Best no standing charge energy tariff UK (whole-of-market)
Compare no standing charge electricity and gas tariffs across the UK. Tell us a few details and we’ll show available options from a whole-of-market panel, including key trade-offs like higher unit rates and usage thresholds.
- Compare deals designed to reduce or remove daily standing charges
- See the real cost based on your home’s usage (kWh), not hype
- Understand who typically benefits most (low vs high usage homes)
- Switch online with support from EnergyPlus.co.uk
Home energy only. Availability varies by postcode, meter type and supplier criteria. We’ll show unit rates, standing charges and estimated costs to help you decide.
Compare no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK
A no standing charge tariff (or ultra-low standing charge tariff) aims to reduce the daily fixed fee you pay just to have a supply. In exchange, the unit rate (p/kWh) can be higher, and some deals have conditions (for example, usage thresholds, introductory periods, or specific meter requirements).
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. That means we focus on showing you options that may be available for your postcode and your meter type—so you can judge the real annual cost, not just a headline “no standing charge” claim.
What we’ll need to show accurate results
- Postcode (to match your distribution region)
- Fuel type (electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel)
- Meter type (smart / standard / prepayment where applicable)
- Estimated usage if you know it (optional but improves accuracy)
Get no standing charge quotes
Complete the form and we’ll show available tariffs for your home.
Is a no standing charge tariff right for your home?
These tariffs can be a strong fit in specific scenarios—but they’re not automatically “best”. Here’s when they typically work well, and when to be cautious.
Often suits low usage homes
If you use fewer kWh (e.g. a smaller property, frequent travel, or careful heating habits), reducing fixed daily costs can make your annual bill more usage-driven.
Good for second homes
If the property is unoccupied for long periods, a low/£0 standing charge can reduce costs during weeks where usage is minimal.
Not always best for high usage
Many no standing charge deals have higher unit rates. If you use a lot of energy (large homes, electric heating), a standard tariff can be cheaper overall.
Watch out for conditions
- Introductory pricing that later reverts
- Specific payment methods or paperless billing requirements
- Meter type restrictions (e.g. smart meter required)
- Regional availability differences
Best practice: compare on annual cost
A fair comparison uses your estimated annual kWh and includes unit rate + standing charge. EnergyPlus shows estimated costs to help you choose confidently.
How a no standing charge tariff works (in plain English)
Most UK energy tariffs include a standing charge: a daily fixed amount that helps cover things like maintaining the network and metering. A no standing charge tariff reduces that daily fee—sometimes to £0—then recovers costs through the unit rate or other pricing structure.
1) Check availability
Not every supplier offers £0 standing charge, and availability can vary by region, fuel and meter type.
2) Compare the full price
Use your annual kWh to compare estimated costs. Lower standing charge can be offset by higher p/kWh.
3) Switch with confidence
If you decide to switch, the process is normally seamless—your supply continues and you won’t be left without energy.
Standing charge vs unit rate: quick comparison
| Tariff type | Standing charge | Unit rate (p/kWh) | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| No standing charge | £0 / very low | Often higher | Low usage, second homes, minimal occupancy |
| Standard tariff | Typical daily charge | Often lower than £0 SC deals | Medium/high usage households |
| Time-of-use (e.g. off-peak) | Usually applies | Varies by time bands | Homes that can shift usage (e.g. EV charging overnight) |
Will you save money with no standing charge?
Savings depend on the relationship between the standing charge you’d avoid and the higher unit rate you might pay. A simple way to think about it is your break-even usage.
Break-even (concept)
If a no standing charge tariff has a unit rate that’s higher than your current tariff by X p/kWh, you’ll roughly break even when:
Daily standing charge saved ÷ extra cost per kWh = kWh per day break-even
We’ll do this calculation automatically where possible once you enter your details—then show estimated annual costs side-by-side.
Common cost drivers in the UK
- Region (network charges vary by area)
- Payment method (direct debit vs pay on receipt where offered)
- Meter type (smart/prepayment options can differ)
- Fuel choice (electricity-only vs dual fuel)
- Usage pattern (day vs night for time-of-use tariffs)
Eligibility & availability: what can affect your results
Not every household will see a true £0 standing charge deal. Availability can change, and some tariffs apply only in specific circumstances. When you compare, we’ll focus on what’s actually available for your home.
Your postcode / region
Standing charges and unit rates can differ by region because network costs differ. A deal in one area may not exist in another.
Meter type
Some suppliers restrict tariffs to smart meters or to standard credit meters. Prepayment options may be more limited.
Tariff structure
Some “no standing charge” products may instead bundle costs into unit rates or apply thresholds. We’ll surface these details clearly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Comparing only the standing charge
A £0 standing charge can look compelling, but a higher unit rate may increase overall costs if your usage is moderate to high.
Using the wrong usage estimate
If your kWh estimate is too low, you may choose a tariff that becomes expensive once real usage is billed.
Ignoring exit fees / term length
Some fixed deals include exit fees. If you plan to switch again soon, factor this into the decision.
Forgetting about time-of-use options
If you can shift usage (e.g. EV charging overnight), time-of-use tariffs may outperform £0 standing charge deals.
FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs
Are no standing charge tariffs always cheaper?
No. They can be cheaper for low usage households, but a higher unit rate can make them more expensive if you use more energy. The best approach is to compare estimated annual cost using your kWh.
Can I get no standing charge for both gas and electricity?
Sometimes, but not always. Some suppliers offer it for electricity only, or have different terms for gas. Your results will depend on postcode, meter type, and supplier availability.
Do I need a smart meter?
Not necessarily, but some tariffs (especially those with more complex pricing) are available only with smart meters. If you select your meter type in the form, we’ll tailor results accordingly.
Will switching affect my supply?
In most cases, switching is administrative and your energy supply continues as normal. Any meter changes or appointments will be clearly communicated if required.
What if my usage changes during the year?
If you expect usage to increase (e.g. moving to a larger property, adding an EV, working from home), a no standing charge tariff may become less competitive. It’s worth re-checking options when your circumstances change.
Is “no standing charge” the same as “low standing charge”?
Not always. Some tariffs market a reduced daily charge rather than £0. We’ll show the standing charge clearly in p/day so you can compare like-for-like.
Trusted comparisons, clearer decisions
People usually come to no standing charge tariffs because they want a fairer bill and fewer fixed costs. Our job is to make sure the numbers stack up for your home.
“I assumed £0 standing charge would be cheapest. The comparison showed it wasn’t for my usage, which saved me from switching to a pricier deal.”
— Homeowner, Yorkshire
“Simple form, quick results, and the explanation of unit rates vs standing charges made it easy to pick the right tariff.”
— Flat resident, London
“We use very little energy in our second home. The comparison helped us find an option that reduced fixed daily costs.”
— Second home owner, Wales
Ready to check the best no standing charge tariff for your postcode?
Tell us your postcode and meter type and we’ll show what’s available. You’ll see unit rates, standing charges and estimated costs so you can choose the right deal for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Clear breakdown of costs
- Home energy only
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