British Gas Ditches Freephone Number for Customers

• Calls will now be charged at a local rate
• Customers will even be charged for being on hold
• Comes just after latest price hike

British Gas is scrapping a free phone number for customers while also putting up prices.

The energy company’s main account enquiries line is changing from an 0800 number to an 0333 number, which charges calls at a local rate.

This means that users could end up paying up to 55p a minute to get in touch, including being on hold, which can take a long time to get through at busy hours.

British Gas hasn’t given a reason for the switch, which comes just days after the announcement that over 4 million customers will be hit with a 5.5% price hike at the end of May.

Shortly after the announcement, EDF also said it is putting its prices up, and other companies are expected to follow.

The changes have been made despite British Gas making a £572 million profit last year.

Can you avoid the change?

For some customers, the old, free, 0800 number is still working, so if you need to contact British Gas, try using this number first.

Customers who get their bills through with the new 0333 number aren’t being told that the old one still works, so be wary.

British Gas said that there was no date for wrapping up the phasing in of the new number, so the old number may still be available to use for free for several months.

You can also contact British Gas through digital channels.

To save money on energy bills, the best thing to do is shop around for the best deal.