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British Gas Free Number 0800 Opening Times | Contact Guide

Freddie Cooper Carter • 2026-05-24 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

If you’re trying to get through to British Gas without racking up a bill, the good news is you don’t have to pay to call them. Their 0800 number is free from UK landlines and mobiles, and this guide lays out the exact numbers, hours, and other contact methods so you can get help fast, whether it’s a billing question or a gas emergency.

Free customer service number: 0800 800 150 ·
Gas emergency number: 0800 111 999 ·
Customer service hours (Mon-Fri): 8am-6pm ·
Saturday hours: 8am-4pm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact Sunday hours – not published on official site
  • Bank holiday hours – dependent on individual holidays
  • Live chat availability windows – hours not explicitly stated
3Timeline signal
  • No recent changes to British Gas’s free 0800 number; same numbers used for years (British Gas Help & Support – main portal)
  • Customer service hours have remained consistent across published guidance (British Gas Contact us)
4What’s next
  • Call 0800 800 150 during opening hours to speak to an advisor
  • Use live chat for non-urgent queries
  • For gas leaks or carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 immediately

Six key facts, one pattern: British Gas offers two free 0800 lines — one for everyday customer service and one for emergencies — with different hours of operation depending on the department.

Contact channel Detail
Free customer service number 0800 800 150
Gas emergency number 0800 111 999
Customer service hours Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm
Saturday hours 8am – 4pm
Live chat availability Yes, during business hours
Email response time 2 – 5 working days

Free phone number for British Gas

Bottom line: British Gas’s 0800 numbers are free to call from UK landlines and mobiles. The 0333 numbers are not free from all mobiles, so stick with 0800 if you want to avoid charges.

What is the British Gas 0800 number?

  • The main free customer service number is 0800 800 150. It’s listed on the official British Gas contact page (British Gas Contact us – official customer service page).
  • If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, call 0800 111 999 — the National Gas Emergency Helpline (British Gas Emergencies – safety guidance).
  • For power cuts, dial 105 (free from landline and mobile) (Information Now – British Gas contact details).

Is the 0333 number free?

British Gas also uses 0333 numbers (e.g., 0333 202 9885 for gas/electricity advisors and 0330 808 3880 for payment support) (British Gas cool-off information page). While 03 numbers cost the same as calling a geographic number from a landline, they are not always free from mobile phones — depending on your plan. The 0800 numbers are free from all UK mobiles and landlines, making them the safest option to avoid charges.

How to call British Gas for free from mobile?

Simply dial 0800 800 150. This number is free from any UK mobile (including EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, and all MVNOs). There is no additional trick — it’s the standard freephone prefix. For emergencies, 0800 111 999 is also free (Information Now – emergency helpline note).

Why this matters

Calling an 03 number from a mobile could cost you up to 45p per minute on some tariffs. Using the 0800 line saves you money on every call.

The implication: sticking with the 0800 prefix is the simplest way to avoid unexpected charges on mobile tariffs.

British Gas live chat

How to start a live chat with British Gas?

  • Visit British Gas contact page during business hours. Look for the “Chat” icon — it will be active when advisors are available.
  • You’ll need your account number and postcode handy for verification.

What are the live chat hours?

British Gas does not publish explicit live chat hours, but based on customer service opening times (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm), it’s reasonable to expect chat to be available during those windows. For urgent issues, call the phone line instead.

Can I use live chat for emergencies?

No. For gas leaks, carbon monoxide fumes, or any immediate danger, you must call 0800 111 999. Live chat should only be used for non-urgent queries such as billing, account changes, or general advice (British Gas Emergencies page).

How can I contact British Gas and speak to a person?

Which number should I call to speak to a representative?

Dial 0800 800 150 during opening hours. You’ll be greeted by an automated system, but pressing the appropriate options will route you to a human agent. Calling early in the day (just after 8am) often reduces wait times.

Is there a way to skip automated menu?

British Gas does not advertise a shortcut to bypass the IVR. However, calling during non-peak hours (mid-morning, mid-week) increases your chances of a quick connection. Some customers report that saying “agent” or pressing 0 repeatedly may work, but this is not official.

What options are available after calling?

  1. Call 0800 800 150.
  2. Listen to the menu options (e.g., “billing”, “emergency”, “home services”).
  3. Select the option that matches your query — for general customer service, choose “account or billing”.
  4. You’ll be connected to an advisor or placed in a queue.

For payment difficulties, call 0330 808 3880 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm) (British Gas struggling-to-pay support page).

The catch

Even with the free number, you may still face queue times during busy periods (Monday mornings, after bank holidays). Plan your call for mid-week afternoons if possible.

The pattern: mid-week afternoon calls tend to avoid the longest waits, so schedule accordingly.

British Gas opening times

What are the standard customer service opening hours?

  • Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm
  • Saturday: 8am – 4pm
  • Sunday: Closed (no published hours on official site)

These hours apply to the main customer service line (British Gas struggling-to-pay team – confirmed opening times).

Are there weekend hours?

Yes, Saturday 8am-4pm. Sunday is generally closed, though the gas emergency line (0800 111 999) operates 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.

What about bank holidays?

British Gas does not publish a standard bank holiday schedule. Call the customer service line on the nearest weekday before the holiday, or use the emergency numbers if needed. The gas emergency helpline remains open 24/7 every day of the year.

British Gas customer service email

What is the British Gas email address for customer service?

British Gas does not provide a direct email address for general customer service. Instead, they offer an online contact form on their website (British Gas contact page). You fill in your details, account number, and message, and they respond via email.

How to contact British Gas by email?

  1. Go to the official contact page.
  2. Choose the relevant topic (e.g., “Bills and payments”, “Home services”).
  3. Complete the form with your name, account number, and a clear description.
  4. Submit and wait for a response — typically within 2 to 5 working days.

What response time can I expect?

British Gas aims to reply within 2-5 working days. For time-sensitive issues (e.g., payment deadlines, service interruptions), phone or live chat are far more reliable. Email is best for non-urgent account queries or documentation requests.

Confirmed facts

  • Customer service number: 0800 800 150 – free from all UK lines (British Gas Contact us – official customer service page)
  • Gas emergency: 0800 111 999 – free, 24/7 (British Gas Emergencies – official safety page)
  • Mon-Fri hours: 8am-6pm; Saturday: 8am-4pm (British Gas struggling-to-pay team – confirmed opening times)
  • Power cut number: 105 (Information Now – British Gas contact details)

What’s unclear

  • Exact Sunday hours – not officially stated
  • Bank holiday hours – vary by holiday
  • Live chat exact availability windows – not published
  • Direct email address – only a contact form is provided

“Contact British Gas for help with your energy or home services. Find contact details, opening hours and ways to get support online or by phone.”

British Gas Contact us page (official energy supplier)

“The National Gas Emergency Helpline is 0800 111 999. Only call to report a gas or carbon monoxide emergency or if a pipeline is struck.”

Information Now – consumer advice organisation

For UK households and businesses, the takeaway is clear: use 0800 numbers whenever possible to avoid call costs, and keep the emergency helpline saved in your phone. British Gas’s contact structure is straightforward once you separate everyday support from urgent safety lines. The company has not changed these numbers in years, and they remain reliable across all major networks. If you need account help, plan your call during weekday mornings — you’ll get through faster than on Monday afternoons.

Related reading: Microsoft Contact Number UK Free 0800 – Scam Alert and Safe Alternatives · British Gas Smart Top Up: Prepayment Meter Guide & Methods

For a comprehensive list of verified contact lines, check the British Gas free 0800 number guide for detailed opening times and service options.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 0800 and 0333 numbers?

0800 numbers are free from UK landlines and mobiles. 0333 numbers may cost you depending on your phone plan — some mobile tariffs include them in inclusive minutes, others charge up to 45p per minute. Always use 0800 for British Gas to avoid surprises.

Can I contact British Gas via social media?

British Gas has official Twitter (@BritishGasHelp) and Facebook pages where you can send direct messages. Response times vary. For sensitive account issues, phone or live chat are more secure.

What is the British Gas gas emergency number?

The gas emergency number is 0800 111 999. It is free, available 24/7, and should be used if you smell gas, suspect a carbon monoxide leak, or have damaged a gas pipe.

How do I report a power cut to British Gas?

Power cuts should be reported by calling 105 — the national power cut helpline. British Gas does not handle electricity network issues directly; 105 connects you to your local distribution network operator.

Does British Gas have a 24-hour customer service line?

Only the gas emergency helpline (0800 111 999) is 24/7. General customer service operates Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm. There is no 24-hour line for billing or account queries.

How can I find my British Gas account number online?

Log in to your British Gas online account at britishgas.co.uk. Your account number is displayed on the dashboard and on every digital bill. You can also find it on any paper statement or by calling 0800 800 150.

Is the British Gas live chat free?

Yes, live chat is a free service. You only need an internet connection — there are no per-minute charges. However, it is only available during business hours.



Freddie Cooper Carter

About the author

Freddie Cooper Carter

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.