Ofgem Standing Charge Cap Proposal 2026 Calculator
Estimate how Ofgem’s proposed 2026 standing charge cap could change your household electricity and gas costs — then compare whole-of-market tariffs to find a better deal.
- Get a quick estimate based on your usage and current standing charges
- See the impact by fuel (electricity, gas, or both)
- Compare home energy tariffs across the market with EnergyPlus.co.uk
Estimates are for guidance only and based on the information you enter. We’ll show the difference the standing charge cap could make and help you compare available home energy deals.
Calculate the potential impact of a 2026 standing charge cap
Standing charges are the daily fixed costs on your energy bill. If Ofgem introduces a standing charge cap in 2026, the biggest change for many households could be in the fixed part of the bill (what you pay even if you use little energy).
Use this page to estimate your current standing charge costs and compare them with a capped scenario. Then, if you want, we’ll help you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs.
Important: Ofgem proposals can change. This calculator is designed to help you understand possible bill impacts based on your own inputs.
- If you don’t know your standing charges, check a recent bill or your supplier account.
- For usage, annual kWh is best — but monthly estimates are fine.
- We’ll focus on home energy (not business tariffs).
What you’ll get
Current fixed-cost estimate
Your annual standing charge cost based on the daily amount you enter.
Capped fixed-cost estimate
A second estimate using a standing charge cap figure you choose.
Difference (savings or increase)
See the direction and scale of change for electricity, gas, or both.
Next step: compare tariffs
If your tariff isn’t competitive, we’ll help you compare across the market.
Get your personalised estimate & tariff comparison
Enter your details and we’ll follow up with your estimate and comparison options for your postcode.
Prefer to keep it simple?
If you only know your postcode, submit the form anyway. We can still compare tariffs and help you understand your current standing charge vs alternatives.
Why use a standing charge cap calculator?
Even a small change to daily standing charges can add up over a year. A cap could reduce fixed costs for some households — but the overall bill impact depends on unit rates (p/kWh), how suppliers price tariffs, and how much energy you use.
Understand your fixed costs
Standing charges are paid every day, even if you’re away or barely using energy. This calculator makes those annual costs visible.
See who could be affected
Low-usage households often feel standing charges most. Higher-usage homes may see the unit rate matter more.
Compare beyond the headline
If standing charges are capped, suppliers may rebalance prices elsewhere. Comparing tariffs helps you judge the full picture.
Whole-of-market options
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare a broad range of home energy deals, not just a single supplier’s prices.
Regional differences
Standing charges can vary by region and network costs. Using your postcode helps us show more relevant results.
Switch with confidence
We’ll explain your options clearly so you can decide whether switching supplier or tariff makes sense for your home.
What is a standing charge (and why does it matter)?
A standing charge is a daily fee you pay for having an energy supply. It typically covers fixed costs such as maintaining energy networks, metering, and operating costs. It is charged per fuel (electricity standing charge and gas standing charge).
Standing charge vs unit rate
Your bill is usually made up of:
- Standing charge — fixed p/day
- Unit rate — p/kWh for the energy you use
- Other charges — depending on tariff, payment method, and support schemes
Why a cap is being discussed
Standing charges increased for many households in recent years. A proposed cap aims to limit the daily fixed cost so bills feel fairer for customers who use less energy, while still covering essential network and operating costs.
Quick maths: how daily standing charges add up
| Example daily standing charge | Approx. cost per month* | Approx. cost per year* | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30p/day | ~£9 | ~£110 | A smaller fixed cost, but still paid regardless of usage |
| 60p/day | ~£18 | ~£219 | Common for electricity in some regions/tariffs |
| 90p/day | ~£27 | ~£329 | Higher fixed cost; a cap could have a bigger impact |
*Monthly and yearly figures are simple approximations (30 days / 365 days) for illustration.
How to use your estimate (and avoid common pitfalls)
A standing charge cap estimate is useful — but it’s only one part of your overall energy costs. If suppliers reduce standing charges, they could adjust unit rates or restructure tariffs.
- Start with your current standing charges. Enter electricity and/or gas in p/day from your bill. If you’re on a multi-rate meter, standing charges may still apply as usual.
- Choose a cap scenario. If you’ve seen a figure mentioned in the news or consultation documents, enter it. Otherwise, test a few scenarios to see how sensitive your bill is to the fixed charge.
- Check the direction of change. If your current standing charge is higher than the cap, you’d expect a reduction in fixed costs. If it’s already lower, the cap might not change your standing charge.
- Compare full tariffs, not just standing charges. The best tariff for you depends on both standing charge and p/kWh unit rate, plus how you pay and your usage.
- Use your postcode for accuracy. Standing charges can vary by region. Sharing your postcode helps us provide relevant comparisons.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Mixing up p/day and £/day — your bill usually shows standing charges in pence per day.
- Assuming a cap guarantees lower bills — unit rates can still change; your usage matters.
- Comparing tariffs without the same assumptions — ensure payment method, meter type and fuel type are comparable.
- Ignoring exit fees — if you’re in a fixed deal, check whether leaving early costs more than you’d save.
Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs
If the standing charge cap proposal changes how suppliers price tariffs in 2026, the “best value” option for your home could shift. Comparing across the market helps you choose based on total annual cost, not just one line on your bill.
What we compare
- Electricity and gas (dual fuel or single fuel)
- Standing charges and unit rates (p/kWh)
- Fixed vs variable options (where available)
- Tariffs that fit your postcode and meter type
When comparing is most useful
- Your standing charges look high for your region
- Your fix is ending soon or you’re on a standard variable tariff
- You’ve moved home or your household usage has changed
- You want to sanity-check the full-bill impact of a potential cap
Tip: low usage vs high usage
If you use relatively little energy (for example, smaller households or efficient homes), standing charges form a larger share of your bill. If you use a lot (larger households, electric heating, or lots of home working), unit rates often dominate. Comparing tariffs helps you balance both.
Ready to compare? Use the calculator form above to request your estimate and see tariff options for your postcode.
FAQs: Ofgem standing charge cap proposal 2026
Is there definitely a standing charge cap in 2026?
Not necessarily. Proposals, consultations and policy changes can evolve. This page helps you model potential outcomes so you can plan and compare tariffs more confidently.
Will a cap lower everyone’s bills?
A cap could reduce the fixed part of the bill for some households, but your total bill also depends on unit rates and usage. Suppliers may change pricing structures over time.
Does standing charge vary by region?
Yes, it can. Network and regional factors influence standing charges, so comparisons are more accurate with your postcode.
Where do I find my standing charge?
Check a recent energy bill or your online account. It’s typically shown in pence per day for each fuel (electricity and gas).
Can I compare electricity-only or gas-only?
Yes. If you’re all-electric or you only have gas in the property, choose the relevant fuel type in the form and we’ll tailor your comparison.
Will switching affect my supply?
In most cases, switching supplier does not interrupt your energy supply. Your meter and network stay the same; only the company billing you changes.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN?
Not to start. Postcode and basic details are often enough to begin a comparison. If needed, we may ask for additional info later to confirm eligibility.
Is this for business energy?
No — this page and calculator are for UK home energy only. If you need business energy support, use the relevant business comparison service.
What people look for when standing charges change
Fairer fixed costs
Households using less energy often want lower fixed charges so bills reflect usage more accurately.
Clear comparisons
It’s hard to compare tariffs when pricing structures shift. We help you compare like-for-like based on your home and postcode.
No nasty surprises
A lower standing charge is great — unless the unit rate jumps. We focus on the full-bill outcome.
If you’re on a prepayment meter
Standing charges can still apply on prepayment meters. If you’re struggling to keep up, you may be eligible for support schemes depending on your circumstances. Comparing tariffs and checking payment method options can sometimes help.
Trust signals & social proof
“Clear comparison and no pressure.”
“I just wanted to understand my standing charge and whether switching was worth it. The explanation was straightforward and I could see the full cost.”
Home energy customer, UK
“Helped me make sense of the numbers.”
“I didn’t realise how much I was paying in fixed charges over the year. Comparing tariffs by postcode made it much easier.”
Dual fuel household, UK
“Switched without hassle.”
“I got options that matched my usage. The process was simple and I felt informed about standing charge vs unit rate.”
Electricity-only home, UK
What you can expect from EnergyPlus.co.uk
- Whole-of-market comparison approach for home energy
- Straightforward explanations (standing charge, unit rate, total cost)
- Support based on your postcode and household needs
Get your 2026 standing charge cap estimate and compare tariffs
Submit the calculator form and we’ll help you understand the potential impact on your household bill — plus the best available home energy tariff options for your postcode.
Home energy only. No scripts on this page. Your details help us provide accurate comparisons.
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