British Gas customers face £230 million price hike next Friday

• British Gas standard electricity tariff increases by 12.5% from Friday 15 September

• Three million households will see their bills rise from £1044 to £1120 – a massive £236 million price rise

• Customers have five days to switch to a cheaper deal rather than start paying an extra £76 a year

• Customers should submit up-to-date meter readings before Friday to ensure bills are calculated using the lower unit price.

3.1 million customers on British Gas’ standard variable tariff have just a few days left before being hit by a 12.5% hike in electricity prices – the equivalent of £76 a year.

The increase takes effect from Friday 15 September and will add an annual total of £236 million to its customers’ energy bills. While British Gas will still have the cheapest standard tariff of the big six suppliers, it’s vital that consumers are not lulled into a false sense of security – it will remain on average £296 more expensive than the cheapest fixed deal available today.

Uswitch.com’s message to British Gas customers is that they don’t have to accept this price rise and can switch to a cheaper deal in minutes.

They should also submit an up-to-date electricity meter reading. When the price rise comes into effect, British Gas will start estimating customer bills based on the new, higher rate. Providing a meter reading will ensure they receive an accurate bill rather than risk being billed at a higher rate for energy used before the price rise.

Meter readings can be submitted at the British Gas website, via the British Gas smartphone app, or by calling the 24-hour automated phone line on 0800 107 0224.

Claire Osborne, energy expert at Uswitch.com, says: “At a time when one in three consumers are already worrying about this winter’s energy bills, British Gas expects three million of its customers to pay £230 million extra for the same amount of gas and electricity.

“Now is the time for customers to vote with their feet. There are still five days left to avoid needlessly paying over the odds. Switching takes just minutes, and as well as the huge savings on offer, switching to a fixed deal can protect you against any further price rises.”

Find out how you could save over £1,000 a year with Uswitch here.