bill amount is larger than you anticipated and you think you’ll have difficulties with paying, we can offer a payment plan to help spread the cost. Just contact us to discuss your options.

What if you owe me money when my account is closed?

Once we’ve closed your account we'll send your final bill. If your final account is in credit, we'll send a refund via your bank account. If we can't do this, we'll send you a cheque.

Can I still access my online account services after I leave you?

After we close your energy account with us, you'll be able to access your account for up to six months. That means you'll still be able to view and download any energy bills or statements during that time. After six months, your online account will be closed down.

However, access via our App stops from the day your energy supply leaves us.

What's an objection letter and what happens when one is received?

We may have reason to object to your switch to another supplier, and we’ll be in touch to tell you why. There can be various reasons for doing this, but the most common objection is that there’s an outstanding balance on an account with us. You’d need to contact British Gas to sort out the reason for our objection before the switch can continue.

Can I change my mind about the switch once I have agreed to it?

Yes, you have a cooling off period. This lasts for 14 days from the date you’ve agreed to start a new supply. Within this period, you can cancel at any time without having to pay an exit fee.

What if I decide to cancel outside the cooling off period?

You can choose to leave us for another supplier at any time beyond the 14-day cooling off period and we’d require you to pay for the energy you’ve used, along with standing charges - as well as any applicable exit fees.

We'll arrange to close down your account with us and return your supply back to your previous energy provider.

Why has my supply start date changed or is different to the one on my contract?

You need to check the reason for this with your new energy supplier.

I have a prepayment meter - when should I stop topping up with my key or card?

Your new energy supplier will send you a new prepayment device, which you should start using from the switch date.

However, please make sure you use up any British Gas credit you still have on your meter before you insert your new supplier’s device. You might lose this credit if you don’t.

What should I do if my prepayment meter isn't working?

You’ll need to contact your new energy supplier and they’ll take care of it for you.

If you’re on the Priority Services Register

Please let your new supplier know your circumstances when joining as they'll be able to ensure that you remain on the Priority Services Register.

If you’re on the Warm Home Discount scheme

If you were registered for this with British Gas, you'll need to check that your new supplier also participates in the scheme. If so, you’ll need to re-register with them, once the new application period is open.

If you’re visually impaired

Please ask your new supplier about what extra services they can provide to help you.