Best no standing charge energy tariff UK (whole-of-market)
Compare home energy tariffs that can reduce (or remove) the daily standing charge. Tell us your usage and postcode and we’ll match you to whole-of-market options you may be eligible for.
- Compare no standing charge (and low standing charge) electricity & gas tariffs
- See who wins for your exact usage pattern (low, medium or high)
- Clear guidance on the trade-off: higher unit rates vs lower fixed costs
- UK-based support and a quick form to get your results
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison service. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier criteria.
Compare the best no standing charge energy tariffs for your home
A no standing charge energy tariff removes the fixed daily charge you usually pay for your electricity and/or gas supply. In return, suppliers typically set a higher unit rate (price per kWh). That means the “best” option depends on your usage pattern and whether you have electricity only, gas + electricity, or a particular meter type.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. We’ll help you identify tariffs that may suit you, including no standing charge or low standing charge alternatives where available, and explain when they’re likely to save money.
Good to know: “No standing charge” offers can be limited, change frequently, and may only apply to electricity (not gas), or to certain regions/meter setups. If a true no-standing-charge tariff isn’t available for you today, we’ll also show low standing charge options and the likely cost difference.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to check regional availability)
- Rough usage (or last bill): kWh for electricity and gas if you have both
- Your current supplier/tariff if you know it (optional)
Get your no standing charge results
Complete this quick form and we’ll match you to whole-of-market options available for your home.
Tip: No standing charge tariffs are often best for very low usage homes (e.g. empty properties, small flats, or second homes). If you use more energy, a standard tariff with a standing charge can work out cheaper overall.
Important: Always compare the total annual cost (standing charge + unit rate × usage). A tariff with “£0 standing charge” can still cost more if the unit rate is higher.
Who is a no standing charge tariff best for?
No standing charge energy tariffs aren’t automatically “best” — they’re best for specific situations. Use this section to self-check before you compare.
Very low energy usage
If your home uses very little electricity and/or gas, removing the daily charge can reduce fixed costs — especially if you’re often away.
Empty properties & second homes
When the property is unoccupied for long periods, standing charges can feel like you’re paying “just to be connected”. A £0 standing charge can help.
Small flats & low heating demand
Smaller households, good insulation, or minimal hot water/heating demand can sometimes benefit — but only if unit rates don’t outweigh savings.
Prepayment or smart meter households
Some tariff types are tied to meter arrangements. We’ll help identify what’s available based on your postcode and setup.
People comparing on total cost (not labels)
“No standing charge” is a feature, not a guarantee of savings. Best results come from comparing annualised cost for your usage.
Homes wanting flexibility
If you’re reviewing usage regularly (e.g. seasonal patterns), you can reassess whether a £0 standing charge still makes sense.
Not sure? If you tell us your approximate monthly usage, we can estimate whether you’re likely to be better off on no standing charge, low standing charge, or a standard tariff.
How no standing charge energy tariffs work in the UK
Most UK energy tariffs include:
- A standing charge (fixed amount per day)
- A unit rate (pence per kWh you use)
A tariff marketed as “no standing charge” reduces the standing charge to £0 (or close to it), but generally increases the unit rate. Whether you save depends on how much you use, and on which fuel(s) you have.
Quick comparison: standard vs no standing charge
How EnergyPlus finds the best match
- Tell us your postcode so we can check regional standing charges and available suppliers.
- Estimate your usage (electricity and gas if you have both). If you’re unsure, we can use typical ranges.
- We compare whole-of-market options and highlight where no standing charge is available (or where low standing charge might be better).
- You choose based on total annual cost, tariff type, and any eligibility criteria.
Meter types matter: Availability can differ for smart meters, traditional credit meters, and prepayment meters. If you’re not sure what you have, we can still start with postcode and basic details.
Will a no standing charge tariff save you money?
It depends on the break-even point between the standing charge you’d avoid and the extra you might pay through a higher unit rate.
Simple break-even explanation
If Tariff A has a standing charge but cheaper unit rate, and Tariff B has £0 standing charge but a higher unit rate, Tariff B only wins if your usage is low enough.
When no standing charge is likely to help
- You’re away for days/weeks at a time
- You have low occupancy (e.g. 1 person, small flat)
- You keep heating/hot water usage low (where relevant)
- You’re comparing electricity-only options
When it may cost more
- You use lots of electricity (home working, large household)
- You have higher heating demand (gas users)
- Your property has poor insulation
- You’re choosing based on the label, not annual cost
If you complete the comparison form, we’ll focus on total estimated cost first, then explain whether “no standing charge” is genuinely the best value for your home.
Eligibility & availability: what can affect no standing charge tariffs
No standing charge energy deals in the UK can be restricted. Here are the most common factors that impact whether you’ll see a true £0 standing charge option when you compare.
Your region
Standing charges vary by region and network costs. Some suppliers only offer certain tariff structures in specific areas.
Fuel type (electricity vs gas)
Many “no standing charge” options are electricity-only. Gas tariffs may have fewer £0 standing charge options.
Meter type
Smart, credit and prepayment meters can have different tariff availability. We’ll guide you based on your setup.
Payment method
Direct Debit, variable, fixed, or prepay arrangements can affect which tariffs you can access and the overall price.
Credit checks & supplier criteria
Some suppliers apply eligibility rules. If one option isn’t suitable, we’ll show alternatives that may be.
Existing contract terms
If you’re in a fixed deal, you may have exit fees. We’ll suggest the best time to switch based on your situation.
Regional note: Even when two households use the same amount of energy, their standing charge and unit rates can differ due to regional network costs. That’s why postcode is required for accurate comparisons.
Common mistakes when choosing a no standing charge tariff
1) Comparing only the standing charge
A £0 standing charge can look like a win — but you need to compare annual cost. A small unit-rate increase can outweigh the saved daily charge if you use more energy than expected.
2) Using the wrong usage estimate
If your usage is seasonal (e.g. gas heating in winter), using a low summer estimate can make a no standing charge tariff look cheaper than it will be over a year.
3) Assuming it applies to both fuels
Some offers remove the standing charge for electricity but not gas. If you have dual fuel, you should compare each side and the combined total.
4) Ignoring contract terms
Fixed deals can include exit fees. A small saving may not be worth switching immediately if you’ll pay to leave early.
Best practice: Compare tariffs using a realistic yearly estimate. If you don’t have the figures, start with your latest bill — or complete the form and we’ll help you estimate.
FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs (UK)
Are no standing charge tariffs really available in the UK?
They can be, but availability varies by supplier, region, and meter type. If a true £0 standing charge tariff isn’t available for you, we’ll show the best low standing charge alternatives and their estimated annual costs.
Is no standing charge better for low users?
Often, yes — because you reduce fixed daily costs. However, you must check the unit rate. If the unit rate is much higher, savings can disappear even at moderate usage.
Can I get no standing charge for both electricity and gas?
Sometimes, but it’s more common to find no standing charge for electricity than for gas. Your best option is to compare total costs for each fuel and the combined bill.
Do no standing charge tariffs work with smart meters?
They can do, but tariff availability depends on the supplier and the meter setup. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll confirm what you can access.
Will switching disrupt my supply?
In the UK, switching supplier is designed to be seamless. Your energy supply stays on — only the billing changes.
How quickly can I get results?
You can start in minutes. Use the comparison form and we’ll match you to options and explain the trade-offs clearly.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“I didn’t realise no standing charge would cost more for my usage.”
EnergyPlus helped me compare total annual costs properly and choose a better fit.
— Homeowner, Yorkshire
“Perfect for our empty flat most of the year.”
We wanted to reduce fixed costs and were shown the right options for our postcode.
— Second home owner, Cornwall
“Clear explanation, no pressure.”
The difference between standing charge and unit rate finally made sense.
— Tenant, Greater London
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach • UK-focused support • We prioritise total cost transparency over tariff labels.
Ready to find the best no standing charge tariff for your home?
Get tailored results based on your postcode and estimated usage. We’ll show whether a true £0 standing charge tariff is available and whether it’s actually the cheapest overall.
Energy tariffs and availability change. We recommend reviewing total annual cost before switching.
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