Energy Guides

British Gas gas tariffs

British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) offers a range of gas tariffs: Online Variable February 2014, Clear & Simple and Fix & Fall March 2014.

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Energy Online Variable February 2014

Online Variable February 2014 is the cheapest available British Gas energy tariff and gives you a guaranteed 6% discount against its Clear & Simple tariff rates until February 2014. You manage your account online, so no paper bills, and spread the cost with a fixed monthly Direct Debit.

Tariff features

• Guaranteed 6% discount against British Gas’ Clear & Simple tariff rates until February 2014
• You must manage your account online
• Available to direct debit customers only
• Savings of up to £70 for dual fuel compared to the Clear & Simple tariff
• Earn up to 3,400 Nectar points a year (1,000 point for being a Dual Fuel customer and 100 point per monthly meter reading submitted)

This tariff comes with a daily standing charge - a fixed amount that is applied to your gas and electricity bill daily. This means customers pay a daily charge and a single unit rate making it easier to understand how much you’re paying.

Important points about Online Variable February 2014

If you’re not net-savvy or prefer more traditional billing methods then the self-management system associated with the Online Variable February 2014 tariff may not be for you.

This tariff is not available to Pay As You Go Energy customers and you must remain a Direct Debit customer using online account management for the duration of the tariff.

If you cancel your agreement (for example by switching to a new tariff with British Gas or to another energy supplier) before 28th February 2014, you may incur an exit fee (inclusive of VAT) of £30 for electricity and £30 for gas. These will not be applied if you move home. Exit fees will be collected, before any other amounts you owe, from payments you make or any credit balance you have.

Is Online Variable February 2014 right for me?

Online Variable February 2014 potentially offers the most savings if you opt for a dual fuel package rather than gas only. If you have ready access to the internet and want to save money, this deal is for you. Although you will need to be aware of the exit fees cited above.

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Clear & Simple

Clear & Simple is British Gas’ simplified energy tariff. It comes with a daily standing charge and a single unit rate to make it easier to understand how much you’re paying. Clear & Simple comes with discounts for paying by Direct Debit and taking gas and electricity together (Dual Fuel). There are no cancellation fees meaning you are not tied in.

Discounts:

• All direct debit customers (Dual Fuel, Gas only, Electricity only) benefit from a 6% discount on their rates
• Dual Fuel customers receive a £15 annual discount on their bill.

The standard tariff comes with no cancellation fees or tie-ins, and discounts are on offer for customers who are prepared to sign up online, pay by direct debit and opt to bundle in their electricity too.

Important points about Clear & Simple

Paying by direct debit and opting for a dual fuel supply may not suit everyone, particularly those who like to check their bills thoroughly before making a payment. However, if you don’t pay by direct debit then you miss out on a significant proportion of the discount.

Is Clear & Simple right for me?

If you are unable or unwilling to pay by direct debit then the price of your tariff rises significantly - make you sure you take that into consideration when selecting a tariff.

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Fix & Fall March 2014

The Fix & Fall March 2014 tariff from British Gas gives you fixed energy rates until 31st March 2014. With this tariff, your rates will be fixed for the next two winters at a 3% premium against our 16th November 2012 Clear & Simple tariff rates. Also, if British Gas prices fall yours will too.

This tariff comes with a daily standing charge and a single unit rate to make it easier to understand how much you’re paying.

Benefits:

• All fuel options (including Dual Fuel, Gas only and Electricity only) offer fixed prices from the next two winters
• If British Gas prices fall, customer prices fall too
• £15 Dual Fuel discount
• Optional free electricity monitor with EnergySmart.

Important points about Fix & Fall March 2014

While the security of capped prices may be attention grabbing, it should be noted that the prices are capped at a 3% premium above British Gas’ Clear & Simple tariff rates - so if British Gas' price do not rise significantly, customers on this tariff may end up paying more over the course of the year than they would on other tariffs.

Customers on this tariff will also be subject to cancellation charges of £35 for electricity and £35 for gas (charges will not be applied if the cancellation is due to a home move).

Is Fix & Fall March 2014 right for me?

If financial stability is important to you, the Fix & Fall March 2014 will give you the security of knowing that the price for their energy will be capped for the next two winter seasons. Eliminating the worry of major price rises when you have already signed up to a contract. Plus, should British Gas' energy prices fall, as a customer, yours will too.