British Gas makes change to how some customers can pay their energy bills

02 October 2023 , 11:16

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British Gas has removed giro slips from their paper energy bills (Image: Shutterstock / mundissima)

British Gas has made a change in how some customers can pay their energy bills.

The energy provider has removed giro slips from some of its paper bills meaning that customers who don’t currently settle their bill by cheque will not be able to pay for that specific bill at the Post Office, a bank branch or Payzone kiosk.

British Gas confirmed to the Mirror that it has removed the Giro slips from customers' bills but only for those who do not use this method of payment for each of their monthly bills - so for those who are recorded as paying their bill by direct debit for example.

The energy supplier said that it has not made any changes for customers who currently pay their energy bills using a Giro slip each month.

British Gas said that affected customers can still request a Giro slip if they want to change their payment method. The spokesperson added: "Should a customer want to change their payment method, they can get in touch and we can help them with this."

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Giro slips are usually located on the paper bill someone receives for their energy. Customers can then tear it off, and return it in the post alongside a cheque for the bill, or take it to the post office or bank to make their payment. People can pay the bill using either cheque, cash, debit card, or with credit and it is usually processed within three working days.

This payment option is not a widely popular method of payment but is often used by older more vulnerable customers. However, more recently, more consumers are switching to cash as it helps them to keep track of their spending.

Those wanting to add a giro slip back onto their paper bill should call British Gas on 0333 202 9804 or get in touch through the live chat on the British Gas website.

James Daley, managing director at Fairer Finance, told the Sun: "Utility companies offer essential services, and so it's vital they make it as easy as possible for people to pay their bills. Many people still rely on paying via the Post Office and Payzone - and it's callous of British Gas to suddenly make these methods harder for most of their customers to use.

"Changes like this need to be carefully managed and communicated - and it would seem British Gas has managed to do neither of those."

Ruby Flanagan