Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
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When someone dies, notifying British Gas is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long British Gas takes to process a bereavement notification.
British Gas bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 294 8604 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Call the dedicated bereavement line on 0800 294 8604 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or use the online notification form. British Gas has a specialist team that handles bereavement cases sensitively and can take you through each step.
British Gas will need a certified copy of the death certificate. Have the account number (found on any bill or correspondence) and recent meter readings to hand if possible. British Gas can look up the account from the address if needed.
British Gas will discuss whether the energy supply should be transferred to a new account holder (for example, a family member remaining in the property) or closed. If the property is vacant, British Gas can manage the account in the estate's name temporarily.
British Gas will take or request a final meter reading to produce an accurate closing bill. Any credit balance will be refunded to the estate; any outstanding balance becomes a debt of the estate.
British Gas will cancel any direct debit and close the account once the final bill is settled. They will confirm closure in writing.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
British Gas typically takes 1–3 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
Once British Gas receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
British Gas will generate a final bill based on the last meter reading. Any direct debit will be cancelled, and any credit on the account will be refunded to the estate. If the account is in debit, the outstanding balance becomes a debt of the estate.
Do not delay notifying British Gas
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying British Gas promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Notify Octopus Energy of a death via their online bereavement form. Final meter reading required. Account closed or transferred to new occupant. Documents needed. Full guide.
OVO Energy bereavement: 0330 303 5063 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, get final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
EDF Energy bereavement: 0333 200 5100 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, final meter reading, account closed or transferred. What documents EDF needs. Full guide.
E.ON bereavement (including ex-npower customers): 0808 501 5200 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Cancel direct debit, take final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
ScottishPower bereavement: 0800 027 0072 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, final meter reading, close or transfer account. Documents required. Full guide.
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