Ofgem business energy standing charge changes 2026
Get ready for potential changes to business electricity and gas standing charges in 2026. Compare whole-of-market business energy deals with EnergyPlus and secure the right tariff for your site(s).
- Understand what a standing charge is and why it may change in 2026
- See how standing charges can impact SMEs, multi-sites and high-usage businesses
- Compare fixed and flexible options from a whole-of-market panel
- Get a fast quote and switching support (including renewals and new supplies)
Whole-of-market comparison for UK business energy. Quotes are based on your meter and usage details. We’ll explain your options before you switch.
What are Ofgem business energy standing charge changes in 2026?
In business energy, your bill is typically made up of unit rates (pence per kWh you use) and a standing charge (a daily fixed charge applied to the meter). Standing charges help cover network and system costs that don’t vary much with usage, plus elements tied to supplying and maintaining the connection.
Ofgem regulates parts of the energy market and network charging methodologies. As the UK energy system evolves (electrification, renewable integration, network investment and smart metering), industry consultations can result in changes to how charges are recovered. That can mean standing charges go up or down, or that the balance between standing charge and unit rate shifts.
Important: The specific standing charge you pay is set by your business tariff and influenced by industry/network costs. The best way to protect your budget is to compare offers based on your meter type (e.g. smart, AMR/HH), profile class, region and consumption pattern.
Why it matters for business customers
- Low-usage sites (e.g. small offices, small retail, vacant/seasonal premises) can feel standing charge changes more sharply.
- Multi-site organisations pay standing charges per meter — even small changes per day can add up across many locations.
- High-usage operations may see a smaller percentage impact, but should still assess total cost (unit rate + standing charge) against expected load and opening hours.
Get whole-of-market business energy quotes
Tell us about your site and we’ll compare tariffs (including standing charge structure) and guide you to the best fit.
Tip: If you have an MPAN/MPRN or a recent bill, keep it handy. It helps us confirm your meter class (e.g. half-hourly), which affects how standing charges and unit rates are priced.
Standing charge vs unit rate: what businesses should watch
A tariff with a lower unit rate can still cost more overall if the standing charge is higher (and vice versa). When standing charges change, it can alter the “best value” choice depending on your usage. EnergyPlus compares tariffs using your expected consumption and contract needs, so you can focus on the total annual cost rather than a single headline price.
- Microbusinesses often benefit from reviewing standing charge structure carefully.
- Seasonal businesses should model costs in quiet months (standing charge continues daily).
- Businesses with EV charging / heat pumps may see different value from unit-rate-heavy tariffs as consumption rises.
Who’s most impacted by standing charge changes?
Small & low-usage sites
If your kWh usage is low, the standing charge makes up a larger share of your bill. A small daily increase can materially change annual costs.
Multi-site & franchises
Standing charges are per meter. With multiple MPANs/MPRNs, even minor changes scale quickly—making procurement and portfolio review essential.
New supplies & relocations
If you’re moving premises or setting up a new connection, the default/out-of-contract rates can be expensive. Lock in an appropriate contract early.
EnergyPlus approach: We compare business tariffs across suppliers and show you the real-world impact of standing charges based on your meter, region and usage profile—then help you switch with minimal disruption.
How to prepare for potential 2026 standing charge changes
- Confirm your meter details (MPAN/MPRN, profile class, half-hourly/AMR). Pricing can differ significantly by meter type and consumption shape.
- Review your contract end date. Many businesses secure better rates by comparing and negotiating ahead of renewal rather than rolling onto out-of-contract rates.
- Model your usage realistically. If your operating hours are changing in 2026, the standing charge vs unit rate balance becomes even more important.
- Compare on total cost (unit rate + standing charge + any pass-through elements). Avoid choosing based on a single number.
- Consider procurement strategy: fixed, flexible, or blended—especially for larger loads or multi-sites.
What we’ll ask you (and why)
- Postcode / region – network charges vary by distribution area.
- Current supplier & renewal window – helps time quotes and avoid rollover.
- Consumption (kWh) – determines whether standing charge is a major driver of cost.
- Metering – half-hourly and smart arrangements can change pricing options.
If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll help identify your meter details from your bill or supply information.
Tariff options businesses should compare in 2026
Standing charge changes can alter which pricing structure works best. EnergyPlus compares options across suppliers and highlights how each deal behaves under different usage levels.
| Option | Best for | Standing charge consideration | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-price contract | Most SMEs who want budget certainty | Often fixed for the term (subject to contract terms) | Early termination fees, renewal timing, pass-through elements |
| Variable / deemed rates | Short-term only (e.g. new supply before contract agreed) | Can be higher and change with supplier pricing | Price volatility and unexpectedly high standing charges |
| Flexible / basket procurement | Larger loads, multi-sites, risk-managed buying | Standing charge may be structured differently | Governance, risk appetite, volume tolerance |
| Green / renewable-backed tariffs | ESG reporting, customer expectations | Standing charge still applies; compare total cost | Certification/claims, term length, pricing structure |
Common mistake
Comparing tariffs using only the unit rate. If standing charges change in 2026, the “cheapest p/kWh” offer can be more expensive overall for low-usage meters.
Better approach
Compare based on annualised cost (unit rate + standing charge) using your expected kWh, contract term and meter type.
How standing charges are applied to business meters (plain English)
Per meter, per day
Standing charges are typically charged daily for each supply point (each MPAN/MPRN). If you have multiple meters at one site, costs can multiply.
Still charged when usage is low
Even if your premises are closed (e.g. seasonal shutdown), the standing charge usually continues—so it’s crucial for quiet periods budgeting.
Affected by region & meter class
Network cost recovery and metering arrangements can influence your pricing. Two businesses using the same kWh can pay different standing charges.
Need a quick sense-check?
If you share your postcode and whether you need gas, electricity or both, we can pull relevant business tariffs and discuss how standing charges compare for your usage level.
Start my comparisonFAQs: business standing charges and 2026 changes
Are Ofgem standing charge changes the same for business and domestic?
Not necessarily. Business tariffs are priced differently from domestic, and your standing charge depends on your meter, region, consumption profile and supplier contract terms. If you want clarity, we’ll compare tariffs built for business energy only.
Can I reduce my standing charge by switching supplier?
Often, yes. Different suppliers and contracts can package costs differently. The key is comparing the total cost for your expected usage, not just the standing charge on its own.
What if my business is on out-of-contract/deemed rates?
Deemed/out-of-contract rates can be significantly higher and may include higher standing charges. If you’ve moved in, opened a new site or missed a renewal, get quotes quickly and switch to a suitable contract.
Do standing charges apply to smart meters and half-hourly meters?
Yes. The structure can vary, but most business tariffs include a standing charge regardless of meter type. Half-hourly (HH) or AMR arrangements can open up more pricing approaches—worth comparing if your usage is significant.
Will a longer contract protect me if standing charges rise in 2026?
A fixed contract can provide budget certainty, but what’s included depends on the specific tariff. We’ll explain what’s fixed, what can change, and how each quote handles pass-through elements.
What details do I need to get an accurate quote?
Postcode, energy type (gas/electricity/both) and your contact details are enough to start. For best accuracy, add annual kWh and your MPAN/MPRN from a bill.
Not sure where you stand? Use the quote form and we’ll help you compare business tariffs with the standing charge clearly broken down.
Trusted by UK businesses switching energy
“We needed clarity on standing charges across multiple sites. EnergyPlus compared options quickly and explained the trade-offs in plain English.”
“Our unit rate looked good, but the standing charge was the catch. We switched to a tariff that fits our quieter months.”
“Straightforward process and quick responses. The comparison made total cost clear, not just headline rates.”
Why businesses use EnergyPlus
- Whole-of-market comparison for business energy (gas, electricity or both)
- Support for renewals, new supplies and multi-site portfolios
- Clear breakdown of unit rate vs standing charge so you can budget confidently
Compare business energy tariffs before 2026 changes bite
If standing charges shift in 2026, the best-value tariff for your business may change too. Get a whole-of-market comparison and a clear cost breakdown for your site(s).
- Fast quotes for UK businesses
- Fixed, flexible and green options
- Support through switch and renewal
Ready to compare?
Get my business quotes Re-read what might changeNo obligation. We’ll confirm your meter details and walk you through options that suit your usage and contract dates.
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