Best no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK this month
Compare whole-of-market no standing charge (or ultra-low standing charge) electricity and gas tariffs for your home. See what’s available in your area and check whether you’d actually pay less based on your usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (electricity, gas, or dual fuel)
- Quick check: no standing charge vs standard tariffs using your postcode
- Switch online in minutes with support if you need it
Prices vary by region, meter type and usage. “No standing charge” tariffs can have higher unit rates—always compare on your expected annual cost.
Compare no standing charge energy tariffs for your postcode
A standing charge is the daily fee many energy suppliers add to cover fixed costs (like maintaining the network and running your account). A no standing charge tariff removes that daily fee—but the unit rate (pence per kWh) can be higher.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals that may include no standing charge options and very low standing charge alternatives. The key is finding the tariff that delivers the lowest total cost for your usage, not just the lowest daily charge.
Quick rule of thumb
If your home uses very little energy (for example, a small flat, a second home, or you’re away often), no standing charge tariffs can help. If your usage is average or high, a tariff with a standing charge but lower unit rates may be cheaper overall.
What you’ll need to get accurate results
- Postcode (tariffs and rates vary by region)
- Fuel type (electricity-only, gas-only, or dual fuel)
- Estimated usage (from a recent bill, smart meter app, or annual statement)
Get your no standing charge comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll show available tariffs for your home, including no standing charge options where offered.
Tip: If you have a recent bill, check your kWh usage for the last 12 months. It’s the fastest way to get a realistic “would I save?” answer.
“Best no standing charge energy tariffs” this month: what it really means
In the UK, the best no standing charge energy tariff is the one that delivers the lowest total annual cost for your postcode, meter type and consumption pattern. Because unit rates can be higher on these deals, two households on the same tariff can see very different outcomes.
Rather than listing one-size-fits-all “winners”, we highlight the best-value patterns to look for when comparing whole-of-market tariffs:
1) True no standing charge
Daily standing charge set to £0. Usually paired with a higher unit rate. Often best for low usage or occasional occupancy.
2) Ultra-low standing charge
A small daily charge with a more competitive unit rate. Can outperform £0 standing charge when usage is moderate.
3) Usage-matched fixed deals
Fixed tariffs (often 12 months) where the total annual cost is lower even with a standing charge, because the unit rate is meaningfully cheaper.
Important: No standing charge tariffs aren’t available everywhere and may depend on supplier appetite, meter type (credit vs prepayment), and regional network costs. The fastest way to see availability is a postcode comparison.
Pros and cons of no standing charge tariffs
Why people choose them
- Pay less when your usage is very low
- Feel more “in control” of fixed daily costs
- Useful for occasional occupancy (where permitted)
Potential downsides
- Higher unit rates can cost more overall
- Availability can be limited by region and meter type
- Comparisons can be misleading if you only look at standing charge
Best practice
- Compare on estimated annual cost (kWh × unit rate + standing charge)
- Check exit fees and whether the tariff is fixed or variable
- Review payment method (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt) where relevant
If your goal is to reduce bills, the safest approach is to compare tariffs using your annual kWh. If your goal is to reduce fixed costs while you’re away, a no standing charge tariff may be worth checking first.
How no standing charge tariffs work (and how to compare properly)
To understand whether a no standing charge tariff is good value, focus on the total cost equation. Your bill is typically made up of two parts:
| Component | What it is | What changes on no standing charge tariffs |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge | A daily fee (pence per day) covering fixed costs | Reduced or set to £0 |
| Unit rate | The price per kilowatt hour (kWh) you use | Often higher to compensate |
| Total cost | Standing charge × days + kWh × unit rate | Needs a usage-based comparison to confirm savings |
A practical way to compare (3 steps)
- Find your annual usage (kWh) for electricity and/or gas from your bill or online account.
- Calculate the annual standing charge (p/day × 365). If it’s £0, this is zero.
- Compare annual totals: (unit rate × kWh) + annual standing charge. Choose the lowest total that suits your preferences (fixed vs variable, customer support, payment method).
Why postcode matters in the UK
Electricity (and some gas) costs vary by regional network. That’s why the same supplier can show different standing charges and unit rates depending on where you live. Always compare using your postcode, not national averages.
Who are no standing charge tariffs best for?
Often a good fit
- Low usage households (e.g., very efficient homes or minimal occupancy)
- Single-person flats with modest heating demand (especially if not gas-heated)
- Second homes or long periods away (check supplier terms and minimum usage rules)
- Homes wanting to reduce the feeling of paying “just for being connected”
Often not the best fit
- Average-to-high usage households (unit rates can dominate your annual cost)
- Electric heating homes with substantial winter consumption
- Large families or multi-occupancy households
- Anyone who compares tariffs only on daily charges rather than annual totals
If you’re unsure: submit your postcode and basic details above and we’ll help you compare no standing charge options against low-standing-charge and standard tariffs, so you can pick the lowest projected annual cost.
Common mistakes when searching for “no standing charge” deals
Comparing only the standing charge
A £0 daily charge can look appealing, but a higher unit rate may outweigh it. Compare using annual kWh and estimated yearly cost.
Using national averages
Rates vary by region and meter type. Always run a postcode-based comparison to avoid picking a tariff that isn’t available or isn’t competitive where you live.
Forgetting tariff terms
Check whether the tariff is fixed or variable, any exit fees, and whether there are restrictions (for example, payment method or minimum usage policies).
Prefer a simple answer?
If you submit the form above, we’ll focus on the number that matters most: your estimated annual cost on each available tariff type (no standing charge, low standing charge, and standard options).
No standing charge tariffs UK: FAQs
Are no standing charge energy tariffs cheaper?
They can be cheaper for low-usage households because you avoid paying a daily fee. But many no standing charge tariffs have a higher unit rate, which can make them more expensive for average or high usage. A postcode and usage-based comparison is the most reliable way to tell.
Are no standing charge tariffs available for gas and electricity?
Availability varies. Some deals may apply to electricity only, others to gas, and some to dual fuel. Availability can also depend on your region and meter type. Use the form to check what’s currently available for your postcode.
Will I still pay network costs if the standing charge is £0?
Yes. Network and other fixed costs don’t disappear; they’re typically recovered through the unit rate or overall pricing structure. That’s why the unit rate is often higher on £0 standing charge deals.
Can I switch to a no standing charge tariff if I have a smart meter?
Often, yes—though it depends on the supplier and the specific tariff. Smart meters can help because your usage data is clearer, which makes comparisons more accurate.
Is there a catch with £0 standing charge tariffs?
Not necessarily, but common trade-offs include higher unit rates, fewer tariff options, and terms that might not suit everyone (such as payment method requirements). Always read the tariff summary and compare total annual cost.
How long does switching take?
Most household switches are completed within a few working days, with no disruption to your supply. Your new supplier handles the process and your energy continues to come through the same pipes and wires.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare
Whole-of-market view
We compare across a broad range of UK home energy suppliers and tariff types—helping you spot no standing charge and low standing charge options when they’re available.
Clear cost comparison
We focus on what you’re likely to pay, based on your postcode and usage—so you can avoid choosing a £0 standing charge deal that costs more overall.
Support when you need it
Switching can feel confusing. We help you understand tariff terms, meter types and what to check before you commit.
What people tell us
“I didn’t realise the unit rate mattered so much. The comparison made it obvious which option was actually cheaper for my usage.”
UK homeowner, electricity-only
“Quick form, clear results. I went with a low standing charge deal rather than £0 and it worked out better.”
UK homeowner, dual fuel
Ready to check the best no standing charge tariff for your home?
Submit your details and we’ll compare available UK home energy tariffs for your postcode—highlighting no standing charge and low standing charge options where they exist, and showing which choice is likely to be cheapest overall.
- Whole-of-market comparisons
- Postcode-specific pricing
- Switch with confidence
Compare now
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