What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed fee (the standing charge) from your energy bill. Instead, the supplier typically recovers costs through a higher unit rate per kWh. It can suit low-usage homes, empty properties, or households that are away often.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if you use relatively little gas and/or electricity. If your usage is higher, the increased unit rate may outweigh the saving from removing the standing charge. Comparing quotes for your actual usage is the quickest way to see which option costs less.

Who should consider a no standing charge tariff?

No standing charge tariffs may be worth considering for: low-usage households, single occupants, vacant or second homes, short-term lets between guests, and properties with long periods of no consumption. If you have high or consistent usage, a standard tariff is often better value.

Do no standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates?

Usually, yes. With no daily standing charge, suppliers commonly set a higher price per kWh. The best choice depends on your total annual consumption and how often your home is occupied.

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, but availability varies by region and meter type. Use the comparison on this page to check which suppliers and tariffs are available for your postcode and setup.

Are no standing charge tariffs available for smart meters and prepayment meters?

Availability depends on the supplier and meter type. Some no standing charge tariffs are compatible with smart meters, while options for prepayment meters can be more limited. Comparing based on your meter type and postcode will show what you can switch to.

Will I pay anything if I use no energy on a no standing charge tariff?

If there is genuinely no consumption, your energy charges should be £0 for that period. However, you may still see charges for any usage, debt recovery arrangements, or additional services if applicable. Always review the tariff terms before switching.

How do I compare and switch to a no standing charge tariff?

Enter your postcode and current usage (or an estimate) to compare no standing charge options against standard tariffs. Once you choose a deal, you can switch online and your new supplier will handle the transfer—there is usually no disruption to your supply. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/Suppliers/no-standing-charge-energy-tariff-uk-compare

Is it risky to choose no standing charge if my usage changes?

If your usage increases (for example in winter or if more people move in), a higher unit rate can make the tariff more expensive than a standard plan. Re-check your tariff when your circumstances change, and compare again before any fixed term ends.

Are no standing charge tariffs fixed or variable?

They can be either. Some are variable (prices can change), while others are fixed for a set term. When comparing, check unit rate, exit fees (if any), and the tariff length to find the best fit for your budget.

No standing charge energy tariffs (UK): compare & check if you’ll really pay less

Find out how zero standing charge tariffs work, who they suit, and how to compare them fairly against standard deals. We’ll show you the trade-offs, real-world examples, and what to check before you switch.

Compare whole-of-market tariffs (including “no standing charge” where available)
See when higher unit rates can outweigh a £0 daily charge
UK-specific checks: meter type, region, payment method and eligibility

Get your no-standing-charge comparison How to compare fairly

Availability and pricing vary by region, meter type and payment method. All costs on this page are examples and estimates.

Fast answer: are no standing charge tariffs worth it?

Sometimes—but only if your usage is low enough that the higher unit rate (pence per kWh) doesn’t cancel out the saving from paying £0 per day standing charge. In the UK, most “no standing charge” tariffs work by shifting costs into the unit rate, and availability can be limited by region, meter type and payment method.

Quick rule of thumb (estimate): if a no-standing-charge option is ~10p/kWh higher than a comparable tariff, you’d need to use less than ~30–35 kWh/day (electricity-only) to break even when typical standing charges are ~50–60p/day. Your break-even depends on the exact rates for your postcode and meter.

Key takeaways

Always compare total annual cost (standing charge + unit rates), not just “£0 standing charge”.
Low usage households (e.g., small flats, frequent travellers) are more likely to benefit.
Higher usage households often pay more due to higher per-kWh prices.
Check gas and electricity separately: you might find it suits one fuel but not the other.
Eligibility and pricing can vary by Direct Debit vs prepayment and smart vs traditional meters.

What “no standing charge” usually means

Standing charge: A daily fixed amount for keeping you connected and covering network, metering and policy costs. It varies by region and fuel.
Unit rate: The price per kWh you use. No-standing-charge tariffs typically raise this to recover costs.

Compare no standing charge tariffs for your postcode

Tell us the basics and we’ll show available tariffs for your home, including any £0 standing charge options (when they exist for your area and meter). We use your postcode to match regional network pricing.

Good to know: No-standing-charge deals are not always available and can be limited to certain suppliers, meters, or payment methods. We’ll show you the closest comparable alternatives if none match.

What you’ll need

Your postcode (for regional pricing)
An email to send your results
Optional: phone number if you want help completing your switch

Get your comparison

First name

Surname

Postcode

Used to match your local electricity (and gas) network charges.

Telephone (optional)

Only if you’d like a call-back to help with options and eligibility checks.

Meter type (if you know)

By submitting, you’re asking us to send results and help you compare. You can opt out any time.

How to compare a no standing charge tariff fairly

1) Compare the whole bill

Use estimated annual cost: (unit rate × usage) + (standing charge × 365) for each fuel. Don’t compare unit rates alone.

2) Match like-for-like

Same region, meter type, and payment method (e.g., monthly Direct Debit). Prices can change if you switch payment type.

3) Check your usage pattern

If you use more energy in winter (typical), higher unit rates can bite hardest when you most need heat and power.

4) Read the tariff details

Look for exit fees, fixed-term end dates, and any conditions (e.g., “online only”). Terms vary by supplier.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how the maths works. They’re illustrative and don’t represent current quotes for your postcode.

Scenario A: low-use flat (electricity only)

Usage assumption: 1,400 kWh/year
Tariff 1 (standard): 24p/kWh + 55p/day
Tariff 2 (no standing charge): 32p/kWh + £0/day

Item	Standard	£0 standing
Unit cost (usage × rate)	1,400 × £0.24 = £336	1,400 × £0.32 = £448
Standing charge	£0.55 × 365 = £201	£0.00 × 365 = £0
Estimated annual total	£537	£448

In this example, the no-standing-charge option could be cheaper for a low-use home, even with a higher unit rate.

Scenario B: family home (higher electricity use)

Usage assumption: 3,600 kWh/year
Tariff 1 (standard): 24p/kWh + 55p/day
Tariff 2 (no standing charge): 32p/kWh + £0/day

Item	Standard	£0 standing
Unit cost (usage × rate)	3,600 × £0.24 = £864	3,600 × £0.32 = £1,152
Standing charge	£0.55 × 365 = £201	£0.00 × 365 = £0
Estimated annual total	£1,065	£1,152

In this example, the higher unit rate outweighs the saved standing charge—so £0 standing charge costs more overall.

Caveat: Many UK homes have both gas and electricity. A tariff that looks good for electricity might not be good for gas (and vice versa). Always check the combined cost if you’re switching both fuels.

No standing charge vs standard tariffs: side-by-side comparison

Use this table to decide what to prioritise. Exact prices vary by supplier and your local network area.

What you’re comparing	No standing charge tariff	Standard tariff (with standing charge)	What to check
Daily fixed cost	Typically £0/day	Typically 20p–70p/day (varies)	Electricity and gas standing charges differ and vary by region.
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Often higher	Often lower	Calculate break-even using your annual usage.
Best suited to	Low usage, empty properties, or people away a lot	Most average-to-high usage households	Your actual kWh matters more than your bill feelings.
Risk	Bill rises quickly if your usage increases (cold winter, more at-home time)	You pay standing charge even when using little/no energy	Consider your household stability and seasonality.
Eligibility	May be limited by region/meter/payment method	Wider availability	Check smart/prepay, Economy 7, and online-only terms.

Decision checklist: it may suit you if…

You have low annual usage (check your bills in kWh, not £).
Your property is often empty (e.g., second home) and you still need an active supply.
You’re happy to accept a higher unit rate in exchange for £0/day.
You can keep an eye on usage, especially during winter.

It may not suit you if…

You have medium to high usage (families, electric heating, home working).
You’re on a multi-rate tariff (Economy 7) and need cheap off-peak rates.
You prefer predictable bills and don’t want price sensitivity to usage.
You’re switching both fuels and the £0 deal applies to only one fuel (or is uncompetitive on the other).

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

A £0 standing charge can be appealing, but these are the details that most often change the outcome.

1) Regional price differences

Standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region. Two neighbours in different network areas can see different costs.

2) Payment method

Monthly Direct Debit is often priced differently from pay-on-receipt or prepayment. Always compare using the payment method you’ll actually use.

3) Meter type & tariff type

Some tariffs exclude multi-rate meters (Economy 7/10) or require smart meters for certain prices or features.

4) Exit fees & fixed terms

A fixed tariff may include an exit fee if you leave early. If you expect to move home, factor that into your decision.

Common misunderstanding: “I’ll pay nothing if I don’t use energy”

Even with £0 standing charge, you may still pay something if you use any energy at all—because the unit rate is usually higher. Also note that other charges (like debt repayments, if you have them) can still apply depending on your setup and agreement.

If you’re in debt or on a repayment plan

If you’re repaying energy debt (often via prepayment settings or agreed plans), switching can be more complex. You may still be able to switch, but the process and eligibility can differ. If you’re unsure, check guidance from Citizens Advice and your supplier.

Practical checks before you switch

Look at your last 12 months of usage in kWh (electricity and gas separately) to avoid seasonal bias.
Confirm your meter setup: smart / credit / prepay / Economy 7. It can affect eligibility and pricing.
Check tariff end date and exit fees on your current plan (if you’re fixed).
Compare per-fuel: a £0 standing charge electricity deal might be paired with an expensive gas tariff.
Be wary of “headline” claims: always check the full tariff information label (rates, standing charge, and any conditions).

FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK

1) Are no standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Not always. Availability and pricing can depend on your electricity distribution region, whether you have gas, and supplier appetite for offering £0 standing charge products in that area.

2) Do £0 standing charge tariffs mean I’ll definitely save money?

No. They often have higher unit rates. Whether you save depends on your usage (kWh), the exact rates in your region, and whether you’re comparing like-for-like payment methods.

3) Can I get a no standing charge tariff with a smart meter?

Sometimes. Some suppliers price differently for smart meters, and some tariffs (especially multi-rate or time-of-use products) require a smart meter but may not offer £0 standing charge. It’s specific to the tariff.

4) What if I’m on Economy 7 or another multi-rate electricity meter?

Be careful: the day/night split can make comparisons tricky. A £0 standing charge option with a single (higher) unit rate may be worse if you currently benefit from cheaper off-peak rates.

5) Can tenants switch to a no standing charge tariff?

Usually, yes—if you’re the person responsible for paying the energy bills. If bills are included in rent or the landlord is the account holder, you typically can’t change the tariff yourself.

6) Do no standing charge tariffs exist for gas as well?

Some products may apply to electricity only, some to gas, and some to both. Always check each fuel’s standing charge and unit rate, and the combined estimated annual cost if you’re dual fuel.

7) Are standing charges set by Ofgem?

Ofgem sets the energy price cap methodology and level for default tariffs, which influences typical standing charges and unit rates, but suppliers still set their own tariff structures. Standing charges can vary by region and supplier.

8) Will switching affect my supply or require an engineer visit?

Switching supplier/tariff normally doesn’t interrupt supply, and it typically doesn’t require a visit. If your meter needs changing (for example, to support a tariff), the supplier will explain options and any appointments.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess “no standing charge” value

We assess suitability by comparing estimated annual cost across tariffs using the standard components of UK domestic energy pricing:

Standing charge (p/day) × 365
Unit rate (p/kWh) × annual usage (kWh)
Where relevant, we consider meter type (single vs multi-rate), payment method (e.g., Direct Debit vs prepay) and regional network variation.

Limitations: Tariffs can change, and suppliers can withdraw products. The examples on this page are illustrative and don’t reflect live pricing for your postcode. For an accurate comparison, use your real usage (kWh) and your current meter/payment setup.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem: Energy price cap (how typical charges are structured and updated)
Citizens Advice: Energy (switching, billing, and help if you’re struggling)
GOV.UK: Switch energy supplier (practical switching guidance)

Ready to check if £0 standing charge works for your home?

Compare available UK tariffs for your postcode and usage, with clear breakdowns of standing charge vs unit rate—so you can choose based on total cost.

Get your energy quote Re-check the key takeaways

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Updated on 2 Mar 2026