Business energy standing charge rates 2026 (UK): compare whole-of-market
See what business electricity and gas standing charges could look like in 2026, what drives them, and how to reduce your fixed daily costs by comparing tariffs across the UK market. Get quotes for your postcode and meter type in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK business energy (electricity & gas)
- Understand standing charge vs unit rate and what you can realistically control
- Support for single sites, multi-sites, landlords and new connections
- Fast form—no obligation to switch
Estimates and guidance only. Your standing charge depends on meter type, region, network costs and supplier pricing. Quotes provided are tailored to your business details.
Compare business standing charges for 2026
Business standing charges are a fixed daily cost (per meter) that you pay regardless of usage. In 2026, changes in network charges, supplier pricing strategies, and your meter profile can all move this figure up or down.
EnergyPlus is a UK whole-of-market comparison service. We help you compare business electricity and gas tariffs by both unit rate and standing charge—so you can avoid choosing a deal that looks cheap on p/kWh but is expensive in fixed costs.
Best for: SMEs, shops, offices, hospitality, warehouses, multi-site operators, charities, and landlords with separate meters.
What you’ll get
- Quotes that show standing charge (p/day) and unit rate (p/kWh)
- Tariff options for fixed and flexible procurement approaches
- Help choosing the right contract length for 2026 pricing
- Support if you’re on deemed/out-of-contract rates
Get business energy quotes
Complete the form and we’ll compare whole-of-market options for your meters and location.
Why standing charge matters for UK businesses in 2026
It’s a fixed daily cost
Even if your usage drops (seasonal trade, temporary closure, low occupancy), the standing charge still applies. This is especially important for sites with intermittent consumption.
Multi-site costs add up
If you have multiple meters—shops, units, or managed properties—standing charges are applied per meter. Reducing p/day by even a small amount can materially affect annual spend.
Unit rate isn’t the full story
Some tariffs shift costs between the unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day). A “cheap” unit rate can hide a higher fixed charge—so you need to compare the total cost.
What is a business energy standing charge?
A business energy standing charge is a daily fee charged by your supplier to cover fixed costs of keeping your premises connected to the energy network and servicing your account. You’ll see it on your bill as p/day (or sometimes £/day).
Typically includes
- Metering and data services (varies by meter type)
- Network-related costs and ongoing maintenance elements
- Customer service and billing
- Supplier overheads and risk pricing (varies by supplier)
Not the same as
- Unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay for energy you use
- Capacity/availability charges (common for larger sites): separate network-related charges that can appear for higher demand profiles
- Deemed or out-of-contract rates: pricing applied when you’re not on an agreed contract
Practical point: Two deals with the same annual kWh can have very different annual costs if their standing charges differ—especially for low-usage sites.
What affects business standing charge rates in 2026?
There isn’t one “UK standing charge” for business energy. Rates differ by supplier and by meter profile. For 2026, expect the biggest drivers to remain structural: network costs, meter type, and supplier risk/overheads.
1) Your region and network operator
Standing charges vary across the UK because distribution network costs vary by region. Your postcode and MPAN/MPRN determine where your supply sits in the network charging structure.
2) Meter type and profile
Half-hourly (HH) electricity meters, smart meters, and certain commercial profiles can have different metering/data costs. That can influence the standing charge you’re offered.
3) Contract type and term length
Some suppliers price more aggressively on unit rate and recover margin via standing charge (or vice versa). Contract length can also shift pricing, especially when wholesale and non-energy costs are volatile.
4) Credit/risk assessment
For some businesses, supplier credit checks and payment terms can influence the price structure offered. This may affect the fixed element of the tariff.
Important: There is no guaranteed way to “force” a lower standing charge. The most reliable approach is to compare multiple suppliers and evaluate the full annual cost based on your consumption profile.
How to reduce your business standing charge in 2026
Standing charge is partly structural, but you can still reduce your total fixed costs by choosing the right tariff structure and avoiding common procurement pitfalls.
-
Compare whole-of-market quotes (not just your renewal offer).
Different suppliers allocate margin and fixed costs differently. Comparing multiple tariffs is the quickest way to find a lower p/day for your exact meter profile.
-
Check how many meters you’re paying for.
Landlords, serviced sites and multi-units can accidentally keep redundant meters live. If a meter is no longer needed, ask about de-energisation/removal (where appropriate) to eliminate the standing charge.
-
Make sure you’re on the correct meter/tariff type.
If your metering setup has changed (e.g., smart meter installed, business hours altered), your best-value tariff structure may change too.
-
Act early if you’re approaching contract end.
Leaving it late can push you onto higher rollover/out-of-contract rates. Start comparing to lock in an appropriate 2026 contract term.
2026 standing charge rates: what’s “normal” for business energy?
Because business tariffs are negotiated and depend on your meter and region, suppliers rarely publish a single national standing charge. Use the guide below to sense-check quotes, then compare the total annual cost for your actual usage.
How to use these ranges: If you’re quoted outside these bands, it isn’t automatically wrong—your meter type, profile class, and region may justify it. It is, however, a strong prompt to compare more suppliers.
| Supply | Typical standing charge range (p/day) | Most common drivers | Who it impacts most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business electricity (NHH) | ~ 40–120 p/day | Region, profile class, supplier pricing structure | Low-usage sites, single-site SMEs |
| Business electricity (HH) | ~ 60–180 p/day | Metering/data services, site demand pattern, region | Larger SMEs, manufacturing, high-load premises |
| Business gas | ~ 20–90 p/day | Meter class, region, supplier overhead allocation | Seasonal users, hospitality, small offices |
| Multi-meter portfolios | Varies (per meter) | Number of meters, mix of HH/NHH, supplier billing model | Landlords, retail chains, managed estates |
Quick annual-cost check
To translate standing charge into an annual fixed cost:
Annual standing charge (£) = (standing charge in p/day ÷ 100) × 365 × number of meters
Example: 95 p/day on 3 electricity meters ˜ (0.95 × 365 × 3) = £1,040.25 per year before you pay for any kWh.
Common mistakes when comparing standing charges
Comparing p/day without checking usage
A lower standing charge can come with a higher unit rate. The right deal depends on your annual kWh and operating pattern—especially if you’re open evenings/weekends or have seasonal peaks.
Ignoring contract rollover and deemed rates
If your contract ends and you don’t renew, you may move to more expensive default pricing. Comparing early gives you more leverage and choice.
Not confirming the meter type
HH vs NHH pricing can differ, and metering arrangements can change. If you’re unsure, we can still quote—your details help us match the right tariffs.
Forgetting VAT treatment
Business energy is typically priced excluding VAT, but your eligibility for reduced VAT rates can vary by usage and circumstances. Always check whether quotes are inc or ex VAT.
Business standing charge 2026 FAQs
Will business standing charges increase in 2026?
They can increase or decrease depending on your region, network cost updates, and supplier pricing. The most accurate way to understand your likely 2026 standing charge is to compare supplier quotes for your meter type and postcode.
Is standing charge the same for electricity and gas?
No. Electricity and gas have different network and metering cost structures, so standing charges differ. Even within electricity, HH vs NHH meters often have different pricing.
Can I get a tariff with no standing charge?
Some suppliers may offer “zero standing charge” style tariffs at times, but the cost is typically recovered through a higher unit rate. For most businesses, it’s better to compare the total annual cost for your expected usage.
I’m a landlord or manage multiple units—how do standing charges work?
Standing charges apply per live meter. If you have many meters, small differences in p/day can translate to meaningful annual savings. We can compare tariffs across your portfolio and highlight where fixed costs are highest.
What if I don’t know my MPAN/MPRN?
That’s fine. Start with your business postcode and what you know about the site (electricity, gas, or both). If needed, we’ll request the additional details to ensure quotes match your meters accurately.
Does my consumption affect my standing charge?
Standing charge is typically not based directly on how many kWh you use, but your meter profile (and whether you’re HH or NHH) can correlate with usage patterns. The key is to price your contract against your real-world load and operating hours.
Trusted by UK businesses for clearer comparisons
“We discovered our ‘cheapest’ renewal had a high standing charge.”
EnergyPlus helped us compare unit rate and standing charge together and we moved to a more balanced tariff for our café.
Hospitality business, West Midlands
“Portfolio view made the difference.”
We manage several units. Seeing fixed costs per meter made it obvious where we were overpaying.
Property manager, Greater London
“Straightforward, no pressure.”
The quotes were explained clearly, including standing charges, and we chose a contract that suits our operating hours.
Office services SME, Scotland
What we focus on: transparent comparisons, whole-of-market options, and matching pricing to your meter type and business usage pattern.
Ready to check your 2026 standing charge?
Get tailored business electricity and/or gas quotes that show standing charge and unit rate side-by-side—so you can choose the best value for your meters.
- Fast whole-of-market comparison
- Support for renewals, switchers and out-of-contract sites
- Suitable for single and multi-site businesses
Start your comparison
Use the form above, or jump back to submit now.
Prefer to talk? Submit the form and we’ll call you back at a convenient time.
Back to Business Energy