Are no standing charge tariffs actually cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if your usage is low, but they often come with a higher unit rate to compensate for the removed standing charge. The best option depends on your annual kWh usage for electricity and gas, your payment method, and your region. A quick comparison using your real consumption is the most reliable way to know.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge tariff?

No standing charge tariffs typically suit customers with low energy use—such as studio/one-bedroom flats with efficient appliances, households that are out most of the day, holiday homes, or empty properties between tenants. If you use a lot of energy (for example, electric heating or a large household), a standard tariff may work out cheaper overall.

What’s the downside of a no standing charge tariff?

The main trade-off is usually a higher unit rate, meaning heavier users can pay more over the year. Some tariffs may also have specific terms (for example, limited availability or different rates by region). Always check the full tariff details and compare the total estimated annual cost, not just the standing charge.

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

Sometimes. Availability varies by supplier and region, and you may find no standing charge options for electricity only, gas only, or both. If you want to keep both fuels together, compare dual-fuel prices as well as separate quotes to see what is cheapest overall.

Do no standing charge tariffs work with smart meters and Economy 7?

Many do, but it depends on the supplier and tariff. Smart meters can make it easier to bill accurately based on usage, and some tariffs support multi-rate plans like Economy 7. If you use a lot of off-peak electricity, check whether the no standing charge option supports off-peak rates and compare the day/night unit prices.

Is there a catch—will I pay anything if I use no energy?

On a true no standing charge tariff, if you use zero energy you generally wouldn’t pay a standing charge for those days. However, you may still owe other charges in certain circumstances (for example, debt repayment plans or additional services). Always check your supplier’s terms and your bill breakdown.

How do I find the best no standing charge energy tariff for my home?

Use your annual kWh usage (from recent bills or your online account) and compare the total yearly cost across tariffs. The key is balancing the saved standing charge against any higher unit rate. For a tailored comparison, start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/Suppliers/best-no-standing-charge-energy-tariff-uk

Can I switch to a no standing charge tariff if I’m currently on a standard tariff?

Yes. In most cases you can switch tariffs or suppliers, subject to any exit fees or contract terms on your current plan. Before switching, confirm your current tariff end date, check for exit fees, and compare the projected annual cost on the new tariff using your real usage.

Will switching affect my supply or require an engineer visit?

Switching tariff or supplier normally does not interrupt your energy supply and usually does not require an engineer visit. Your gas and electricity continue through the same pipes and wires; only the billing company changes.

Do I lose power or gas when I switch supplier?

No. Switching suppliers is an administrative change and your supply stays on throughout.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter or prepayment meter?

Usually yes, but compatibility varies by supplier and meter type. Check the tariff requirements and whether your meter will remain smart-enabled after the switch.

Best no standing charge energy tariff UK (whole-of-market)

Q: What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed fee (the standing charge) from your gas and/or electricity bill. Instead, you only pay for the energy you use via the unit rate (pence per kWh). These tariffs can be a good fit for very low usage homes, second homes, or properties that are often empty.

Compare no standing charge energy tariffs for your home and see if a low-usage tariff could reduce your overall bill. Check electricity, gas or dual fuel in minutes with EnergyPlus.co.uk.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
See total estimated yearly cost (not just unit rates)
Understand who no standing charge tariffs suit (and who they don’t)
Switch online with a quick form — no sales scripts

Compare no standing charge tariffs How these tariffs work

For domestic customers in Great Britain. Prices vary by region, meter type and usage. We’ll show estimated annual cost to help you choose.

Compare the best no standing charge tariffs for your home

A no standing charge energy tariff removes (or reduces to £0) the daily fixed charge and instead typically uses a higher unit rate (p/kWh). That can work well for some households — especially those with low usage — but it isn’t automatically “cheaper”.

EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare whole-of-market options and focuses on what matters most: estimated total annual cost based on your details. We’ll highlight tariffs with £0 standing charge where available and show how they stack up against standard tariffs.

Tip: the “best” tariff depends on usage

If you use very little energy (e.g., a small flat, single occupant, or a frequently empty home), a no standing charge tariff may reduce your bill. If you use more energy, a higher unit rate can quickly outweigh the saved standing charge.

What you’ll need

Your postcode (prices vary by region)
Your fuel type (electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel)
Rough annual usage or a recent bill (optional but improves accuracy)
Meter type (smart meter, credit, or prepayment)

Get results in minutes

Fill in the basics and we’ll show the cheapest estimated options for your home — including £0 standing charge tariffs where available.

Postcode

Fuel type

Payment type

Estimated annual usage (optional)

How we estimate costs

We use your details to produce personalised comparisons. You can switch supplier without disruption to your energy supply.

Prefer to research first? Jump to what no standing charge means and who it’s best for.

Important: “No standing charge” offers may not be available in every region, for every meter type, or at all times. We’ll show what’s currently available for your postcode and usage.

Why choose a no standing charge tariff?

Standing charges cover fixed costs such as maintaining the network and metering. A tariff with £0 standing charge removes that daily cost, but suppliers often increase the unit rate to compensate. The result: these tariffs tend to favour lower consumption households.

Potential savings for low usage

If you use little energy, removing the daily standing charge can reduce your total annual cost — even if the unit rate is higher.

Fairness for part-time occupancy

If your home is empty for long periods, you may prefer paying mostly for what you use rather than a fixed daily fee.

Clearer cost control

With a zero standing charge tariff, your bill is driven more by consumption. For some households that feels simpler and more predictable.

Often suitable for

Small flats and low-occupancy households
Second homes and properties empty for weeks at a time
Homes with high efficiency and modest heating demand
Customers who want to minimise fixed daily costs

Usually not ideal for

Large families or higher-usage homes
Electric heating / storage heaters (often higher consumption)
Households that run appliances all day
Anyone comparing purely on “£0 standing charge” rather than total cost

What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

Most UK domestic energy tariffs have two main charges:

Standing charge (per day)

A fixed daily amount you pay regardless of usage. It helps cover ongoing costs such as the energy network, metering and operating the supply.

Unit rate (per kWh)

The price you pay for each unit of energy used. A no standing charge tariff often has a higher unit rate to offset the removed daily fee.

No standing charge vs standard tariffs (quick comparison)

Feature	No standing charge tariff	Standard tariff
Daily standing charge	£0 (or close to £0)	Typically charged every day
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Often higher	Often lower
Best for	Low usage / empty periods	Medium to high usage
What to compare	Total annual cost based on your usage	Total annual cost based on your usage

Good to know: Some tariffs advertise “no standing charge” but apply it only to electricity (or only to gas), or only under certain conditions. Always check both fuels if you’re looking at dual fuel.

How to compare no standing charge tariffs properly

To find the best no standing charge energy tariff in the UK for your household, the key is to compare the overall bill impact, not just the headline standing charge.

Start with your usage
Your annual kWh for electricity and gas is the biggest driver of cost. If you don’t know it, use a recent bill or your smart meter app.
Check both unit rates and standing charges
A £0 standing charge can be offset by a higher unit rate. The break-even point depends on your consumption and region.
Compare like-for-like payment methods
Prices can differ between Direct Debit, pay on receipt of bill, and prepayment. Compare within the same payment type.
Confirm tariff type and term
Fixed deals can offer stability; variable tariffs can change. We surface key features so you can choose based on your risk preference.
Focus on estimated annual cost
The “best” tariff is the one with the lowest projected total cost for your home — and terms you’re comfortable with.

Quick “break-even” idea

If a no standing charge tariff has a unit rate that’s higher by a few pence per kWh, it may only be better if your annual usage is low enough that the saved daily charge outweighs the higher unit rate. That’s why personalised comparisons matter.

Regional pricing in Great Britain

Energy prices vary by region and network area. Entering your postcode ensures you see tariffs and costs relevant to your location.

Common mistakes when searching for £0 standing charge energy

Mistake 1: Comparing only the standing charge

A zero standing charge can look attractive, but your total cost depends on unit rates and your annual consumption.

Mistake 2: Ignoring meter type

Some tariffs are limited by meter type (smart, credit, prepay). Always check eligibility for your setup.

Mistake 3: Not checking both fuels

If you have dual fuel, ensure the tariff structure applies to both gas and electricity — or compare them separately.

Our approach: show the full picture

EnergyPlus.co.uk highlights standing charge, unit rate, tariff type and key terms, but keeps the decision simple by ranking options by estimated annual cost for your home.

Eligibility and availability (UK homes)

What can affect availability?

Postcode region (network charges vary across Great Britain)
Meter type (smart/credit/prepayment)
Fuel (electricity, gas, or dual fuel)
Supplier criteria (some products have restrictions)

What usually stays the same?

Your energy supply continues during a switch (no interruption)
Your meters generally stay the same (unless you opt for changes)
Switching is primarily admin — we help you compare and apply
You can keep control by comparing on annual cost and tariff terms

If you’re not sure what meter you have, submit the form above with your postcode and payment type — we’ll present compatible options where available.

No standing charge energy tariff UK: FAQs

Are no standing charge tariffs always cheaper?

No. They can be cheaper for low usage households, but the unit rate is often higher. The best way to decide is to compare estimated annual cost using your consumption.

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

Sometimes, but not always. Some products apply only to one fuel. When you compare on EnergyPlus.co.uk, check both fuels (or compare electricity-only/gas-only) depending on your home setup.

Is a no standing charge tariff good for a second home?

It can be. If the property is empty for long periods and has low baseline usage, removing the daily charge can help. Use your expected annual kWh when comparing.

Do these tariffs exist for prepayment meters?

Availability varies. Some no standing charge tariffs may be restricted by meter/payment type. Enter your details to see currently available compatible options.

Will switching affect my supply?

Switching supplier is an administrative process and your supply should continue as normal. Any changes are communicated in advance by the supplier.

What does “whole-of-market” mean here?

It means we aim to compare across a broad range of suppliers and tariffs, helping you assess options beyond a single provider — with ranking based on estimated cost and suitability.

Still unsure? Use the comparison form and we’ll surface options that match your postcode and payment type.

Why UK homeowners use EnergyPlus.co.uk

“Clear costs, not just headlines”

“I wanted no standing charge but didn’t know if it would actually save money. The annual estimate made it obvious which deal worked for my low usage flat.”

— Hannah, Manchester

“Quick comparison by postcode”

“Prices were different to what I’d seen elsewhere. Putting in my postcode and payment type helped me narrow it down quickly.”

— James, Bristol

“Helped me avoid the wrong deal”

“I nearly chose £0 standing charge by default. Comparing total cost showed a standard tariff was better for my family’s higher usage.”

— Priya, Leeds

Trust and transparency

Domestic-focused comparisons (not business energy)
Postcode-based pricing and clear tariff features
Switch decisions guided by estimated annual cost

Ready to see the best no standing charge tariff for your postcode?

Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and identify whether a £0 standing charge deal reduces your total bill — based on your household’s usage.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

Switching is straightforward and your supply continues as normal.

Fast checklist

Have your postcode ready
Select fuel and payment type
Add usage for the most accurate ranking

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Updated on 25 Dec 2025