What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed fee you usually pay to be connected to the energy network. Instead, the supplier typically charges a higher unit rate (pence per kWh), so it can suit homes with very low usage or empty properties.

Are no standing charge tariffs good for EV charging?

Often, no—because EV charging increases your electricity use, and no standing charge tariffs usually have higher unit rates. If you regularly charge an EV at home, an EV tariff with cheaper off-peak rates may cost less overall.

When does a no standing charge tariff save money?

It can save money if your household uses very little energy (for example, a small flat, a second home, or long periods away) and the savings from removing the daily charge outweigh the higher unit price.

How do I work out if a no standing charge tariff is worth it?

Compare your current tariff to a no standing charge option using your annual kWh usage from your bill. Calculate: (daily standing charge × 365) versus the extra you’d pay from a higher unit rate. The lowest total annual cost wins.

Do no standing charge tariffs still have other fees?

Some tariffs may include other charges depending on the supplier and payment method, but the key feature is that the daily standing charge is removed or reduced. Always check the tariff information label and unit rates before switching.

Is a no standing charge tariff available with smart meters and EV off-peak rates?

Not usually. EV tariffs typically rely on a smart meter and time-of-use pricing (cheap overnight electricity). No standing charge tariffs tend to be simpler, single-rate tariffs—availability varies by supplier and region.

What’s the best alternative to a no standing charge tariff for EV owners?

A dedicated EV tariff (or time-of-use tariff) is often better if you can shift charging to off-peak hours. Pair it with a smart charger to schedule charging overnight and potentially reduce running costs.

Can EnergyPlus help me choose a tariff and EV charger?

Yes. EnergyPlus can help you understand EV-friendly tariffs and choose a compatible home charger setup so you can charge at the cheapest times. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ev-charger/

Best no standing charge energy tariff (UK): is it worth it?

No-standing-charge tariffs can look cheaper, but the unit rate is usually higher. This guide shows when they can work, the pitfalls, and how to compare like-for-like in the UK.

UK-specific: what “standing charge” covers, eligibility and meter types
Two realistic cost scenarios with transparent assumptions
Comparison checklist and a quote form to check live deals in your postcode

Get your energy quote How to compare properly

Estimates only. Availability, prices and terms vary by region, payment method, meter type and credit checks where applicable.

Fast answer: the “best” no standing charge tariff depends on how much energy you use

In the UK, a no-standing-charge tariff can be good value only if your usage is low enough that avoiding the daily charge outweighs the typically higher unit rate (p/kWh). For average households, a normal tariff with a standing charge is often cheaper overall.

Usually suits

Low-use homes (e.g., small flats, single occupants)
Holiday lets / rarely occupied properties (check supplier rules)
Homes trying to reduce fixed costs and willing to watch unit rates

Usually doesn’t suit

Average/high-use households
Homes with electric heating or hot water
EV charging at home (unless unit rate is still competitive)

Key takeaway

Don’t pick based on “£0 standing charge” alone. Compare the total annual cost using your usage (kWh) and your region.

Quick check: If a tariff removes a 60p/day standing charge, that’s about £219/year saved. But if the unit rate is 10p/kWh higher and you use 2,200 kWh/year, you’d pay about £220/year more — wiping out the benefit. (Illustrative example only.)

Check no standing charge options in your area (and compare fairly)

Tariffs vary by region (your postcode), payment method (Direct Debit / prepayment), and meter type (smart, standard credit, Economy 7). Use the form to see what’s available and compare total costs.

What you’ll get: a whole-of-market style comparison showing estimated annual costs across suitable tariffs, including any no-standing-charge options available for your setup.

Good to know: Some “no standing charge” deals may have conditions (e.g., online-only billing, smart meter requirement, limited regions, or higher unit rates).

What “no standing charge” means (UK)

A standing charge is a daily fixed cost that helps cover things like maintaining the energy network, metering, and supplier operating costs. On a no-standing-charge tariff, that daily charge is set to £0 — but the supplier usually recovers costs in the unit rate (p/kWh) or through alternative pricing rules.

Electricity and gas are separate: you might see no standing charge for one fuel but not the other.
Not always “£0 forever”: prices can change at renewal or when the tariff ends (check tariff end date and notice periods).
Different by region: standing charges vary across the UK due to regional network costs.

Get your energy quote

Tell us a few details so we can show estimated prices for your postcode and meter type.

No standing charge vs standard tariffs: what to compare

To find the best no-standing-charge tariff for you, compare total cost — not just the daily charge. Use the table below as a quick decision aid, then verify with a personalised quote for your postcode and meter.

Important: Electricity and gas have different standing charges and unit rates. If you’re dual fuel, check both fuels — a no-standing-charge electricity deal could be paired with standard gas (or vice versa).

What you’re comparing	No standing charge tariff	Standard tariff (with standing charge)	Why it matters
Standing charge (p/day)	£0/day (or close)	Typically 40–70p/day (varies by region & fuel)	Low users benefit most from removing fixed daily costs.
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Often higher	Often lower	High usage can quickly outweigh standing charge savings.
Payment method	May be limited (often Direct Debit / online)	More options across suppliers	Prices and availability differ for prepayment vs credit meters.
Meter type	Some require smart meters	Available for most meter types	Economy 7/10 and complex meters can reduce options.
Exit fees & end date	Can apply on fixed deals	Can apply on fixed deals	Always check fees before switching again (especially if trying short-term deals).

Decision checklist (practical)

Choose a no standing charge tariff if…

You can estimate your annual usage (kWh) with reasonable confidence
Your usage is low (or the property is empty for long periods)
The unit rate increase is small enough that you still win on total cost
You’ve checked both electricity and gas (if dual fuel)

Stick with a standard tariff if…

You use a typical amount of energy (or more)
You have electric heating, a heat pump, immersion heater, or EV charging
You’re on Economy 7 and rely on cheaper night rates (compare carefully)
You’re unsure about meter type, tenancy rules, or have debt on the meter

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are illustrative and simplified to show how the maths works. Real prices vary by supplier, region, payment method, and tariff type.

Scenario A: low-use flat (electricity-only)

Assumed annual usage: 1,200 kWh electricity
Tariff 1 (no standing charge): 0p/day standing charge; 35p/kWh unit rate
Tariff 2 (standard): 60p/day standing charge; 27p/kWh unit rate

Estimated annual cost:
No standing charge: 1,200×£0.35 = £420
Standard: (365×£0.60) + (1,200×£0.27) = £219 + £324 = £543
Illustrative difference: about £123/year in favour of no standing charge.

Scenario B: family home (dual fuel, higher use)

Assumed annual usage: 3,200 kWh electricity; 12,000 kWh gas
Tariff 1 (no standing charge): 0p/day both fuels; 33p/kWh elec; 10p/kWh gas
Tariff 2 (standard): 55p/day elec + 32p/day gas; 26p/kWh elec; 6p/kWh gas

Estimated annual cost:
No standing charge: (3,200×£0.33) + (12,000×£0.10) = £1,056 + £1,200 = £2,256
Standard: (365×£0.55 + 365×£0.32) + (3,200×£0.26) + (12,000×£0.06)
= (£200.75+£116.80)+£832+£720 = £1,869.55
Illustrative difference: about £386/year in favour of standard.

Rule of thumb: no-standing-charge tends to favour low consumption. As usage rises, the unit rate becomes the dominant cost — and standard tariffs often win.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

No-standing-charge tariffs can be perfectly legitimate — but they’re easy to misjudge. These are the most common issues we see when customers compare tariffs.

Pitfall 1: comparing only the standing charge

The unit rate is often higher. Always calculate an estimated annual cost using your kWh usage (and check both fuels).

Pitfall 2: meter and tariff compatibility

Some deals are restricted by meter type (smart/standard, Economy 7), payment method, or region. What you see online may not match your set-up.

Pitfall 3: dual fuel assumptions

A great electricity deal can be cancelled out by expensive gas (or vice versa). Compare as a bundle and as single-fuel options.

Watch-outs you should actively check

Exit fees: common on fixed tariffs; may apply per fuel
Tariff end date: what happens when the fixed period ends (rollover tariff)
Direct Debit assumptions: quotes can assume monthly DD; paying on receipt may be higher
Warm Home Discount / support: check eligibility and whether supplier participates
Prepayment meters: options differ; switching may be limited if there’s debt on the meter

If you have an EV or electric heating

No standing charge isn’t automatically “bad” for EV charging — but EV owners typically use more electricity, so unit rate matters more.

Tip: If you charge overnight, compare against EV or time-of-use tariffs too. A higher daytime unit rate may be offset by a cheaper off-peak rate — but only if your meter and usage pattern fit.

Reality check: Some households feel a no-standing-charge tariff is “fairer” because you only pay when you use energy. That can be a valid preference — just confirm you’re comfortable with the unit rate and how it affects your annual bill.

FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs (UK)

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

Not always. Availability can depend on your region (postcode), meter type, and payment method. Some suppliers offer them only in certain areas or only for electricity (not gas).

2) Do I need a smart meter for a no standing charge tariff?

It depends on the supplier and tariff. Some tariffs are smart-meter only (especially if they’re time-of-use). Others can be available on standard meters. Always check the eligibility criteria before you apply.

3) Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper for most households?

Often, no — because the unit rate tends to be higher. They can be cheaper for low-use households or properties that are empty for long periods, but you should compare estimated annual cost using your kWh usage.

4) Can I get a no standing charge tariff on a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but choices can be more limited for prepayment than for Direct Debit customers. If you have debt on the meter, switching may be restricted. If you’re struggling to pay, get help from a trusted advice service (see sources below).

5) What happens if I use zero energy — will I pay £0?

If the standing charge is genuinely £0, your bill for that fuel could be close to £0 for the period — but check for any minimum charges, billing fees, or terms that still apply. Most mainstream tariffs bill based on usage plus standing charge, but tariff rules vary.

6) Is a no standing charge tariff better if I’m a tenant?

Potentially — tenants in small flats can be lower users. But check your tenancy terms, whether you can change supplier, and whether the meter is compatible. If you expect to move soon, consider exit fees and how easy it is to switch again.

7) Will I still pay a standing charge if I have solar panels?

On standard import tariffs, yes — standing charge usually applies even if you generate a lot of your own electricity. A no-standing-charge import tariff could reduce fixed costs, but you still need to compare unit rates and consider your export arrangements separately.

8) How do I compare tariffs fairly if prices change?

Use a consistent annual usage figure (kWh) and compare the total cost for the same payment method and meter type. For variable tariffs, treat quotes as a snapshot; for fixed tariffs, note the end date and any exit fees.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page stewardship

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

How we assess “best” (and limitations)

Best = best fit for your usage, region, meter type and payment method — not a single universal winner.
We focus on estimated annual cost (unit rate × usage + standing charge × days), then check key terms (exit fees, tariff length, eligibility).
We highlight who it suits (low users) and who it may not (higher users, EV-heavy usage), because the pricing trade-off is the core decision.
Limitations: Prices and standing charges vary by UK region and can change. Some tariffs have rules not captured by simple maths (e.g., time-of-use rates, smart meter requirements, restricted customer groups).

Where your numbers should come from

Your annual usage (kWh)

Use your latest bill, annual statement, or smart meter app. If you don’t know, any comparison will be less accurate — but you can still estimate and refine later.

Your tariff setup

Confirm whether you’re on a standard credit meter, prepayment, or a multi-rate meter like Economy 7. This can materially change the deals available.

Your region (postcode)

Standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region. Two households with identical usage can pay different amounts based purely on location.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem (Great Britain energy regulator) — guidance on the energy market and consumer protections
Citizens Advice: energy — help with bills, switching, and complaints
GOV.UK: energy grants and support — official support information and eligibility signposting

Editorial integrity: This page explains how to evaluate no-standing-charge tariffs and includes illustrative examples. When you request a quote, we aim to show suitable options and key terms, but availability and prices can change quickly across the UK market.

Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff is actually cheaper for you?

Get a postcode-based comparison with estimated annual costs, and check unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and eligibility in one place.

Get your energy quote Recheck key takeaways

Back to EV Charger

Updated on 1 Apr 2026