What is a standing charge and why does it matter?

A standing charge is a fixed daily cost you pay for having an energy supply, even if you use no gas or electricity. It covers things like network costs, meter operations and customer service. If you are a low-energy user (for example, a small household or a property that is often empty), a discounted standing charge can reduce your overall bill significantly.

Are discounted standing charge tariffs always cheaper overall?

Not always. Some tariffs reduce the standing charge but increase the unit rate (the price per kWh). The cheapest option depends on your usage. A good rule is: lower usage often benefits from a lower standing charge, while higher usage may benefit more from a lower unit rate. Compare the total annual cost for your actual consumption before switching.

Who benefits most from a reduced standing charge tariff?

Reduced standing charge tariffs tend to suit low or irregular energy users, such as people living alone, small flats, second homes, students, or households that are out during the day. If your usage is higher, a tariff with a standard standing charge but lower unit rates may work out cheaper.

Can I get a discounted standing charge on both electricity and gas?

Some suppliers offer discounted standing charges on electricity, gas, or both, depending on the tariff and your region. Standing charges vary by fuel type and location, so it is important to compare prices for your postcode and payment method to see where the saving applies.

Do standing charges vary by region in the UK?

Yes. Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region because of differences in local network costs. Always use your postcode when comparing tariffs to get accurate pricing for your area.

Is it safe to switch to a tariff with a discounted standing charge?

Yes, switching energy tariffs in the UK is regulated and your supply will not be interrupted. The key is to check any contract terms, exit fees, the tariff end date, and whether prices are fixed or variable before you change.

How do I compare discounted standing charge tariffs accurately?

Compare the full cost, not just the standing charge. Use your annual kWh usage (or recent bills) to calculate the estimated annual cost based on the standing charge plus unit rate. Also check tariff type (fixed or variable), contract length, fees, and any conditions attached to the discount.

Will I lose the discount if I change payment method or move home?

It depends on the tariff terms. Some discounts apply only when you pay by Direct Debit or manage your account online. If you move home, the tariff may not transfer automatically. Before switching, review the tariff conditions so you know when a discount could be removed.

What should I check before switching to a low standing charge tariff?

Check the unit rate, standing charge, tariff length, whether prices are fixed, any exit fees, and any eligibility rules for the discount. For the best result, compare the projected annual cost using your real usage and confirm the rates for your postcode.

How can I find the best energy tariff for my home quickly?

Start by gathering your annual electricity and gas usage (kWh) from a recent bill, then compare tariffs using your postcode and payment preference. If you are choosing between low standing charge and low unit rate options, compare the estimated annual total to identify which is best for your usage pattern. You can explore more cost-saving guidance at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice.

Best energy tariffs with discounted standing charge in the UK

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and see whether a discounted standing charge tariff could lower your bills—based on your postcode and usage.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
Check tariffs where the standing charge is reduced, capped, or offset
See the true annual cost (unit rate + standing charge)
Switch online in minutes—no impact on supply

Compare discounted standing charge tariffs Learn how standing charges work

Standing charges vary by region, meter type and payment method. We’ll show the total yearly cost so you can compare fairly.

Find UK energy tariffs with a discounted standing charge

If you’ve noticed your standing charge rising, you’re not alone. The standing charge is the daily fee you pay to stay connected to the gas and electricity networks—so it can feel painful if you use less energy or want better value year-round.

EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy deals and highlight options where the standing charge is lower than typical for your region, reduced on certain tariffs, or offset by a better unit rate. We focus on the true annual cost so you can make a decision that fits your household—not just a headline price.

Quick tip before you compare

A lower standing charge can be great—but if the unit rate is higher, you might pay more overall. Always compare total yearly cost based on your usage (kWh), not standing charge alone.

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Complete the form and we’ll match you with tariffs that may help reduce your standing charge and/or overall annual cost.

Who benefits most from a discounted standing charge tariff?

Low energy users

If you live alone, travel frequently, or keep usage low, the standing charge can form a larger share of your bill. A lower daily charge can help.

Homes with high fixed costs

If your bill feels “high even when you’re careful”, you may be sensitive to fixed daily costs. Comparing standing charges is especially important.

Prepayment and smart meter customers

Some tariff availability differs by meter type and payment method. We’ll flag options that match your setup and region.

Good to know: Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain by electricity distribution region and gas network area. That’s why your postcode matters when finding the best value.

What is a standing charge (and why is it on every bill)?

A standing charge is a fixed daily cost on your gas and/or electricity bill. It contributes towards costs such as keeping your home connected to the energy networks, maintaining pipes and cables, and running billing and metering services. You pay it regardless of how much energy you use.

Some tariffs may appear to have a “discounted standing charge” because the supplier’s standing charge is lower than typical for your region, or because the tariff design shifts more cost into the unit rate. The best option depends on your household’s consumption pattern.

Standing charge vs unit rate: what changes your bill?
Bill component	What it means	Best for	Watch out for
Standing charge (p/day)	A daily fixed fee for each fuel (electricity and/or gas).	Lower-usage households; people who want predictable fixed costs.	A very low standing charge can be paired with a higher unit rate.
Unit rate (p/kWh)	The price for each kWh of energy you use.	Higher-usage households; electric heating; bigger families.	Cheapest unit rates can come with higher standing charges.
Total annual cost	Standing charge × 365 + unit rate × your annual kWh.	Everyone—this is the fairest comparison method.	Always check assumptions: your kWh, region, and meter type.

How to compare discounted standing charge tariffs properly

When you’re comparing energy tariffs in the UK, the key is to avoid making a decision on a single number. Use your own usage where possible and compare the full cost of supply.

Start with your postcode. Standing charges vary by region, so a tariff that looks “cheap” elsewhere may not be best where you live.
Use your annual kWh (or a recent bill). Low usage tends to favour lower standing charges; higher usage tends to favour lower unit rates.
Compare like-for-like meter types. Smart, credit, and prepayment tariffs can differ. Economy 7/dual-rate also changes the maths.
Check tariff length and exit fees. A “cheap today” deal can be less competitive later. Fixed tariffs can include early exit fees.
Look at the estimated annual cost. This combines standing charge and unit rates to show the number that matters most.

Common comparison mistake

Choosing the lowest standing charge can backfire if the unit rate is higher and you use more energy than expected—especially in winter.

Tariff types that can affect standing charge (and overall value)

Fixed tariffs

Your unit rate and standing charge are fixed for the tariff term. Helpful if you want certainty. Check the end date and whether there’s an exit fee.

Variable tariffs

Prices can change (often in line with supplier updates). Standing charges can also change. Flexibility can be useful if you expect to switch again soon.

Dual fuel vs single fuel

One supplier for gas and electricity can be simpler, but not always cheaper. Sometimes the best standing charge for electricity comes from a different supplier than gas.

Time-of-use / Economy 7 (where available)

If you can use more power off-peak (e.g., EV charging, storage heaters), these tariffs may reduce overall cost even if the standing charge isn’t the lowest.

Regional considerations: why your standing charge isn’t the same as your friend’s

In Great Britain, energy costs can differ by region due to network charges and distribution areas. That’s why a standing charge “discount” must be judged against the baseline for your postcode. Meter type and payment method can also influence what’s available.

Electricity region

Your electricity standing charge can vary depending on the distribution network operator area.

Gas network area

Gas standing charges can differ by network, so postcode accuracy matters when pricing up options.

Meter & payment method

Smart meters, prepayment meters and credit meters may have different tariff availability and pricing.

FAQs: discounted standing charges & the best UK energy tariffs

Are there energy tariffs with no standing charge in the UK?

Most mainstream tariffs include a standing charge. When you see “no standing charge” claims, check the unit rate carefully—costs are often recovered elsewhere. The safest approach is comparing annual cost using your kWh.

Will a lower standing charge always save me money?

Not always. If the unit rate is higher and you use a moderate-to-high amount of energy, you can end up paying more overall. That’s why we focus on the combined total cost.

Can I switch without a smart meter?

Yes. Many tariffs are available without a smart meter. If you do have a smart meter, you may also see additional options (including time-of-use tariffs) depending on your supplier and setup.

Does my payment method affect standing charges?

It can. Some suppliers price tariffs differently for direct debit, receipt of bill, or prepayment. Your comparison should reflect how you want to pay.

How quickly can I switch tariffs?

Switching timescales vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within days. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted—only the billing changes.

What information do I need to get accurate results?

Your postcode and (ideally) annual usage in kWh for gas and electricity. A recent bill is perfect. If you don’t know your usage, we can still start with typical estimates and refine later.

Ready to check your best discounted standing charge options?

Use your postcode to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and see which deals may reduce standing charges and/or cut your total annual bill.

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No disruption to your supply—switching only changes who bills you.

What you’ll need (if available)

A recent energy bill (kWh + current rates)
Your meter type (smart / credit / prepay)
Your postcode for accurate regional pricing

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026