Ofgem Standing Charge Reform 2026 Savings Calculator
Estimate how proposed Ofgem standing charge changes in 2026 could affect your household bills, then compare whole-of-market energy tariffs to see what you could save now.
- Quick estimate based on your usage and region
- See the difference between standing charges and unit rates
- Compare energy deals across the whole UK market (home energy only)
- No obligation — submit once to receive tailored options
Estimates are illustrative and based on the information you provide. Final prices depend on your supplier, tariff type, meter setup and Ofgem decisions.
Calculate your likely 2026 standing charge impact
Ofgem has been consulting on how standing charges are set and recovered. The reform discussion has included options that could reduce standing charges and rebalance costs into unit rates (the price per kWh), or introduce alternative ways of paying fixed network costs.
This page helps you do two useful things:
- Estimate how your bill changes if part of the standing charge moved into the unit rate.
- Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs to see what you could save now, regardless of what happens in 2026.
Tip: Standing charges are a daily fee (pence/day) for keeping your home connected to the energy network. Unit rates are what you pay for each kWh you use. If standing charges reduce but unit rates rise, low-usage homes may save and high-usage homes may pay more — it depends on your usage and region.
Get personalised results (and compare tariffs)
Fill in the form to receive an estimate and see suitable tariffs for your postcode and usage. EnergyPlus compares across the market for household gas and electricity.
What you’ll be asked for
- Your postcode (to apply the right regional charges)
- Your expected annual usage (or we can help you estimate)
- Contact details to send your comparison options
Why we ask for contact details
Whole-of-market comparisons can vary by meter type, payment method and eligibility. Your details help us send you the most relevant options for your home.
Why use a standing charge reform calculator — and compare now
Understand your risk
If fixed costs shift from standing charges into unit rates, your bill becomes more dependent on usage. Knowing your usage helps you plan.
Avoid “one-size” advice
Whether you benefit depends on your region, meter type and consumption. A tailored estimate beats generic headlines.
Find savings today
Regardless of 2026 reforms, switching to a better tariff can reduce your bills now. We compare across the market for households.
Check standing charge vs unit rate
Some tariffs are attractive on unit rate but have higher standing charges (or vice versa). We help you compare the total cost.
Better for low-usage homes
If you use little energy (e.g., small flats, single occupants), standing charge reform may matter more. Your estimate makes that visible.
Clear next steps
We’ll outline what to watch, what to change now, and which tariff structures suit your home.
What is Ofgem’s standing charge reform (and why 2026?)
Standing charges cover fixed costs such as maintaining and upgrading the electricity and gas networks, metering and other system costs. Ofgem has explored reforms in response to concerns that higher standing charges can be difficult for households that use less energy, or for those who are trying to reduce consumption.
While the precise outcome and timeline can change, the “2026” topic is commonly used to refer to potential implementation windows after consultation, supplier readiness and industry changes. The key point for households is how any reform could shift the balance between:
- Standing charge (p/day): you pay it even if you use zero energy.
- Unit rate (p/kWh): the more you use, the more you pay.
Common reform ideas (simplified)
Reduce standing charge, increase unit rate
Fixed costs are recovered more through what you use. This often helps low-usage homes but can raise costs for high-usage households.
Alternative fixed-cost recovery
Some options propose different ways to pay network costs (for example, changes by meter type or other structures). Details depend on final decisions.
Important: This landing page provides estimates for planning and comparison. It does not predict final Ofgem policy. If reforms are introduced, suppliers will update prices and tariff structures accordingly.
Who might save money if standing charges fall
If a portion of the standing charge is moved into the unit rate, bills become more “pay for what you use”. The impact can be significant — but it won’t be the same for everyone.
More likely to benefit
- Low-usage households (e.g., small flats, single occupants)
- Homes that are often unoccupied (but still pay daily charges)
- Households actively reducing energy use
- Some prepayment customers (depending on final design)
Could pay more
- High-usage households (larger homes, electric heating, EV charging)
- Families with higher daily consumption
- Homes with lower insulation / higher heating demand
- Anyone on a tariff with higher unit rates after rebalancing
Regional point: Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain regions due to network costs. Your postcode is essential for a realistic estimate.
Example scenarios: standing charge vs unit rate
The table below shows how moving a fixed amount from standing charges into unit rates can change the bill shape. Numbers are illustrative only (not a forecast), designed to help you understand the mechanics.
| Household type | Usage profile | If standing charge falls… | If unit rate rises… | Likely outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single occupant flat | Lower electricity/gas use | Fixed daily cost reduces | Extra cost limited by low kWh | Often saves |
| Couple in a mid-terrace | Typical usage | Some reduction | Moderate rise based on kWh | Could be neutral |
| Family in a larger home | Higher usage | Daily saving smaller in context | Higher kWh increases total cost | May pay more |
| Electric heating / EV charging | Very high electricity use | Daily saving is limited | Unit rate change has bigger impact | Higher risk of increase |
What the calculator is doing (in plain English)
We estimate a “rebalanced” scenario by reducing a portion of the daily standing charge and spreading that cost across unit rates. Your annual usage determines how much that rebalancing helps or hurts.
Want a personalised estimate for your region? Use the calculator form and we’ll include whole-of-market tariff comparisons for your postcode.
How to prepare for standing charge changes
1) Find your annual kWh
Check your latest bill or online account for annual consumption. If you don’t know it, we can help estimate from monthly payments.
2) Compare total annual cost
Don’t judge a tariff by standing charge alone. Compare the total cost using your usage profile — especially if unit rates change.
3) Recheck when you renew
If you’re on a fixed deal, review it before renewal. Market pricing and standing charges vary by region and can shift over time.
Common mistake: Picking the lowest standing charge without checking unit rates. If your usage is above average, unit rates often matter more to your annual bill.
FAQs: Ofgem standing charge reform & your bills
Is standing charge reform definitely happening in 2026?
Not guaranteed. “2026” is often discussed as a possible implementation period following consultations and industry changes. The final approach, timing and impact depend on Ofgem decisions and supplier implementation.
What’s the standing charge on my bill?
It’s shown as a daily amount (pence per day) for electricity and gas. It’s charged regardless of usage and varies by region and tariff.
If standing charges drop, will my bill always go down?
Not always. If unit rates rise to compensate, higher-usage households may pay more overall. That’s why your annual kWh is central to a realistic estimate.
Does my region matter?
Yes. Network costs vary across Great Britain, which affects both standing charges and unit rates. Entering your postcode helps us tailor comparisons properly.
Can I compare tariffs without switching today?
Yes. You can request comparisons to understand your options and likely costs. If you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through next steps.
Is this for business energy?
No — this page is for home energy comparisons only (domestic gas and electricity).
Ready to get your estimate? Return to the calculator form.
Trusted comparison support for UK households
We focus on helping households understand tariff costs clearly — including the balance between standing charges and unit rates — so you can make an informed choice.
Whole-of-market approach
We aim to compare suitable household tariffs from across the market, so you can see competitive options for your postcode.
Clear, human support
Questions about standing charges, fixed deals or variable tariffs? We’ll explain trade-offs in plain English.
Designed for households
This calculator and comparison flow is built around domestic usage patterns, including low-usage and high-usage households.
What customers say
“The comparison was much clearer than my supplier’s renewal quote. I finally understood how the standing charge affected my bill.”
— UK household customer
Peace of mind checks
- We use your postcode to avoid mismatched regional pricing
- We focus on the total annual cost, not headline rates alone
- We’ll highlight key tariff features (fixed/variable, payment method)
See your standing charge reform estimate — and today’s best alternatives
If you’re worried about Ofgem standing charge changes in 2026, the best starting point is knowing your usage and comparing whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode.
- Personalised estimate based on your region
- Whole-of-market household comparisons
- Clear breakdown: standing charge vs unit rates
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