By Oscar Woods 
Finding the right british gas contact number can save you hours of frustration when dealing with energy bills, meter issues, or emergency situations. The UK’s largest energy supplier maintains multiple telephone lines for different services, and knowing which one to call makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
Main Customer Service Line
British Gas customers can reach general support at 0333 202 9802. This number handles most enquiries including billing questions, account changes, and payment arrangements. The line operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, with Saturday hours from 8am to 6pm.
Hold times average around 33 minutes according to customer data, with Wednesday showing the shortest wait periods. Friday tends to be the quietest day for call volume, though Monday sees the most activity.
Emergency Numbers Available 24/7
Gas emergencies require immediate action. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency Helpline at 0800 111 999. This free number operates around the clock every day of the year.
For electrical emergencies including power outages, dial 105. This connects you directly to your local electricity network operator who can respond to urgent situations.
Both emergency lines are completely free from landlines and mobile networks.
Specialized Contact Lines
Pay As You Go Customers
Prepayment meter users should call 0330 100 0303 for top up assistance and technical support. The line is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Home Services and Boilers
For boiler repairs, annual servicing, or HomeCare enquiries, contact 0333 009 5784. This line is staffed between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
Moving Home
Customers relocating should ring 0333 202 9802 to arrange final readings and set up service at their new address. Having your moving date, current address, new address, and meter readings ready speeds up the process.
Business Customers
Commercial properties use a separate line at 0330 037 2006, available Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. For business quotes, call 0333 414 5188 during the same hours.
Alternative Contact Methods
British Gas offers several ways to get help beyond phone calls. The company’s online chat service connects customers with live agents typically within three minutes, making it often faster than calling.
The My Account portal at britishgas.co.uk lets customers submit meter readings, view bills, track energy usage, and book engineers without speaking to anyone.
Email support is available at service_energy@britishgas.co.uk, though responses take at least three days. For installation complaints, use installationcomplaints@britishgas.co.uk.
Priority Services Support
Vulnerable customers qualify for extra assistance through the Priority Services Register. Credit customers can register by calling 0800 072 8625, while Pay As You Go customers should use 0800 294 8604. Both lines operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
British Gas partners with SignVideo to provide BSL interpretation services Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Filing Complaints
Unresolved issues should be directed to the complaints team at 0330 100 0056 or customercomplaints@britishgas.co.uk. If problems persist after eight weeks, customers can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman at 0330 440 1624.
The ombudsman provides free, impartial investigation services and their decisions are legally binding.
International Callers
Customers abroad need to format numbers differently. The main british gas contact number 0333 202 9802 becomes +44 333 202 9802 when calling internationally. Remove the leading zero and add the UK country code.
Standard international rates apply unless using WiFi calling services. Emergency numbers may not be reachable from outside the UK.
Smart Meter Assistance
Smart meter questions go to 0800 048 0202, where advisors can arrange free installations and troubleshoot display issues. Older SMETS1 meters that lose functionality after switching suppliers can often be upgraded.
Making the Most of Your Call
Before ringing any british gas contact number, gather your account number, postcode, and recent bills. This information helps representatives assist you more quickly.
For meter readings, have your meter serial number ready. Gas meters display this below the barcode, usually starting with S or F.
The automated payment line at 0333 202 9524 handles transactions 24/7 without connecting to an agent.
Website Resources
Many queries can be resolved through British Gas’s extensive online help section at britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support. Common topics include understanding bills, submitting readings, and managing direct debits.
The mobile app provides similar functionality for customers who prefer managing accounts on their phones. Both Android and iOS versions allow booking engineers and checking consumption patterns.
When to Contact Support
Contact British Gas immediately if you notice sudden bill increases, suspect meter tampering at 0800 587 2737, or experience service disruptions. Early communication often prevents complications.
For routine matters like tariff switching or payment plan changes, online tools may prove faster than calling during peak periods.
The company recommends notifying them at least two weeks before moving house to ensure smooth transition between properties. Last minute calls can delay final bill processing.
Getting Through Faster
Customer reports suggest calling early morning or late afternoon typically reduces hold times. Avoid Monday mornings and month end periods when call volumes spike.
Using live chat during business hours often connects you with help in under five minutes, compared to phone waits that can exceed 30 minutes.
The website’s help articles answer frequent questions about billing cycles, meter types, and energy saving tips without requiring any wait time.
British Gas serves roughly 11 million UK households, making efficient contact channels essential for managing this massive customer base. Understanding which number to call and when can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a quick resolution.