What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge energy tariff is a gas and/or electricity tariff where the daily standing charge is reduced to £0, and more of the cost is recovered through the unit rate (pence per kWh). This can suit very low energy users, but it can be more expensive for medium or high usage households. Compare the total annual cost based on your typical usage before switching.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if your consumption is low (for example, a small flat, second home, or long periods away) because you avoid paying a daily fee. For most households, the higher unit rate can outweigh the saving from a £0 standing charge. The best way to know is to compare quotes using your annual kWh for electricity and gas.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge energy deal?

No standing charge deals are typically best for people who use very little energy, such as: single-occupancy homes with low usage, highly efficient properties, vacant/holiday homes, and households that are away for work or travel. If you have electric heating, a large family, or high daily consumption, a standard tariff may be better value.

Do no standing charge tariffs exist for both gas and electricity?

Some suppliers offer no standing charge options for electricity, gas, or both, depending on your region and meter type. Availability can change, so it’s worth checking current offers for your postcode and whether you have single-rate, Economy 7, or a smart meter.

Is a no standing charge tariff good if my home is empty for part of the year?

Often, yes. If a property is unoccupied for weeks or months, a £0 standing charge can prevent paying daily fees when you’re not using energy. However, check the unit rates and any terms, and make sure you still keep essential heating or frost protection where needed.

What should I compare when choosing a no standing charge tariff?

Compare (1) unit rates for electricity and gas, (2) your estimated annual consumption in kWh, (3) exit fees and contract length (fixed vs variable), (4) payment method rules (Direct Debit vs prepay), and (5) meter compatibility (smart/Economy 7). The cheapest deal is the one with the lowest total annual cost for your usage.

Are there any downsides to no standing charge energy tariffs?

The main downside is a higher unit rate, which can make the tariff more expensive as your usage increases. Also, offers may be limited by region or meter type, and some deals may include different terms such as minimum consumption thresholds or specific payment methods.

Can I switch to a no standing charge tariff and switch back later?

Yes. You can usually switch tariffs or suppliers, but check whether your current deal has exit fees (common on fixed tariffs). If there are no exit fees, switching is typically straightforward. Always compare the total cost for your usage before changing.

Are no standing charge energy tariffs always cheaper?

Not always. No standing charge tariffs typically have higher unit rates. They can be cheaper for very low usage, but many homes pay less overall with a low unit rate plus a standing charge. Always compare using your annual kWh usage.

Can I get no standing charge for both gas and electricity?

Some suppliers offer no standing charge for electricity, gas, or both depending on region and meter type. Check each tariff’s product details and your postcode availability.

Will switching supplier interrupt my energy supply?

No. Switching supplier in the UK is designed to be seamless—your gas and electricity stay on, and your new supplier manages the transfer.

Best no standing charge energy tariff deals UK

Q: How do I find the best no standing charge energy tariff deal in the UK?

Use your postcode and typical annual kWh usage to compare current no standing charge options against standard tariffs. Focus on the full estimated yearly cost, not just the headline standing charge. You can start your comparison on EnergyPlus here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/Suppliers/best-no-standing-charge-energy-tariff-deals-uk

Compare whole-of-market no standing charge energy tariffs for your home. See if a zero standing charge tariff could cut your bills based on your actual usage and postcode.

Whole-of-market comparison from trusted UK suppliers
Personalised results using your postcode and estimated usage
Clear pros & cons so you don’t pay more by mistake
Fast quote journey with one simple form

Compare no standing charge deals How no standing charge tariffs work

For domestic properties in Great Britain. Availability varies by region and meter type. Rates can change; we’ll show today’s options for your postcode.

Compare no standing charge tariffs for your postcode

A no standing charge energy tariff (also called zero standing charge) removes the daily fixed fee and instead recovers costs through a higher unit rate (pence per kWh) or alternative pricing structure. That can work well for some homes, but it can be expensive for others.

EnergyPlus helps you find the best no standing charge energy tariff deals in the UK by comparing options across the market and showing the likely annual cost based on your usage. If a deal isn’t good value for your profile, we’ll show competitive alternatives too.

Tip: The “best” deal depends on your consumption. A zero standing charge tariff can be great for very low usage properties (e.g. empty homes), but often costs more for average or high users.

What you’ll need (takes about 2 minutes)

Your postcode (to match regional rates and network charges)
Rough annual electricity and/or gas usage (kWh) or spend
Your meter type (credit, prepayment, smart meter if known)
Whether you want electricity only, gas only or dual fuel

Get your no standing charge comparison

Fill in the form and we’ll match you to available tariffs for your home — including zero standing charge options where offered.

Postcode

Fuel

Electricity usage (kWh/year)

Gas usage (kWh/year)

Meter type

Email address

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By submitting, you agree we can use your details to provide your comparison results and contact you about your quote. You can opt out at any time.

Benefits (and important risks) of no standing charge tariffs

No standing charge energy deals can be attractive — but only when the maths works for your household. Here’s what to weigh up before you switch.

Potential savings for very low usage

If you use very little energy (e.g. a vacant property or a small flat with minimal heating), removing the daily standing charge may reduce your total cost.

Simpler “pay for what you use” feel

Some households prefer knowing their bill is driven mostly by consumption — especially if their usage changes seasonally.

Useful for second homes

A property that’s empty for long periods can rack up standing charges every day. A zero standing charge tariff can reduce those “costs to do nothing”.

Risk: higher unit rates

Many no standing charge deals compensate by increasing the price per kWh. For average and high users, that can outweigh the standing charge saving.

Risk: fewer options & availability

These tariffs are not offered by every supplier and may be limited by region, meter type, or payment method.

Risk: may not suit prepayment

Some zero standing charge tariffs are designed around specific billing models. We’ll highlight where prepayment meters have restricted choice.

Reality check: You don’t automatically save money by removing the standing charge. The only safe way is to compare the total estimated annual cost for your usage.

Compare my postcode now

How no standing charge energy tariffs work (UK)

Most UK tariffs include two parts: a unit rate (what you pay per kWh) and a standing charge (a daily fixed cost that contributes to running the energy system). A no standing charge tariff removes or reduces the daily fee — but usually changes the unit rate.

Standing charge explained

Charged per day, even if you use no energy
Covers things like maintaining pipes/wires, metering, and admin
Varies by region and payment method

No standing charge tariffs

Standing charge is set to £0.00 (or close to it)
Unit rate may be higher to compensate
Best assessed using total cost for your kWh usage

Quick comparison: what changes when standing charge is £0?

Bill component	Standard tariff	No standing charge tariff	What to check
Standing charge	Daily fixed fee applies	£0 per day (or reduced)	Confirm exact £/day and any conditions
Unit rate	Typical market unit rate	Often higher	Compare p/kWh and your kWh usage
Total annual estimate	Standing charge + unit costs	Mostly unit costs	This is the number to decide by
Exit fees / contract type	Varies	Varies	Fixed vs variable, and any early exit fees

Good to know: Energy prices and tariff availability can change. Comparing by postcode is the quickest way to see what’s live for your area today.

Is a no standing charge tariff right for your home?

Use this section to sense-check fit before you apply. If you’re unsure, run the comparison — we’ll calculate the estimated annual cost and show whether zero standing charge is likely to help.

Often a good match

Very low energy usage households
Second homes or properties empty for long periods
Homes with minimal gas use (or electricity-only) where usage is predictable
Households who can closely monitor usage and keep it low

Often not a good match

Average or high usage households (the higher unit rate can dominate)
Homes with electric heating or many occupants
Anyone who can’t estimate usage (comparison needs a sensible kWh figure)
If you need the widest supplier choice (availability can be limited)

A simple break-even idea (why usage matters)

If a no standing charge tariff increases your unit rate by a few pence per kWh, you only save money if your annual kWh is low enough that the saved standing charge is bigger than the extra unit cost. That’s why comparing with realistic usage is essential.

Best practice: Use your last 12 months of kWh from bills, online account, or your smart meter app. If you don’t have it, start with a reasonable estimate and adjust after seeing results.

Run my break-even comparison

Common mistakes when choosing a zero standing charge tariff

Avoid these pitfalls that can turn a “no standing charge” deal into a more expensive switch.

Comparing only the standing charge: Always compare the unit rate and the estimated annual total.
Using unrealistic usage: Underestimating kWh can make a tariff look cheaper than it will be in practice.
Ignoring meter and payment restrictions: Some tariffs are limited to certain meters or direct debit.
Not checking tariff type: Fixed vs variable affects how stable your price is over time.
Missing exit fees: If you’re switching again soon, exit fees can reduce any savings.

EnergyPlus approach: We focus on the total estimated cost for your household, and we highlight key tariff details so you can choose confidently.

No standing charge energy tariffs UK: FAQs

Do UK suppliers still offer no standing charge tariffs?

Some do, but availability can be limited and can change. The quickest way to check is by postcode and meter type, because rates vary by region.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper?

Not always. Removing the standing charge often means a higher unit rate. They tend to suit low usage homes; higher usage homes can pay more overall.

Can I get no standing charge for gas and electricity?

Sometimes, but many offers apply to one fuel or have specific conditions. We’ll show what’s available for electricity, gas, and dual fuel in your area.

Will it affect my smart meter or billing?

Typically, your meter can stay the same. What changes is how you’re charged. Always check tariff terms, payment method, and any switching requirements.

Do I need to be on direct debit?

Many competitive tariffs are priced for direct debit, but it varies. EnergyPlus can filter by payment method so you see realistic options for your setup.

How accurate are the savings estimates?

Estimates are only as accurate as the usage data provided. Using 12-month kWh from bills or your online account gives the most reliable comparison.

Compare tariffs using my usage

Why homeowners use EnergyPlus

When you’re weighing up a no standing charge tariff, small pricing differences can matter. Our job is to help you compare clearly and switch with confidence.

Whole-of-market comparisons

We compare across suppliers and highlight where zero standing charge tariffs are genuinely competitive for your usage.

Plain-English guidance

See what matters: unit rates, tariff type, payment method, and key terms — without the jargon.

Designed to reduce costly mistakes

We encourage comparing total annual cost, not just “£0 standing charge”, so you’re less likely to switch into a higher bill.

“I nearly switched to a zero standing charge deal just because it sounded cheaper. The comparison showed it would cost more for my usage. Glad I checked first.”
Homeowner, West Midlands

“We needed something sensible for a property that’s empty most of the year. The results made it easy to see whether no standing charge was worth it.”
Homeowner, North Yorkshire

Trust & transparency: We’ll present the options available for your postcode and meter type, and we’ll focus on estimated annual cost so you can make a fair comparison.

See today’s best no standing charge deals for your home

Enter your postcode and usage to compare whole-of-market tariffs — including zero standing charge options where available.

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Prefer to read first? Use the how it works section.

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Updated on 28 Dec 2025