£0 standing charge energy tariffs UK: compare & switch
Looking for an energy tariff with a £0 standing charge (or the lowest available)? Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk and see what you could pay in your area.
- Check if £0 standing charge tariffs are available for your postcode
- Compare standing charge vs unit rate to avoid false savings
- Switch in minutes with a simple form — no jargon, UK support
Home energy only. Availability and prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. We compare whole-of-market where available.
Compare £0 standing charge energy tariffs in your area
A standing charge is the daily fee you pay to stay connected to the energy network — even if you use no energy that day. Some tariffs advertise a £0 standing charge, but they often come with a higher unit rate (the price per kWh). The right choice depends on your usage, property and meter.
Use the form to check availability for your postcode and tell us a little about your home. We’ll compare deals across the market (where available) and show options that may reduce what you pay overall — not just the standing charge.
Tip: If you’re a low user (e.g., a small flat, second home, or you’re away often), £0 standing charge can help. If you’re a high user, a lower unit rate can usually matter more.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode and current supplier (if known)
- Whether you want electricity, gas, or both
- Your meter type (smart, credit, prepayment if you know it)
- Approximate usage or bill amount (optional, but improves accuracy)
Important: £0 standing charge doesn’t always mean cheaper
Many £0 standing charge tariffs recover costs through a higher unit rate. If you use average or above-average energy, the total annual cost can be higher. We’ll help you compare total cost, not just one line of the tariff.
Who £0 standing charge tariffs can suit (and who to be careful)
A £0 standing charge energy tariff can be a smart move for certain households — but it’s not a universal win. Use these scenarios as a quick guide before you compare.
Low usage households
If you use little energy (well-insulated flat, single occupant, you’re out most days), removing the daily charge can reduce your baseline cost.
Second homes & empty periods
If the property is empty for weeks, standing charges can add up. £0 standing charge tariffs may reduce the cost of simply keeping supply live.
High usage: compare carefully
Higher unit rates can outweigh the saved standing charge. If you have electric heating, a large family, or charge an EV at home, total cost matters most.
Better for: small, efficient homes
- Low annual usage (especially electricity-only flats)
- Homes left empty regularly
- People who want more control over fixed daily costs
Be cautious if: usage is steady & high
- Large households or high heating demand
- Electric showers, tumble dryers, or heavy appliance use
- EV charging or high day-rate consumption
How £0 standing charge tariffs work (in plain English)
Most UK energy tariffs are made up of two parts:
1) Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fixed cost that helps cover the network, metering and account costs. You pay it regardless of usage.
2) Unit rate (p/kWh)
The price of the energy you use. This is where £0 standing charge tariffs often cost more, to make up the difference.
What “£0 standing charge” really means
- Some suppliers offer genuine £0 standing charge on specific tariffs, often with conditions.
- Others reduce it to near-zero (e.g., 0–5p/day) depending on region and meter type.
- Many deals are not available everywhere due to regional network costs (distribution areas).
How to compare properly: use total cost
When comparing tariffs, the most reliable approach is to estimate the annual cost using your typical usage. Standing charge savings can be wiped out if your unit rate increases enough.
- Estimate your usage (or use your last bill / smart meter data).
- Multiply usage by unit rate for electricity and/or gas.
- Add standing charge cost (daily charge × 365).
- Compare totals, then factor in contract length, exit fees and payment method.
Want a shortcut? Use the postcode form above and we’ll compare deals using the information you provide, highlighting tariffs with £0/low standing charges and the overall estimated cost.
Standing charge vs unit rate: a simple cost comparison
Below is an illustrative example (not a quote). It shows why a £0 standing charge tariff can be cheaper for some homes and more expensive for others.
| Example tariff | Standing charge | Unit rate | Low use (1,800 kWh/yr) | Higher use (4,200 kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff A (standard structure) | 50p/day | 25p/kWh | £(0.50×365) + (0.25×1800) = £632.50 | £(0.50×365) + (0.25×4200) = £1,232.50 |
| Tariff B (£0 standing charge) | £0/day | 32p/kWh | £(0×365) + (0.32×1800) = £576.00 | £(0×365) + (0.32×4200) = £1,344.00 |
| Difference (B vs A) | Save £182.50/yr on standing charge | Pay +7p/kWh | -£56.50 (cheaper) | +£111.50 (more expensive) |
Quick rule of thumb
If you use less energy, the standing charge forms a bigger part of your bill — so removing it can help. If you use more energy, the unit rate dominates — so a cheaper unit rate often wins.
What we’ll check for you
- £0/low standing charge availability for your postcode
- Whether a higher unit rate cancels out the saving
- Tariff features: fixed/variable, exit fees, payment options
Eligibility & availability in the UK
£0 standing charge energy tariffs aren’t consistently available nationwide. Availability can depend on your region’s network costs, your meter type, and how the supplier structures the tariff.
Postcode / region
Standing charges vary by distribution region. A tariff may be offered in one area but not another.
Meter type
Smart, credit, prepayment and Economy 7 meters can have different pricing structures and options.
Payment method
Some deals may be limited to certain payment methods (e.g., monthly Direct Debit).
Renting or in a flat?
In most cases, if you pay the energy bills you can switch supplier — even as a tenant. If your supply is included in rent or managed by a landlord, switching may not be possible. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll advise based on your situation.
Common mistakes when searching for “£0 standing charge”
If you’re trying to reduce your energy bills, these are the traps that often lead to paying more overall.
Comparing only the standing charge
A £0 standing charge can look great, but the unit rate might be higher. Always compare the estimated annual total.
Ignoring exit fees and contract terms
Some fixed deals include exit fees. If you’re likely to switch again soon, a slightly higher price with flexible terms may suit you better.
Assuming availability is nationwide
Pricing is regional in the UK. The quickest way to check real availability is a postcode-based comparison.
Forgetting usage changes
Working from home, a new baby, or an EV can change your consumption. The best tariff last year might not be best now.
Not sure what you use?
You can still compare. Enter your postcode and fuel type, and add any details you have. We can start with typical usage assumptions and refine if you share a recent bill later.
£0 standing charge tariffs UK: FAQs
Are £0 standing charge energy tariffs available in the UK?
Sometimes, yes — but availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. Many households will see reduced standing charge options rather than a true £0. The best way to confirm is to check by postcode.
Why do standing charges differ by area?
Network costs and how electricity and gas are distributed differ across the UK. That regional element means the standing charge (and sometimes unit rates) can be different between areas.
Will I pay more per unit on a £0 standing charge tariff?
Often, yes. Suppliers usually recover fixed costs through a higher unit rate. That’s why it’s essential to compare the estimated annual cost, not only the standing charge.
Can I get £0 standing charge on dual fuel?
It depends. Some products may apply to electricity only, and gas may still have a standing charge (or vice versa). When we compare, we’ll show whether the £0 element applies to electricity, gas, or both.
Does switching affect my supply?
No. Your energy supply continues as normal. Switching typically changes billing and prices, not the physical supply. If you have a smart meter, it usually continues to work, though features can vary by supplier.
What if I’m on a prepayment meter?
There may be fewer options depending on supplier criteria and your region. Tell us your meter type (or select “Not sure”) and we’ll show what’s available.
Have a specific question? Start with the postcode comparison form and add notes in your message when we contact you.
What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus.co.uk
We focus on helping UK households understand the trade-offs between standing charge and unit rate, then choose based on overall value.
“I was set on £0 standing charge, but the comparison showed I’d pay more because of the unit rate. Ended up on a lower total cost tariff.”
“Clear options and no pressure. The postcode check was quick and the explanation of standing charges finally made sense.”
“Helpful for our second home. We wanted to reduce the costs when we’re not there — the low standing charge options were easy to spot.”
Trust and transparency
- Whole-of-market comparison approach (where available)
- We prioritise total cost clarity, not headline claims
- UK-focused guidance for home energy customers
Ready to check £0 standing charge tariffs for your postcode?
Submit the form and we’ll compare home energy tariffs, highlighting £0/low standing charge options and the estimated total cost so you can choose with confidence.
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps UK households compare home energy deals. Availability varies by region and meter type.
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