Setting up gas and electricity with a new supplier means one thing above all else: you’ll need to reach someone quickly when questions arise. For British Gas — the UK’s largest energy provider, supplying more than 8 million homes and businesses — the phone lines can get confusing fast. Whether you’re moving into a new property, switching from another supplier, or just need to understand your options, dialling the right number on the first try saves time and frustration.

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Main Telephone: 0330 100 0056 · Alternative Telephone: 105 · Other Telephone: 0333 009 5784 · Emergency Gas Line: 0800 111 999

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • 0330 100 0056 is the main customer service line (Information Now)
  • 0333 202 9802 operates 24/7 with the highest customer usage (GetHuman)
  • 0800 111 999 is the dedicated gas emergency line (Information Now)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether 0330 100 0056 has specific opening hours beyond standard business times
  • Whether the 0333 009 5784 line remains free to call on mobile networks
  • Current average wait times for each phone line
3Timeline signal
  • British Gas moving home guide updated February 2026 by Commercial Director John Evans (British Gas Official)
  • Information Now directory contact details last updated December 2023 (British Gas Official)
4What’s next
  • Live chat and online account management offer phone-free alternatives for straightforward queries
  • Priority Services Register available for customers needing additional support
Contact Purpose Number Notes
Main New Customer Line 0330 100 0056 Standard landline/mobile rates apply
Meter Readers & Queries 105 Free from all UK landlines
Other Support Line 0333 009 5784 For HomeCare and repair cover customers
Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 24/7 for gas leaks, CO incidents, struck pipelines
Official Contact URL British Gas Contact Page

What is the British Gas new customer phone number?

The primary phone number for British Gas customer service is 0330 100 0056, according to business directory records (Information Now). This number connects new customers with account setup, billing enquiries, and general support.

However, GetHuman — which tracks customer service phone numbers with usage data — identifies 0333 202 9802 as British Gas’s best phone number, based on 12,077 customer interactions over the last 18 months (GetHuman). This alternative line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it particularly useful for customers who need to call outside standard business hours.

Official contact page details

British Gas maintains a dedicated contact page where new customers can find the most current phone numbers, opening hours, and alternative contact methods (British Gas Official). The official website also hosts their moving home guide, which was updated on 11th February 2026 by John Evans, Commercial Director of British Gas Energy (British Gas Official).

Numbers for new accounts

  • 0330 100 0056 — Main customer service line (standard rates apply)
  • 0333 202 9802 — 24/7 customer service line (highest usage volume)
  • 0333 009 5784 — For HomeCare and repair cover customers specifically
  • 105 — Free electricity emergency line for power cuts and outages
Bottom line: New customers should start with 0330 100 0056 for standard enquiries, but those needing round-the-clock support will find 0333 202 9802 the more consistently available option.

What is the 0800 free number for British Gas?

British Gas does not offer a dedicated 0800 freephone number for general customer enquiries. The company operates standard-rate 0330 and 0333 numbers instead, which cost standard call charges from UK landlines and mobiles.

The catch

The only genuinely free 0800 line British Gas operates is the 0800 111 999 gas emergency helpline — and this is strictly for reporting gas leaks, carbon monoxide incidents, or struck pipelines (Information Now). Only call this number in a genuine emergency.

Free call options

For non-emergency enquiries, the 105 number offers a free alternative from all UK landlines for electricity-related issues such as power cuts and outages (Information Now). This national service is operated by energy networks, not British Gas directly, but connects customers with the right support for electricity emergencies.

0800 lines listed

  • 0800 111 999 — National Gas Emergency Helpline (free, emergency-only)
  • 0800 072 8631 — British Gas complaints line, according to Ofgem records (Ofgem)

The complaints line is notable because it uses an 0800 freephone format, making it genuinely free to call for customers escalating concerns that have not been resolved through standard customer service channels.

Bottom line: British Gas saves its 0800 freephone line for gas emergencies and complaints escalation — not for routine new customer enquiries.

Is the British Gas 0333 number free?

The 0333 009 5784 number is listed as an alternative support line specifically for HomeCare and repair cover customers (Information Now). However, 0333 numbers are not freephone lines — they carry standard call charges from UK landlines, though costs from mobile networks may vary depending on the provider.

0333 number details

Unlike 0800 freephone numbers, 0333 numbers are classified as “non-geographic” business numbers. UK regulators require mobile networks to charge these at standard rates or included in call packages, but they are not free to call in the way 0800 numbers typically are.

Cost information

  • 0333 numbers — Standard call rates from landlines; mobile costs vary by provider
  • 0330 numbers — Similar pricing structure to 0333
  • 0800 numbers — Free from landlines; mobile costs may vary
  • 105 — Free from all UK landlines (electricity emergencies only)
Why this matters

New customers on tight budgets or those calling frequently should consider using the online account portal or live chat options to avoid ongoing call charges. British Gas’s official website provides account management tools that can resolve many common enquiries without requiring a phone call at all.

What is the free phone number for British Gas?

For new customers specifically, the most practically useful free option is 105 — the free national line for electricity emergencies and power cut reports. While British Gas does not offer a blanket freephone number for general enquiries, the 105 service connects customers with their local electricity network operator at no cost from any UK landline.

Freephone alternatives

The 0800 111 999 gas emergency line is genuinely free and available 24/7 for gas or carbon monoxide emergencies. This is operated by the National Gas Emergency Service in partnership with all major UK gas suppliers including British Gas (Information Now).

105 service

The 105 number serves as a cross-supplier emergency contact for electricity issues. Whether you’re a British Gas customer or not, calling 105 from a UK landline connects you to your local network operator for power outage reports, dangerous damaged power lines, or other electricity emergencies. This service was established to provide a consistent, memorable number across all UK energy suppliers.

What to watch

The 105 service covers electricity emergencies specifically — it does not replace the 0800 111 999 gas emergency line. New customers moving into a property should identify whether they need gas, electricity, or both emergency contacts saved in their phone.

British Gas free number 0800 opening times

The 0800 111 999 National Gas Emergency Helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — there are no opening hours because gas emergencies can happen at any time. This round-the-clock availability is mandated by gas safety regulations across the UK energy industry.

Hours of operation

For standard customer service lines, British Gas does not publicly list specific opening hours for the 0330 100 0056 or 0333 202 9802 numbers beyond GetHuman noting that 0333 202 9802 is available 24/7. New customers should consult the official contact page for the most current availability information before calling.

Live chat availability

British Gas offers online account management and live chat options through their official website (British Gas Official). These digital channels can be particularly useful outside standard call centre hours, for customers who prefer written communication, or for those with hearing impairments who benefit from text-based support.

Contact Method Availability Best For
0330 100 0056 (phone) Standard hours (check official page for current times) New account setup, billing
0333 202 9802 (phone) 24/7 Urgent queries, out-of-hours support
0333 009 5784 (phone) Standard hours HomeCare and repair customers
0800 111 999 (emergency) 24/7/365 Gas leaks, CO, pipeline damage
105 (electricity emergency) 24/7/365 Power cuts, electricity hazards
Online account / live chat 24/7 Meter readings, payments, general queries

How to contact British Gas as a new customer

British Gas supplies gas and electricity to more than 8 million homes and businesses across the UK, and has been operating for over 200 years (British Gas Official). For new customers moving into a property or switching suppliers, the company provides several contact pathways depending on urgency and enquiry type.

Step-by-step contact process

  1. Identify your enquiry type — Is it an emergency (gas smell, power cut), account setup, billing question, or general support?
  2. Choose your channel — Phone (for complex issues), online account (for meter readings and payments), live chat (for quick questions)
  3. Have your details ready — Account number (if existing), property address, recent meter reading if moving home
  4. Consider timing — For non-urgent matters, mid-morning weekday calls typically see shorter queue times
  5. Know your escalation path — Complaints unresolved after initial contact can be escalated to 0800 072 8631

Moving home contacts

New customers moving into a British Gas-supplied property can provide meter readings through the online account portal or by calling the main customer service line. British Gas recommends taking meter readings on moving day to establish accurate billing from the move-in date (British Gas Official). About half of UK homes now have smart meters installed, which can simplify this process for new customers.

Priority Services Register

Customers with health difficulties, access needs, or disabilities can register with British Gas’s Priority Services Register for additional support. This includes password-protected account management, large-print bills, and priority support during planned outages.

The implication is straightforward: save the right number for the right situation, and keep the emergency line only for genuine emergencies.

The upshot

New customers who anticipate regular contact with British Gas should save both the main customer line and the 24/7 alternative (0333 202 9802) in their contacts. For households with smart meters, the online account portal increasingly handles most routine tasks — from reporting meter readings to making payments — without requiring a phone call at all.

“We’re the UK’s leading energy provider, supplying gas and electricity to more than 8 million homes and businesses. And we’ve been around for over 200 years.”

— British Gas, Corporate statement

“It’s important to take meter readings on the day you move out so that you have an accurate reading of the energy you’ve used.”

— British Gas Expert, Customer guidance

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Additional sources

biddulph.co.uk, britishgas.co.uk, britishgas.co.uk, britishgas.co.uk

New customers setting up accounts with British Gas can benefit from the same 0800 free helpline details used for emergencies, billing, and breakdowns.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I contact British Gas for a new account?

Call 0330 100 0056 for standard account enquiries, or 0333 202 9802 for 24/7 support. New customers can also set up accounts online at britishgas.co.uk or through the British Gas app. The official contact page at britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/contact-us has the most current options.

What is British Gas 105 number used for?

The 105 number is the free national line for electricity emergencies, including power cuts and outages. It is free to call from all UK landlines and connects you to your local electricity network operator. This service is not British Gas-specific — it works for any UK energy supplier’s customers.

Does British Gas have a moving home phone line?

British Gas does not have a dedicated moving home phone line. New customers moving into a property should call the main customer service number (0330 100 0056) to set up service. The company has a moving home guide on their website with step-by-step instructions, updated February 2026 by Commercial Director John Evans.

What to do in a British Gas gas emergency?

Call 0800 111 999 immediately — this is the National Gas Emergency Helpline, available 24/7. Do not use mobile phones near a suspected gas leak. Open windows and doors if safe to do so, turn off the gas at the meter if possible, and evacuate the property. The line is for gas leaks, carbon monoxide incidents, and struck gas pipelines only.

How to find British Gas meter readings contact?

Report meter readings through your online British Gas account, via the app, or by calling the main customer service line. Smart meter customers may not need to report readings manually, as modern smart meters typically transmit usage data automatically. For prepayment meters, top-ups can be managed online or at Payzone and Post Office locations.

Is there a British Gas app for new customers?

British Gas offers a mobile app through which customers can manage accounts, report meter readings, make payments, and access support. New customers can download the app and create an account using their property address and move-in date. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

What are general British Gas helpline hours?

The 0333 202 9802 line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the 0330 100 0056 and 0333 009 5784 lines, British Gas does not publicly list specific opening hours on all directory sources. Customers should check the official website contact page for current availability before calling, as call centre hours can change.

British Gas is the UK’s largest energy and home services company, supplying more than 8 million homes and businesses. For new customers, the choice between phone, online, and app-based support increasingly comes down to personal preference — the digital tools now handle most routine tasks effectively. The implication is straightforward: save the right number for the right situation, and keep the emergency line only for genuine emergencies.