Best low standing charge fixed tariff deals UK
Compare whole-of-market fixed energy tariffs designed to keep standing charges down, without sacrificing unit-rate value. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find a fixed deal that suits your home, usage and postcode.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Fixed deals with a focus on lower standing charges (where available)
- See options by postcode, payment type and meter set-up
- Switch support from start to finish
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region and meter type. We’ll show what’s available for your address and usage.
Find a fixed tariff with a lower standing charge (where available)
Looking for the best low standing charge fixed tariff deals in the UK usually means balancing two numbers: the standing charge (daily fixed cost) and the unit rate (what you pay per kWh). Some fixed deals minimise the standing charge but increase the unit rate; others do the opposite. The right choice depends on how much energy your household uses, your meter type and your region.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options for home energy so you can see what’s genuinely available for your postcode. Complete the short form and we’ll match you to fixed tariffs that prioritise lower standing charges (when suppliers offer them in your area) and highlight the full cost of each deal.
Good to know before you compare
- Standing charges vary by region and can differ for electricity vs gas.
- Prepayment, Economy 7, and some smart tariffs can have different standing charges and structures.
- Fixed tariffs can include exit fees; we’ll flag these where applicable.
Get fixed tariff quotes
Tell us where you live and how to contact you. We’ll send your best-matched options.
Tip: Lower standing charge deals often suit low usage households or second homes, but the unit rate matters just as much. We’ll help you compare the annual cost, not just one headline number.
Why low standing charge fixed tariffs can be a smart choice
A fixed tariff locks in your unit rate and standing charge for a set period (often 12–24 months). If you’re aiming for a low standing charge fixed deal, you’re typically trying to reduce the daily cost you pay even when you use little energy. That can feel fairer for low-use households — but it’s only “best” if the overall annual cost stacks up.
More predictable bills
Fixing your rates reduces surprises if prices move. It’s especially helpful for budgeting through winter.
Potentially better for low usage
If your consumption is low, the standing charge can be a larger share of your bill. Lowering it may reduce total cost.
Clear comparisons
Comparing fixed deals side-by-side makes it easier to see trade-offs between standing charge and unit rate.
Options across payment methods
Direct Debit, pay-on-receipt and prepayment can be priced differently. We can filter by what you use.
Works with smart meters
Many fixed tariffs are compatible with smart meters, and some offer insights to help reduce usage.
Switching support
We help you understand the detail that impacts costs: exit fees, contract length and tariff structure.
What is the standing charge (and why does it matter)?
The standing charge is a fixed daily cost for having your home connected to gas and/or electricity. It helps cover things like maintaining the network, metering and some fixed supplier costs. You pay it even if you use no energy on that day.
When you’re searching for low standing charge fixed tariff deals, you’re effectively looking to reduce the “base cost” of being on supply. This can make a noticeable difference if:
- You live alone or your household uses less energy than average
- You’re out of the house often
- You have a well-insulated property and low heating demand
- You’re comparing electricity-only (e.g., flats) and want to keep fixed costs down
Lower standing charge does not automatically mean cheaper overall. Some tariffs trade a lower standing charge for a higher unit rate. Comparing estimated annual cost is key.
Standing charge vs unit rate (simple example)
| Tariff type | Standing charge | Unit rate | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower standing charge fixed | Lower daily cost | May be higher | Lower usage households |
| Standard fixed | Average | Average | Typical households |
| Higher standing charge, lower unit rate | Higher daily cost | Lower per kWh | Higher usage households |
Examples are illustrative. Actual standing charges and unit rates depend on your region, meter type and supplier.
How EnergyPlus helps you find the best deal
We focus on the detail that actually changes what you pay. That means looking beyond the headline and checking the tariff structure for your home.
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Enter your postcode and contact details
We use your postcode to match regional network costs, which heavily influence standing charges.
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We compare fixed tariffs across the market
We identify fixed deals and highlight where standing charges are lower than comparable options for your area.
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You choose based on total cost
We help you weigh up standing charge, unit rate, contract length and any exit fees so you can pick what’s right for your usage.
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Switch with minimal disruption
In most cases, switching doesn’t interrupt supply. Your new supplier handles the changeover.
What to have handy (optional)
- Your current supplier name
- Whether you pay by Direct Debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment
- If you have Economy 7 / Economy 10, or a smart meter
- A recent bill (useful for annual usage, but not required)
Rates, regions and meter types: what changes your standing charge
Standing charges aren’t one-size-fits-all. If you’ve ever seen friends in another part of the UK paying a different daily charge, that’s normal. Here are the main factors that impact what you’ll see when comparing low standing charge fixed tariffs.
1) Your distribution region
Electricity standing charges vary by distribution network area. Gas standing charges can also vary based on where you live. This is why we start with your postcode.
2) Payment method
Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt or prepayment. The standing charge and unit rate structure can change too.
3) Meter set-up
Single-rate meters, Economy 7 (two-rate) meters, and some smart tariffs can price energy differently, affecting which “low standing charge” deal is actually cheapest.
4) Fuel type: dual fuel vs electricity only
You may pay a standing charge for each fuel. Sometimes a dual fuel bundle looks good, but separate tariffs can work out cheaper depending on your usage.
Quick checklist: spotting a genuinely good low standing charge fixed deal
| What to check | Why it matters | What we help you do |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | Affects your bill every day, regardless of usage. | Highlight lower-standing-charge options available for your region. |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Can offset savings from a lower standing charge. | Compare estimated annual cost based on typical usage patterns. |
| Exit fees | Some fixed deals charge if you leave early. | Flag tariff terms so you can decide how much flexibility you want. |
| Contract length | A longer fix can protect you for longer, but reduces flexibility. | Filter by term length (e.g., 12 vs 24 months). |
| Meter compatibility | Economy 7 and prepayment tariffs can be structured differently. | Match deals to your meter type and payment method. |
Common mistakes when searching for low standing charge fixed tariffs
Comparing standing charge alone
A lower daily charge can be cancelled out by a higher unit rate. Always compare the estimated annual cost for your usage.
Ignoring meter type
Economy 7 and prepayment can change the tariff structure. Make sure you’re comparing like-for-like.
Overlooking exit fees and term
A great-looking fix may include exit fees, or may not suit you if you plan to move home soon.
When a low standing charge fixed deal is often a strong fit
- Low-consumption households seeking to reduce fixed daily costs
- All-electric flats with modest usage
- Homes with efficient heating systems and good insulation
- People who value predictable pricing over frequent switching
FAQs: low standing charge fixed tariffs
Can I get a zero standing charge tariff in the UK?
True zero standing charge tariffs are uncommon and may not be available for most households. Some tariffs may reduce standing charges but increase unit rates. We compare what’s available for your postcode so you can judge the total cost.
Are low standing charge tariffs always cheaper?
Not always. If you use a lot of energy, a slightly higher standing charge with a lower unit rate can work out cheaper overall. The best approach is to compare estimated annual cost using your usage (or a typical benchmark if you don’t have it).
Do standing charges differ between electricity and gas?
Yes. Electricity and gas have separate standing charges, and both can vary by region, payment method and meter type.
Will switching interrupt my supply?
Normally, no. Switching supplier is typically administrative. Your energy keeps flowing, and your new supplier manages the transfer.
Can I switch if I have a smart meter?
In many cases, yes. Compatibility can depend on the meter and tariff type. We’ll show options that fit typical smart meter setups and highlight anything to check.
What if I’m on prepayment?
Prepayment tariffs can have different pricing structures. We can help you compare fixed options available for your meter type and postcode, and discuss whether moving to Direct Debit is possible for you.
Still unsure? Jump back to compare fixed tariffs and we’ll guide you based on your postcode.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
When you’re hunting for the best low standing charge fixed tariff deals in the UK, small pricing differences can add up. We focus on clarity and suitability rather than pushing a single provider.
Whole-of-market approach
We compare across the market and surface what’s available for your postcode, meter and payment method.
Transparent trade-offs
We explain how lower standing charge options might change the unit rate, so you can choose based on total cost.
Support you can understand
Plain-English help with contract length, exit fees, and what to expect when switching.
What customers tell us
EnergyPlus made it easy to understand why a lower standing charge wasn’t automatically the cheapest for us. We picked a fix that reduced our annual cost.
The comparison was postcode-specific and clear about fees. We found a fixed deal that suited our low usage and felt confident switching.
Trust indicators
- Postcode-based comparisons to reflect regional pricing differences
- Focus on total annual cost, not just headline standing charge
- Switching guidance for common household meter setups
Ready to compare low standing charge fixed deals?
Submit your details and we’ll find fixed tariffs available for your postcode, highlighting options with lower standing charges where they genuinely reduce the estimated annual cost.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Clear view of standing charge, unit rate and key terms
- Support switching with minimal hassle
Start your comparison
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