What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed fee (the standing charge) and instead recovers costs through a higher unit rate for each kWh of gas and/or electricity you use. It can suit some low-usage households, but it isn’t always the cheapest overall. Compare your total annual cost before switching.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if your energy use is low, because you avoid paying a daily charge. If you use more energy, the higher unit rate can outweigh the saving. The best way to know is to compare tariffs using your typical annual kWh usage (or recent bills) to estimate total yearly cost.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge tariff?

These tariffs may work best for households with very low consumption (for example, a small flat, a second home, or people out of the property for long periods). They’re often less suitable for families or high-usage homes, where the increased unit rate can raise the total bill.

Is a standing charge the same for every energy supplier?

No. Standing charges vary by supplier, tariff, meter type and region. Even when prices are aligned to the price cap, the cap allows regional variation, so your standing charge and unit rates can differ depending on your postcode area.

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

Some suppliers offer no standing charge options for electricity, gas, or both—availability depends on your region and meter type. If you’re comparing suppliers, check whether the no standing charge applies to one fuel or both, and compare combined annual costs for your household.

Do no standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates?

Usually, yes. Because the supplier still needs to cover fixed network and operating costs, no standing charge tariffs typically increase the per-kWh unit rate. The key comparison is total cost over a month or year—not just whether there is a standing charge.

Are no standing charge tariffs available for prepayment meters?

Availability varies. Some suppliers restrict tariff choices for prepayment meters, and eligibility may depend on your meter type and region. If you have prepayment, check tariff eligibility and any additional conditions before applying.

Will I still pay any fixed costs on a no standing charge tariff?

You won’t pay a separate daily standing charge, but fixed costs are typically built into the unit rate. Also note that other charges (such as debt repayment plans or certain meter-related costs) can still apply depending on your situation.

How do I compare no standing charge tariffs accurately?

Use your real usage (kWh) from recent bills or your annual consumption figure. Calculate the total annual cost as: (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365). For no standing charge tariffs, the second part is zero, but the unit rate is usually higher. Compare totals and consider any exit fees or contract terms.

How can I switch to a different energy tariff or supplier?

You can switch by choosing a suitable tariff and completing the application online. Before switching, check your current tariff end date, any exit fees, and whether you want fixed or variable prices. For help exploring UK energy options, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/Suppliers/no-standing-charge-energy-tariff-suppliers-uk.

No standing charge energy tariff suppliers in the UK

Compare whole-of-market options and check whether a no standing charge tariff could suit your home. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with available deals from UK suppliers.

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We’ll use your details to show suitable tariffs. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier. Prices can change and are subject to supplier checks.

Compare no standing charge energy tariffs (UK homes)

A standing charge is the daily fixed amount you pay to keep your energy supply connected, regardless of how much gas or electricity you use. A no standing charge tariff removes (or reduces) that daily fee, but typically offsets it with a higher unit rate (pence per kWh).

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs (where available) so you can see whether a no standing charge deal is genuinely cheaper for your usage and meter type. In many cases, the best value depends on how much energy you use across the year.

Tip: If your home has low usage (for example, you’re often away, you live alone, or it’s a small flat), a no standing charge tariff may help. If you use lots of energy, a standard tariff with a lower unit rate may work out cheaper.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network costs)
Whether you have gas, electricity, or dual fuel
Your meter type (credit, prepayment, smart meter)
Estimated usage in kWh (from your bill or annual statement)

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Complete the form and we’ll show suitable tariffs based on your details.

Postcode Energy type Meter type Estimated annual usage (kWh) Email

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Availability note: No standing charge tariffs aren’t always offered in every region or for every meter type. If none are currently available, we’ll show the closest low standing charge alternatives.

Searching for “no standing charge” suppliers?

Suppliers may label these deals differently (for example, “zero standing charge”, “no daily charge”, or “standing charge included in unit rate”). EnergyPlus checks tariff structures so you can compare like-for-like.

Benefits and trade-offs of no standing charge tariffs

Good for low usage homes

If you use very little energy, removing the daily fixed fee can reduce your baseline costs.

More cost tied to usage

Costs are driven more by kWh consumption, which can feel fairer when you’re away from home.

Unit rates can be higher

Many no standing charge tariffs compensate with a higher unit price—high usage households may pay more overall.

Budgeting may change

With less fixed cost, your bill can fluctuate more with seasons (especially for gas heating).

Not always widely available

Supplier availability varies by region, payment method and meter type. Whole-of-market comparison saves time.

May affect standing charge cap expectations

Price structures sit within regulatory rules, but the best option is still the one that’s cheapest for your actual usage.

Bottom line: A “no standing charge” label doesn’t automatically mean lower bills. Compare total annual cost using your estimated kWh.

How no standing charge energy tariffs work in the UK

Most home energy tariffs have two main parts: a daily standing charge and a unit rate for each kWh you use. No standing charge tariffs reduce the daily charge to £0.00 (or near zero) and recoup costs through the unit rate.

Typical tariff structure

Charge type	What it means
Standing charge	A fixed daily fee covering network and service costs.
Unit rate	Price per kWh of energy you use (varies by fuel and tariff).
Total cost	Standing charge × days + unit rate × kWh used.

A simple way to compare

Find your annual usage (kWh)
Use your latest bill, online account, or annual summary.
Calculate the standing charge difference
Daily charge × 365 shows how much you pay just for being connected.
Compare unit rates
Multiply unit rate by your kWh to estimate annual usage cost.
Check the overall annual estimate
The cheapest label is the one with the lowest total cost for you.

Prefer not to calculate? Use the comparison form and we’ll do the working.

Who might a no standing charge tariff suit?

These tariffs can be a good fit in specific situations. Use the guide below, then compare using your real usage to be sure.

Often suitable

Small flats or well-insulated homes with lower kWh usage
Homes unoccupied for part of the year (travel, second homes)
All-electric properties with efficient heating and careful usage
Households that want to reduce fixed daily costs

Often not suitable

Large families with high daily energy consumption
Homes with gas central heating used heavily in winter
EV charging at home (high electricity demand)
Anyone comparing without using annual kWh figures

Regional and meter considerations

Postcode pricing

Network charges differ across Great Britain, so the same tariff name can price differently by region.

Prepayment vs credit

Some suppliers restrict tariff availability by payment method. We’ll show what’s available for your meter type.

Smart meter deals

Some no standing charge or low standing charge offers require smart meter eligibility.

Common mistakes when searching for no standing charge suppliers

1) Comparing only the standing charge

A £0.00 daily charge can look attractive, but a higher unit rate can outweigh it. Always compare the estimated annual total.

2) Using the wrong usage estimate

If you guess kWh too low or too high, the “cheapest” option can flip. Use your bill (or share your best estimate and update later).

3) Ignoring tariff type and terms

Fixed and variable tariffs behave differently. Check if there are exit fees, how long the fix lasts, and what happens at the end.

4) Forgetting gas vs electricity differences

Standing charges and unit rates differ by fuel. A no standing charge electricity tariff doesn’t mean gas will match too.

Want a quick answer? Use the comparison form and we’ll show whether no standing charge is available and how it stacks up against low standing charge alternatives.

FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs

Are no standing charge tariffs available in the UK right now?

They can be, but availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. If none are available for your postcode, we’ll show the closest alternatives (for example, low standing charge tariffs) so you can still find best value.

Will no standing charge always make my bill cheaper?

No. Suppliers usually increase the unit rate to compensate. Whether you save depends mainly on your annual kWh usage and how big the standing charge would have been.

Can I get no standing charge on a smart meter?

Sometimes. Some tariffs may require a smart meter, others are available for standard credit meters. Tell us your meter type and we’ll filter results accordingly.

Do no standing charge tariffs exist for prepayment meters?

It depends on the supplier and region. Prepayment availability can be more limited. If a true zero standing charge option isn’t available, you may still find better value by comparing low standing charge and competitive unit rate deals.

Is a “low standing charge” tariff a good alternative?

Yes. In many cases the best overall cost comes from a balanced tariff with a modest standing charge and a lower unit rate. Comparing total annual cost is the fairest approach.

How long does switching take?

Switch times vary by supplier and circumstances, but domestic switches are typically completed within a few weeks. Your supply won’t be interrupted during a switch.

Trusted comparison for UK households

“Clear breakdown of unit rates vs standing charge. Helped me see that ‘no standing charge’ wasn’t the cheapest for my usage.”

Hannah — Manchester

“Quick form, and the results were easy to compare. Useful to see low standing charge alternatives too.”

Imran — Birmingham

“I was away for work most of the year. The comparison made it straightforward to choose a tariff that fit my low usage.”

Claire — Bristol

What we focus on: total estimated cost, suitability for your meter type, and clear explanations—so you can decide with confidence.

Ready to check no standing charge tariffs for your postcode?

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Updated on 24 Dec 2025