What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff is an energy plan where you don’t pay a daily fixed fee (the standing charge). Instead, you only pay for the gas and/or electricity you use via the unit rate (pence per kWh). These tariffs can suit very low-usage households, empty properties, or second homes, but the unit rate is often higher than standard tariffs.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper than normal tariffs?

They can be cheaper if your energy use is low, because you avoid paying a daily fee. However, many no standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates, which can make them more expensive for average or high usage. The best approach is to compare the total annual cost using your typical kWh usage for both electricity and gas.

Who benefits most from no standing charge tariffs?

No standing charge tariffs are often best for people who use very little energy (for example, a vacant property, a holiday home, or someone away for long periods). If you use more energy day-to-day, a tariff with a standing charge but lower unit rates may work out cheaper overall.

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

Yes—some suppliers offer no standing charge options for electricity, gas, or both. Availability varies by supplier and region, and you may see different pricing depending on your distribution area and meter type.

Do I still pay network costs if there’s no standing charge?

Yes. Network and policy costs don’t disappear—on a no standing charge tariff they are typically recovered through a higher unit rate instead of a daily fee. That’s why it’s important to compare total cost, not just the standing charge.

Are no standing charge tariffs covered by the Energy Price Cap?

If you’re on a standard variable tariff, Ofgem’s price cap may apply. Suppliers can structure prices differently (for example, lower standing charge and higher unit rate) while still meeting the cap where it applies. Fixed tariffs are not price-capped in the same way, so always compare the full prices shown for your address.

Will a no standing charge tariff affect my smart meter or billing?

In most cases, your meter type (smart or traditional) doesn’t prevent you from choosing a no standing charge tariff, but availability can vary by supplier and meter setup (including prepayment). Billing usually remains the same—your charges are just weighted more toward the unit rate rather than a daily fee.

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

Usually yes. If it’s a fixed tariff, check whether there are exit fees and the length of the contract. If it’s a variable tariff, you can typically switch without exit fees, but confirm the supplier’s terms before you change.

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

Use your annual kWh usage (or recent bills) and compare total yearly costs for no standing charge vs standard tariffs. Factor in: electricity-only vs dual fuel, your payment method, meter type, and your region. You can start with EnergyPlus’ guide to identify suppliers offering no standing charge tariffs and then compare prices for your postcode.

What’s the main downside of no standing charge tariffs?

The main downside is that unit rates are often higher, so if you use a typical or high amount of energy you may pay more overall than on a tariff with a standing charge. Also, these tariffs can be less widely available than standard options.

Best no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK

Compare whole-of-market no standing charge tariffs (where available) and see whether they’ll actually cut your bills for your home. Submit a quick form and we’ll match you with suitable options.

Understand when no standing charge is good value (and when it isn’t)
Compare unit rates, tariff type and exit fees side-by-side
Get options for electricity, gas or dual fuel for your postcode

Compare no standing charge tariffs How no standing charge works

Home energy only. Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. We’ll show the total cost estimate, not just the headline standing charge.

Compare no standing charge tariffs (whole-of-market)

A no standing charge tariff can look appealing because your daily fixed fee is £0. However, many suppliers offset this with a higher unit rate (p/kWh). The only reliable way to decide is to compare estimated annual cost based on your usage and region.

EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK home energy. Complete the form and we’ll surface suitable tariffs (including those advertised as no standing charge where available) and help you check:

True total cost for your household, not just the headline standing charge
Tariff type (fixed, variable, tracker) and whether prices can change
Meter compatibility (credit, prepayment, smart meter) and eligibility rules
Exit fees, payment method discounts and any bundles/conditions

Tip: If your usage is very low (for example, a rarely used property), no standing charge can sometimes help. If you’re a higher user, a low standing charge + lower unit rate can be cheaper overall. We’ll help you run the numbers.

No standing charge: benefits, drawbacks and what to watch

A standing charge covers fixed costs like maintaining the energy network and metering. A tariff with a £0 standing charge can still be expensive if the unit rate is higher. Use the points below to judge fit.

Potentially cheaper for very low use

If your home uses little energy (for example, a small flat or a property that’s empty for long periods), removing the daily charge can reduce costs.

Can cost more for typical households

Many no standing charge deals have higher unit rates. With average or higher consumption, you can pay more overall than a low standing charge tariff.

Not always widely available

Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. We’ll show what’s actually available for your postcode and home setup.

Watch for exit fees and terms

Some tariffs lock you in or include exit fees. If you might move or switch again soon, factor this into the decision.

Payment method matters

Monthly Direct Debit deals can differ from pay-on-receipt or prepayment options. We compare like-for-like where possible.

Compare total annual cost

The best no standing charge energy tariff is the one with the lowest total cost for your usage. We prioritise estimated yearly cost, then tariff features.

Important: If you’re in debt on your energy account or on certain prepayment arrangements, switching options can be limited. If you’re unsure, submit the form and note it in your details.

How no standing charge tariffs work (and how to compare them)

A standard energy bill is usually made up of a unit rate (what you pay per kWh) plus a standing charge (a daily fixed amount). No standing charge tariffs remove the daily fee, but often increase the unit rate. That’s why comparisons need to use your usage.

Simple cost check formula

To compare two tariffs, estimate the yearly cost:

Estimated cost = (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365)

A no standing charge tariff sets the second part to £0 — but the first part may be higher.

What we compare for you

Availability in your region and for your meter type
True cost using your usage (or a reasonable estimate)
Tariff rules (fixed vs variable vs tracker, length, price change terms)
Fees & conditions (exit fees, discounts, payment requirements)
Switch readiness — what you’ll need to complete a switch smoothly

No standing charge tariff checklist

Before choosing a tariff, check the items below. These are common reasons people switch to a “no standing charge” deal and then find it doesn’t save money.

What to check	Why it matters	What EnergyPlus helps you do
Unit rate (p/kWh)	A higher unit rate can wipe out the benefit of £0 standing charge.	We compare estimated annual cost using your usage profile.
Tariff type	Fixed tariffs offer predictability; variable/tracker can change.	We flag how and when prices can move.
Exit fees	Leaving early can cost money and reduce savings.	We surface fees and compare the break-even point.
Payment requirements	Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt can change rates and eligibility.	We match tariffs to your preferred method.
Meter compatibility	Some tariffs are limited to certain meter types.	We filter options using your meter details.
Regional pricing	Unit rates and charges vary by distribution region.	We price results based on your postcode region.

Want the fastest way to compare?

Use the comparison form and we’ll focus on the deals that are actually available for your home — including no standing charge tariffs where they exist.

Who do no standing charge energy tariffs suit?

No standing charge tariffs can be a sensible choice in specific situations. Here are common scenarios — and what to consider before switching.

Low-energy households

If your usage is consistently low, the standing charge can be a large portion of your bill. A £0 standing charge can reduce costs — if the unit rate isn’t too high.

Occasionally occupied properties

For homes that are empty for weeks at a time, paying a daily charge can feel wasteful. You still need to compare unit rates for periods when the property is in use.

People who can track usage closely

If you’re proactive about monitoring kWh (for example via a smart meter app), it’s easier to verify whether a higher unit rate is outweighing the standing charge saving.

Not ideal for higher usage

If you have electric heating, a larger household, or high gas use, a low unit rate is usually more important than removing the standing charge.

Regional note: Standing charges and unit rates can differ by distribution region, even on the same tariff name. Always compare using your postcode rather than national averages.

Common mistakes when choosing a no standing charge tariff

Only looking at the standing charge

A £0 standing charge is only part of the picture. Always compare estimated annual cost using your usage and region.

Ignoring tariff type and price changes

Some tariffs can change rates regularly. Make sure you’re comfortable with how pricing works before switching.

Not checking meter and payment eligibility

A deal might be limited to certain meters or payment methods. We filter results to your situation to avoid wasted applications.

If you want to sanity-check a quote

You can submit the form above with your usage from a recent bill. We’ll compare no standing charge options against standard tariffs so you can see the difference in pounds, not just pence.

FAQs: best no standing charge energy tariffs UK

Are no standing charge tariffs always cheaper?

No. They can be cheaper for low usage, but many have higher unit rates. The cheapest option depends on your kWh usage, region and tariff terms.

Do suppliers still have to cover fixed costs?

Yes. With a £0 standing charge, those costs are usually recovered through a higher unit rate or other pricing structure.

Can I get no standing charge on gas and electricity?

Sometimes, but availability varies. Some offers apply to electricity only, others to dual fuel, and eligibility can depend on meter type and region.

Do no standing charge tariffs exist for prepayment meters?

They can exist, but are often more limited. If you’re on prepayment, it’s especially important to compare total cost and check eligibility by postcode.

What information do I need to switch?

Usually your address/postcode, current supplier details, meter type, and sometimes recent usage. If you have a recent bill, it can improve the accuracy of cost estimates.

How fast can I see results?

After you submit the form, we’ll match you to suitable tariffs and show the most relevant options for your home setup. Complexity can vary by meter and payment method.

Still unsure? Start with the comparison form and we’ll show you whether no standing charge tariffs beat standard tariffs for your usage.

Trusted comparison help for UK households

People typically come to EnergyPlus when they want a clearer answer than “£0 standing charge sounds good”. Here’s what customers value most about comparing with us:

“The annual cost view made it obvious.”

I nearly switched to a no standing charge deal, but the unit rate would have cost us more. The comparison made it clear.

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“Quick and straightforward.”

The form took a minute, and the options were filtered to our meter and payment method. No guesswork.

— Tenant, Greater London

“Helped us choose the right tariff type.”

We didn’t realise the no standing charge offer was on a tariff that could change often. We went with a better value fixed deal.

— Couple, North West

What “whole-of-market” means here

We aim to compare across the market and highlight suitable tariffs based on your details. Some tariffs may be limited by eligibility, meter type, or supplier availability in your region — we’ll make that clear in your results.

Find the best no standing charge tariff for your home

Don’t rely on the headline. Compare unit rates, tariff terms and total annual cost for your postcode — then choose the option that genuinely saves you money.

Start comparison

Takes about 60 seconds. Home energy only.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026