Should I switch to a no standing charge tariff in the UK?
No standing charge energy tariffs can look like an easy win — but they’re not right for everyone. Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see whether a no standing charge option would likely save you money based on how you use gas and electricity.
- Find out if your usage pattern suits no standing charge
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs (not just a shortlist)
- Understand the real trade-off: higher unit rates vs £0/day fixed charge
- Switch online in minutes with a simple form
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison. Your savings depend on your unit rates, usage and tariff availability in your area.
Compare no standing charge tariffs (whole-of-market)
A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed cost, but suppliers usually recover that cost by increasing the unit rate (p/kWh). The result: it can be cheaper for low usage households, and more expensive for higher usage households.
Use the form to compare available UK home energy tariffs for your postcode. We’ll show you options including (where available) £0 standing charge tariffs alongside standard deals so you can decide with confidence.
Before you switch
- Have a recent bill handy (or your smart meter/app readings).
- Know if you’re single rate or Economy 7.
- Check if you want fixed or variable pricing.
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Tip: If your home is empty for long periods (e.g., second home), a no standing charge tariff can look attractive — but check the unit rate carefully. A higher p/kWh can outweigh the saved daily charge once you start using energy again.
Accessibility note: The form uses standard fields and can be completed using keyboard only. If you need support, you can still submit with just your name, email and postcode.
What is a no standing charge tariff?
Most UK gas and electricity tariffs include two main costs:
- Standing charge — a fixed daily cost (p/day) to cover network and metering costs, customer service, and other fixed elements.
- Unit rate — what you pay for each unit of energy you use (p/kWh).
A no standing charge tariff sets the standing charge to £0. To compensate, suppliers often set a higher unit rate. That’s why the right answer depends on how much energy you use over the year — not just how the tariff looks on day one.
Standing charge: what you’re paying for
Even if you use zero gas or electricity on a given day, many households still pay a daily charge. It helps fund the energy networks (wires/pipes), metering, and supplier operating costs.
Unit rate: where no standing charge can bite
If the unit rate is meaningfully higher, your bill can rise quickly once you start heating your home, charging an EV, running a tumble dryer, or working from home.
Who is a no standing charge tariff best for?
In the UK, no standing charge tariffs tend to suit low usage households — but only if the unit rate uplift isn’t too steep. Use this as a practical guide before you compare.
Often a good fit
- Small flats with modest heating needs
- Single occupants who are out most days
- Second homes used occasionally
- Properties with very low gas use (or no gas)
Usually not a good fit
- Families with higher daily electricity use
- Homes heated mainly by electricity
- EV charging at home (regularly)
- Older/less insulated homes with high gas demand
It depends (check carefully)
- Economy 7 households (day/night split matters)
- Smart meter customers on tracker-style pricing
- People who use very little in summer but a lot in winter
- Anyone switching after recent usage changes (new baby, WFH, heat pump)
Rule of thumb: the lower your annual kWh usage, the more value there is in removing a daily standing charge — provided the unit rate increase isn’t too high.
Quick check: when does no standing charge break even?
A no standing charge tariff breaks even when the money you save on the standing charge equals the extra you pay in unit rates. You can estimate it with this simple approach:
- Find your current standing charge (p/day) for gas or electricity.
- Estimate the unit rate difference between tariffs (p/kWh). No standing charge tariffs often have a higher unit rate.
- Calculate break-even annual usage:
Break-even kWh/year ˜ (Standing charge per day × 365) ÷ (Unit rate increase)
Example (electricity)
If your standing charge is 50p/day and the no standing charge unit rate is 5p/kWh higher:
Break-even ˜ (0.50 × 365) ÷ 0.05 = 3,650 kWh/year
Use less than this and you may save; use more and you may pay more (before other tariff features).
Example (gas)
If your gas standing charge is 30p/day and the no standing charge unit rate is 1p/kWh higher:
Break-even ˜ (0.30 × 365) ÷ 0.01 = 10,950 kWh/year
Gas usage varies a lot by home size and insulation, so check your annual statement if you can.
Important: Standing charges and unit rates vary by region and meter type, and availability of £0 standing charge tariffs can be limited. Always compare using your postcode for accurate results.
How to compare no standing charge tariffs properly
To decide whether you should switch, you need to compare the total annual cost using your best estimate of usage. Here’s what to check on any quote:
1) Your annual kWh
Use your bill or smart meter history if possible. If you’ve changed how you live at home, adjust your estimate before switching.
2) Unit rate vs standing charge trade-off
£0 standing charge is only half the story. A higher p/kWh can cost more over winter or during periods of heavy use.
3) Tariff terms and exit fees
Fixed deals may have exit fees; variable/tracker-style options can move up and down. Always check what happens after any initial period.
Standing charge vs no standing charge: side-by-side
EnergyPlus approach: we focus on expected annual cost using your details, so you’re not choosing a tariff based on one headline number.
Common mistakes when switching to no standing charge
No standing charge tariffs can be mis-sold (or misunderstood) if you don’t look beyond the daily fee. Avoid these common issues:
Comparing without real usage
If you guess your kWh too low, you’ll overestimate the benefit of £0 standing charge. Use your annual statement or smart meter history.
Ignoring seasonal spikes
Winter heating (especially gas) can dominate annual costs. A higher unit rate can make winter bills noticeably higher even if summer looks cheaper.
Assuming availability is universal
Some tariffs are limited by region, meter type, payment method, or supplier criteria. Always check with your postcode for what’s actually available.
Not checking tariff terms
A low headline cost can change after an introductory period. Look at contract length, exit fees, and what happens at renewal.
Practical check: If you’re considering a no standing charge electricity tariff, review any planned changes like EV charging, working from home, or adding an electric heater — these can push you above the break-even point quickly.
Regional and meter considerations (UK)
Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region and meter type. This matters even more for no standing charge tariffs because the comparison hinges on the rate balance.
Your distribution region
Energy networks charge differently across Great Britain. That can change your standing charge and unit rate, affecting whether £0/day is worth it.
Economy 7 / multi-rate
If you have off-peak rates, compare using your day/night split. A no standing charge deal might have a higher day rate that outweighs benefits.
Payment method and eligibility
Some tariffs vary for Direct Debit vs other methods. Eligibility can also depend on credit checks or meter status.
The simplest way to handle all of this is to run a postcode-based comparison and review the total annual cost for each option.
FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK
Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper?
They can be, but mainly for low usage households. Most no standing charge tariffs have a higher unit rate, so higher usage homes often pay more overall.
Will I still pay anything if I use no energy?
With a true £0 standing charge tariff, you typically won’t pay a daily charge for supply when you use nothing. However, you may still see other charges depending on your situation (for example, if you’re repaying debt through your meter). Always check your bill breakdown.
Are no standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Availability can be limited by region, supplier, and meter setup. The fastest way to confirm is to compare using your postcode and meter type.
Is it a good idea for a second home?
It can be a sensible option if the property is empty for long periods. But if you heat the home during visits (especially in winter), a higher unit rate can quickly eat into the savings. Compare the total cost using realistic seasonal usage.
Do no standing charge tariffs work with smart meters?
Often yes, but it depends on the supplier and tariff. Smart meter customers should still compare unit rates carefully, especially if considering tracker or time-of-use pricing.
Will switching affect my supply?
Switching supplier or tariff shouldn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your meter and energy network remain the same — only billing and tariff terms change.
Still unsure? Use the break-even check above, then run a postcode comparison to see real options available to your home.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market view
Compare across a broad set of UK home energy tariffs, including standard and £0 standing charge options where available.
Clear cost breakdown
See how standing charges and unit rates affect the annual total, so you can choose based on the numbers that matter.
Switch support
A straightforward process and a simple form so you can move quickly when a deal is right for your home.
What customers tell us
“I didn’t realise the unit rate on a no standing charge tariff was higher. Seeing the annual cost made the decision simple.”
— Homeowner, Yorkshire
“We’re away a lot, so the no standing charge option worked well. The comparison was quick and easy.”
— Flat owner, Greater London
Trust reminder: Always confirm tariff details (unit rates, standing charge, contract terms) before completing your switch. We aim to keep comparisons clear and up to date, but prices can change.
Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff will save you money?
Run a postcode comparison and review the real trade-off between standing charge and unit rate. If a £0 standing charge deal is available for your home, we’ll help you spot it — and compare it against standard tariffs so you can choose the best overall value.
- Whole-of-market home energy comparison
- See total annual cost, not just headline features
- Simple form — get started in minutes
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