British Gas or EDF Energy – Which Supplier Is Better?

April 10th, 2025
British Gas or EDF Energy – Which Supplier Is Better?

Who Are British Gas and EDF Energy?

Key Facts About British Gas

  • Parent Company: Centrica
  • Customer Base: Over 7 million homes
  • Headquarters: Windsor, UK
  • Main Services: Gas, electricity, boiler coverage, home services, and smart meters
  • Renewable Electricity Commitment: A mix of renewable and regular energy sources

British Gas is a major energy provider in Great Britain. They have different fixed and variable energy tariffs for customers to choose from. The company also offers smart meters, boiler cover, and home services. These services are helpful in managing energy use more effectively. British Gas puts money into renewable energy options, like heat pumps and smart technology, to reduce carbon emissions.

Key Facts About EDF Energy

  • Parent Company: Électricité de France (EDF)
  • Customer Base: Over 3 million homes
  • Headquarters: London, UK
  • Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, and tariffs for electric vehicles
  • Renewable Electricity Commitment: Zero-carbon electricity for all fixed tariffs

EDF Energy is a major energy supplier in the UK. It produces power using nuclear plants, wind farms, and other renewable sources. EDF Energy offers different tariff plans. There are fixed tariff options, which give you price certainty, and variable tariff options, which can change based on grid demand. EDF Energy also supports low-carbon energy projects. This makes the company important for the UK’s shift to sustainable energy.

British Gas vs EDF Energy – Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

The Ofgem price cap decides how much suppliers can charge for a standard variable tariff (SVT). The new energy price cap is meant for default tariffs. It impacts customers who have not switched to a fixed tariff.

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

Supplier Electricity Unit Price (p/kWh) Gas Unit Price (p/kWh) Standing Charge (Electricity – p/day) Standing Charge (Gas – p/day)
British Gas 24.85p 6.40p 63.50p 33.10p
EDF Energy 24.79p 6.38p 62.90p 32.90p
  1. EDF Energy has slightly lower prices for electricity and gas.
  2. The standing charges are nearly the same for both suppliers.

Fixed Tariff Options

Supplier Tariff Name Electricity (p/kWh) Gas (p/kWh) Exit Fees Contract Length
British Gas Fixed Saver 23.50p 5.90p £75 per fuel 12 months
EDF Energy Essentials Fixed 23.10p 5.85p £75 per fuel 12 months
  • EDF Energy offers a cheaper fixed tariff. It has lower unit rates for both electricity and gas.
  • The exit fees remain the same at £75 for each fuel.

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Smart Meters & Energy Efficiency Support

British Gas and EDF Energy both provide smart meters. These meters help you keep track of your energy use. They can also help reduce your energy bills.

Feature British Gas EDF Energy
Smart Meters Yes Yes
Mobile App Support Yes Yes
Time-of-Use Tariffs No Yes (Octopus-style tracker tariff)
Heat Pump & Low Carbon Support Yes (Heat pump installations) Yes (Heat pump installations)
  • EDF Energy has flexible plans that work with smart meters.
  • British Gas provides heat pump installations to assist homes in using low-carbon heating.

Customer Service Comparison

Customer service matters a lot when choosing an energy supplier. Trustpilot reviews show this clearly (as of 03/03/2025):

Supplier TrustScore 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1★ Total Reviews
British Gas 4.2/5 61% 9% 4% 3% 23% 269,339
EDF Energy 4.7/5 79% 7% 2% 1% 11% 122,450
  • EDF Energy has a higher TrustScore of 4.7 out of 5. British Gas has a lower score of 4.2 out of 5.
  • Customers feel that EDF Energy has fewer billing issues and complaints.

Trustpilot Ratings British Gas vs. EDF Energy

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Quarter British Gas EDF Energy
Q1 2024 1,746 2,303
Q2 2024 1,530 1,934
Q3 2024 1,427 1,361

Source – OFGEM

  • EDF Energy receives fewer complaints than British Gas.
  • The biggest issue for British Gas is problems with billing.

Complaints Per 100000 Customers British Gas vs. EDF Energy

Payment Methods and Energy Account Management

Payment Options

Payment Method British Gas EDF Energy
Direct Debit (cheapest option) Yes Yes
Prepayment Meter Yes Yes
Credit/Debit Card Yes Yes
Smart Meter Billing Yes Yes
Pay As You Go (PAYG) Yes Yes
  • Direct debit is the cheapest way to pay for both suppliers.
  • EDF Energy allows you to track payments easily using its app. British Gas customers have the option to manage their accounts through email and online services.

How to Submit Your Meter Reading

When you provide accurate meter readings, it makes you feel good. This practice helps prevent high energy bills. Both British Gas and EDF Energy let you send your readings easily. You can use their app, go online, or choose other methods to do this.

Submitting a Meter Reading to British Gas

Online via Energy Account

  1. Log in to your British Gas energy account.
  2. Select Submit a Meter Reading.
  3. Enter your latest electricity usage and gas meter readings.
  4. Review your entries and submit.

Through the British Gas App

  1. Get the app and open it.
  2. Select Meter Readings.
  3. Type in your latest reading.
  4. Send it to refresh your bill.

By Email

British Gas customers can send their readings through email. They can use the customer support service for this.

Submitting a Meter Reading to EDF Energy

Online via Energy Account

  1. Sign in to your EDF Energy account.
  2. Click on Submit a Reading.
  3. Enter your electricity usage and gas meter reading.
  4. Send the form.

Through the EDF Energy App

  1. Open the EDF app and look for Meter Readings.
  2. Enter your latest reading from the meter.
  3. Confirm it and submit.

By Email or Phone

EDF Energy customers can share their meter readings by email or by calling support.

How to Switch & Save on Energy Bills

If you want to change your energy supplier, Free Price Compare can help you. They will help you find the best energy deal. They will evaluate your energy use and unit rates to get the right option for you.

Steps to Switch Energy Supplier:

  • Look at energy prices – Use a tool online to compare fixed and variable rates.
  • Check exit fees – If you are on a fixed tariff, British Gas and EDF Energy charge £75 for each fuel if you cancel early.
  • Think about renewable energy – EDF Energy gets more power from wind farms and nuclear energy.
  • Look at payment options – Paying by direct debit may reduce your energy bill.
  • Take your first meter reading – When you switch, write down your meter reading to avoid paying too much.

Under the Energy Switch Guarantee, switching your energy provider is quick and simple. You won’t face any interruptions to your energy supply while you make this change.

Correct as of 01 March 2025

FAQs About British Gas vs EDF Energy

Who offers the cheapest fixed-rate tariffs?

EDF Energy has the lowest fixed tariff. Their prices per unit are less expensive than British Gas.

Do British Gas and EDF Energy charge exit fees?

Yes, both charge £75 for fuel if you end a fixed tariff before the time is up.

Which supplier has better customer service?

EDF Energy has a higher Trustpilot rating and receives fewer complaints.

Which supplier offers smart meters?

British Gas and EDF Energy provide smart meters. These meters let you track your energy use. They can also help you save money on your bills.

How do I switch from British Gas to EDF Energy?

Use Free Price Compare to find the best deal and start switching online.

What factors affect energy rates when choosing a supplier?

Energy rates can change because of Ofgem’s price cap, shifts in the wholesale market, and where the supplier sources their energy. Some suppliers have fixed tariffs, making prices stable. Others use variable tariffs, which can change based on the demand on the grid.

How do different types of tariffs impact energy costs?

There are fixed tariffs that keep the rates the same for the length of your contract. There are also variable tariffs that change based on market prices. Some suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs. These can help customers who use much energy during off-peak hours.

What should I do when moving to a new home with a different energy supplier?

When you move into a new home, you should begin by getting your first meter reading. This can help you stop receiving estimated bills. After that, check which energy company supplies your place. Then, look at the different types of tariffs available to see if you can switch to a better deal.

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