Which suppliers offer £0 standing charge tariffs in the UK?
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see whether a £0 standing charge tariff is available for your postcode, meter type and usage.
- See suppliers that may offer £0 standing charge options (availability varies by region)
- Check the true cost: unit rates vs standing charge, based on your real usage
- Fast comparison with a simple form — no obligation
Home energy only. £0 standing charge tariffs are not available everywhere and can have higher unit rates. We’ll help you compare the full cost for your household.
Check if a £0 standing charge tariff is available for your home
In the UK, a standing charge is the daily fixed amount you pay to keep your gas and/or electricity supply connected (covering network costs, meter reading and operating costs). A £0 standing charge tariff removes that daily fee — but the supplier typically recovers the cost by setting a higher unit rate (pence per kWh).
That’s why the best deal depends on your usage, your postcode / distribution region, and your meter type (credit, prepayment, smart). EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy — we’ll help you compare suppliers and tariff structures, including any £0 standing charge options that may apply.
Why people search for £0 standing charge tariffs
A zero standing charge can sound like an instant win — especially if you feel you “pay just to be connected”. The reality is more nuanced. These are the most common reasons households consider them:
Low usage homes
If your household uses very little energy (e.g. small flat, away often), reducing fixed daily charges may help — but only if the unit rate uplift doesn’t outweigh it.
Second homes
For properties with long periods of minimal use, a £0 standing charge can look attractive. Always check regional availability and whether the tariff is capped/limited.
Fairness & control
Some customers prefer paying only for what they use. Comparing total cost helps you see whether “no standing charge” actually delivers better value.
What does “£0 standing charge” actually mean?
A standard UK energy tariff price is usually made up of:
Standing charge (per day)
A fixed daily cost. If the standing charge is £0, you don’t pay this daily fee.
Unit rate (per kWh)
What you pay for each unit of energy you use. On £0 standing charge tariffs, this is often higher.
A quick way to sanity-check the maths
Compare the annual standing charge you would have paid versus the extra you’ll pay in unit rates.
If you’re unsure of your kWh usage, we can estimate it from household size and typical patterns when you request a comparison.
Which suppliers offer £0 standing charge tariffs in the UK?
£0 standing charge tariffs can appear as specialist or limited-offer products and may change frequently. Availability often depends on your electricity distribution region, gas network, and whether you pay by Direct Debit, prepayment or pay on receipt.
What you’ll typically see in the market
1) True £0 standing charge tariffs
The daily standing charge is set to £0. Unit rates are typically higher to compensate. Often limited by region and may be time-limited or capped.
2) Reduced standing charge tariffs
Standing charge is lower than typical, but not zero. These can be a better middle ground if your usage isn’t extremely low.
3) Time-of-use / smart tariffs
Some smart tariffs adjust unit prices by time. They’re not usually £0 standing charge, but can still reduce bills if your usage can shift off-peak.
4) Tariffs with credits or cashback
Some offers include bill credits that can offset standing charges, but they’re not the same as £0. Always compare the annual total.
Why we don’t publish a fixed supplier list
- Tariffs change frequently — a list can become inaccurate quickly.
- Some products are regional (different standing charges and unit rates across Great Britain).
- Offers can be restricted by meter type (smart/prepay/credit) and payment method.
- The “best” supplier depends on your usage — the cheapest £0 tariff for one home can be expensive for another.
If you want a definitive answer for your home, use the form above to check live availability.
Who are £0 standing charge tariffs best for?
These tariffs can make sense — but usually for specific circumstances. Use this as a guide, then validate with a personalised comparison.
More likely to suit
- Very low electricity and/or gas usage
- Small households with minimal heating demand
- Second homes with long vacant periods
- People who can keep usage consistently low
Less likely to suit
- Electric heating / high consumption homes
- Large families with higher daily usage
- Homes with medical or accessibility energy needs
- Anyone who can’t predict usage month to month
Best next step
Check your break-even point using your annual kWh. If you don’t know it, we can estimate it.
Work out if £0 is cheaperHow to compare £0 standing charge tariffs properly
Don’t compare tariffs on standing charge alone. Use a consistent method so you don’t switch to a deal that looks good in a headline but costs more over a year.
- Confirm your meter type (credit, prepayment, smart) and whether you’re on single-rate or multi-rate electricity.
- Use your real kWh usage from bills or your online account (electricity and gas separately if possible).
- Compare annual total cost, including VAT, for each tariff option (standard vs £0 standing charge).
- Check the region — standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain.
- Review the tariff terms (exit fees, fixed end date, price guarantees, any bill credits).
Common mistake: assuming “£0” means cheaper
A higher unit rate can cancel out the saving quickly. If your usage rises in winter, a £0 standing charge tariff can become more expensive than expected.
Common mistake: comparing electricity only
If you’re dual fuel, check the combined impact. A zero standing charge on one fuel can be offset by a higher cost on the other.
Regional and household factors that affect £0 tariff availability
Your postcode
Standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region. Some £0 standing charge offers are only released in selected regions.
Your meter & payment type
Not every tariff is available to prepayment meters or pay-on-receipt customers. Smart meter requirements can also apply.
Single vs multi-rate
Economy 7 / multi-rate setups can change which deal is best. Some £0 standing charge products may not support multi-rate pricing.
£0 standing charge tariffs UK: FAQs
Are £0 standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
No. Availability can depend on your postcode (distribution region), meter type, and the supplier’s current product range. Some offers are limited or withdrawn quickly. Use the comparison form to check what’s currently available for your home.
Do £0 standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates?
Often, yes. Suppliers typically recover costs through the unit rate (p/kWh). The key is whether your annual usage is low enough that the higher unit rate still works out cheaper overall.
Can I get a £0 standing charge tariff with a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but it’s less common. Many tariffs have eligibility rules based on payment method. If you’re on prepayment, we’ll check what options are available for your postcode and meter when you compare.
Is a “low standing charge” tariff better than a “£0 standing charge” tariff?
It can be. A reduced standing charge paired with a more reasonable unit rate often works for households with moderate usage. The only reliable way to decide is to compare estimated annual cost using your kWh.
Will switching affect my supply or cause an outage?
No — switching supplier should not interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your network operator remains the same; only the company billing you changes.
How quickly can I switch to a new tariff?
Timescales vary by supplier and circumstances, but switches are typically completed within a few working days once set up (and after any required checks). We’ll outline next steps after your comparison.
What happens after you submit the form?
We keep it simple and focused on helping you find the right tariff structure for your home — including any £0 standing charge options available for your region.
- We check availability for your postcode, meter type and payment method.
- We compare total cost (not just standing charge) using your usage or an estimate.
- We share suitable options and explain trade-offs in plain English so you can decide confidently.
Trusted by UK households looking to cut energy costs
“I thought £0 standing charge would be cheapest, but the comparison showed a low standing charge deal saved more for our usage. Clear and helpful.”
— Sarah, Leeds
“Quick to check what was actually available in our area. No confusing jargon, just the numbers that mattered.”
— Imran, Birmingham
“We have low usage and were paying high standing charges. EnergyPlus helped us find a better tariff structure for our flat.”
— Chloe, Glasgow
Ready to see if a £0 standing charge tariff is right for you?
Compare whole-of-market options for your home, check live availability by postcode, and make your decision based on total annual cost — not headlines.
EnergyPlus provides home energy comparisons. Tariff availability and pricing vary by region, meter type and supplier criteria.
Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice