Are no standing charge energy tariffs cheaper in the UK?
Find out when “zero standing charge” tariffs can cut your bill — and when they can cost more. Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals with EnergyPlus and switch in minutes.
- See whether no standing charge tariffs suit your usage and meter type
- Compare unit rates, exit fees and contract terms — not just headlines
- Get matched to deals from across the market (where available)
For UK domestic properties only. Estimates depend on your usage, meter and region. Standing charge rules and tariff availability can change.
Compare no standing charge energy tariffs (whole-of-market)
A no standing charge energy tariff removes (or reduces) the daily fixed cost, but suppliers often raise the unit rate (p/kWh) to compensate. Whether it’s cheaper depends on how much electricity and/or gas you use, your region, and the tariff structure.
EnergyPlus helps you compare eligible UK home energy deals side-by-side so you can make a decision based on the total annual cost, not the headline feature.
Tip: A tariff can be “no standing charge” for electricity, gas, or both. Some deals are “low standing charge” rather than zero.
Use the form to get a comparison that accounts for your postcode region and usage profile.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to match regional rates)
- Approximate monthly spend or usage (if known)
- Whether you want electricity-only, gas-only, or dual fuel
Get your personalised comparison
Fill in your details and we’ll match you with available tariffs, including no standing charge options where offered.
What is a no standing charge energy tariff?
Most UK home energy tariffs have two parts:
Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fixed amount that helps cover network costs, metering, and maintaining supply. You pay it even if you use no energy that day.
Unit rate (p/kWh)
What you pay for each unit of energy you use. This is where no standing charge tariffs are often higher to balance out the removed daily fee.
A no standing charge tariff typically sets the standing charge to £0.00 per day (or close to it), while increasing the unit rate. The best choice depends on your usage: the lower your usage, the more the standing charge matters.
When no standing charge tariffs can be cheaper
No standing charge tariffs can reduce bills in specific situations. You’re more likely to benefit if you have low consumption and would otherwise pay a standing charge every day.
Low-usage homes
If you use very little gas/electricity (e.g., small flat, energy-efficient household, long periods out of the property), removing the daily fee can outweigh the higher unit rate.
Second homes / sporadic use
For properties used occasionally, a standard standing charge can feel like paying “rent” for energy. A no standing charge tariff may make costs track usage more closely.
Electricity-only households
If you don’t have gas and overall usage is modest, you may see a clearer benefit by removing one standing charge from your monthly bills.
Key idea: A no standing charge tariff is most likely to be cheaper when the value of the standing charge you avoid is greater than the extra you pay via a higher unit rate.
When they’re usually not cheaper
If your household uses a typical or high amount of energy, the higher unit rate can outweigh the saving from removing the standing charge.
Medium-to-high usage
Heating larger homes, running tumble dryers, multiple showers/day, home working, or charging EVs often means a higher unit rate becomes expensive quickly.
Dual fuel with regular gas use
Gas consumption in winter can be substantial. If the no standing charge gas unit rate is notably higher, total costs may rise versus a standard tariff.
Tariffs with fees or constraints
Some deals have exit fees, minimum terms, or a higher unit rate that makes them poor value despite the zero standing charge headline.
If standing charges are already low in your region
Standing charges vary by region and supplier. If yours is relatively low, there may be less to gain from removing it.
Quick savings check: the break-even point
You can estimate whether a no standing charge tariff might be cheaper by calculating your break-even usage. If you use less than the break-even amount, you may save. If you use more, you may pay more.
Break-even formula (per day)
Break-even kWh/day ˜
(Standing charge you’d avoid) ÷ (Extra unit rate you’d pay)
Example: if your current standing charge is 50p/day and the no standing charge tariff is 10p/kWh higher, break-even is about 5 kWh/day (50p ÷ 10p).
Why comparisons can be tricky
- Some tariffs adjust both standing charge and unit rates for electricity and gas
- Time-of-use tariffs (e.g., day/night) need a usage split, not just total kWh
- Discounts, bundled services, and exit fees can change the true annual cost
Prefer a definitive answer? Run a whole-of-market comparison using your postcode and we’ll show the cheapest available options based on total cost.
What to compare (so you don’t overpay)
If you’re comparing no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK, focus on the total cost and the fine print. Use this checklist before switching:
1) Unit rate (p/kWh)
A higher unit rate is the usual trade-off. Check electricity and gas rates separately, and ensure you’re comparing the same payment method and meter type.
2) Standing charge (p/day)
Confirm whether it’s truly £0, or simply lower. Some tariffs may be zero for one fuel but not the other.
3) Contract terms
Look for fixed vs variable pricing, end dates, and whether prices can change. Fixed deals can provide certainty; variable deals can move up or down.
4) Exit fees
If you might switch again soon, exit fees can wipe out savings. Always check the tariff information label and terms.
5) Payment method & meter
Rates can differ for Direct Debit vs prepayment, and for smart meters vs legacy meters. Ensure the comparison matches your setup.
6) Your real usage
If your usage is estimated, results can be misleading. Updating readings (or using typical annual consumption figures) improves accuracy.
EnergyPlus approach: we prioritise the cheapest overall cost based on your details, then show the tariff structure (including standing charge) so you can make an informed choice.
Typical UK scenarios (who tends to win and who tends to lose)
Below are common home energy situations. These aren’t guarantees — but they can help you predict whether a no standing charge tariff is likely to suit you before you compare.
Because tariff structures vary by supplier and region, the most reliable way to answer “Are no standing charge energy tariffs cheaper?” is to compare using your own postcode and consumption profile.
How to compare in 3 steps
If you’re considering a no standing charge tariff, use a structured approach to avoid surprises.
-
Start with your current tariff details.
Note your electricity and gas standing charges (p/day) and unit rates (p/kWh). If you have a recent bill, it’s usually listed clearly. -
Estimate your typical usage.
Use annual kWh from your bill if possible. If not, a monthly spend estimate can still help, but it’s less precise. -
Compare based on total annual cost.
A tariff with a higher unit rate can look attractive until you multiply by your actual kWh. Always compare total cost, contract terms and fees.
Want help? Use the EnergyPlus comparison form and we’ll do the heavy lifting — including checking no standing charge options where available.
FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK
Are no standing charge tariffs always cheaper?
No. They can be cheaper for low-usage households, but for average or high usage the increased unit rate often makes them more expensive overall.
Do all suppliers offer no standing charge tariffs?
Availability varies by supplier, region, meter type and time. Some suppliers offer low standing charge deals instead of true zero standing charge.
Can I get no standing charge on both gas and electricity?
Sometimes, but not always. You might see it on one fuel and not the other, or the supplier may price one fuel more competitively than the other.
Will a no standing charge tariff affect my smart meter?
Usually no, but always confirm the tariff is compatible with your meter type (smart/prepayment/credit) and your payment method.
Are no standing charge tariffs good for prepayment meters?
It depends. Some prepayment tariffs have different pricing. The key is to compare the total cost based on your usage rather than focusing on standing charge alone.
Could I end up paying more in winter?
Yes. If the unit rate is higher, high seasonal usage (especially gas) can push costs up even if the standing charge is zero.
Trust & reassurance
Whole-of-market mindset
We focus on showing suitable options across the market where available, including tariffs with different standing charge structures.
Like-for-like comparisons
Comparisons are based on your postcode region and the details you provide, so you can judge deals on total cost.
Clear next steps
If a no standing charge tariff isn’t actually cheaper for you, we’ll still help you find competitive alternatives.
What UK customers tell us
"I was tempted by a no standing charge deal, but EnergyPlus showed the higher unit rate would cost more for our family. Switched to a cheaper fixed tariff instead."
"For our small flat, avoiding the standing charge made a difference. The comparison made it easy to see the true annual cost."
Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff is cheaper for you?
Run a personalised comparison using your postcode. We’ll show available no standing charge options alongside the true cheapest tariffs for your home.
Switching is for domestic properties in Great Britain. Northern Ireland tariff structures can differ; availability depends on suppliers and your meter/payment setup.
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