What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff is an electricity or gas plan with no daily fixed fee (standing charge). Instead, you typically pay a higher unit rate per kWh. It can suit homes with very low usage or properties that are empty for long periods.

Are no standing charge tariffs actually cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if your energy use is low enough that avoiding the daily standing charge outweighs the higher unit rate. For medium or high usage households, a standard tariff with a standing charge is often better value. The best way to know is to compare annual cost using your typical kWh usage.

Who is a no standing charge tariff best for?

No standing charge tariffs may work well for: low-usage households, single-occupancy homes, holiday lets between bookings, empty properties, and customers who want to minimise fixed costs. If you regularly charge an EV at home or have electric heating, you’ll usually benefit from a tariff with a competitive unit rate (often with a standing charge).

Can I get a no standing charge electricity tariff if I charge an EV at home?

You can, but it’s not always cost-effective. EV charging adds significant kWh, so a higher unit rate can outweigh the benefit of £0 standing charge. Many EV drivers save more with EV-specific or off-peak tariffs that offer cheaper overnight rates.

Do no standing charge tariffs affect my smart meter or EV charger?

No. Your smart meter and EV charger will work the same. The difference is purely in how your energy costs are priced (standing charge vs unit rate). Smart meters can help you track usage and validate whether a no standing charge plan is saving you money.

Are no standing charge tariffs fixed or variable?

They can be either. Some suppliers offer variable no standing charge tariffs where rates can change, while others may offer fixed-term deals. Always check the tariff type, exit fees, and how long the rates are guaranteed.

Will I pay anything if I use zero energy on a no standing charge tariff?

Typically, if the tariff genuinely has no standing charge, you won’t pay a daily fee when you use zero energy. You may still have other charges on your bill in some situations (for example, debt repayments), so check your supplier’s terms.

What are the risks of switching to a no standing charge tariff?

The main risk is higher unit rates. If your usage increases (for example in winter, with home working, or with EV charging), you could pay more overall than on a standard tariff. Compare costs using annual kWh and re-check after a few months.

How do I choose the best no standing charge tariff this month?

Compare tariffs using your expected annual electricity (and gas) usage, your region, and your meter type. Focus on total estimated annual cost, not just the headline standing charge. For a quicker decision, use a comparison tool or speak to an advisor to identify the best-value tariff for your usage profile.

How can Energy Plus help me pick the right tariff for my home and EV charging?

Energy Plus can help you compare options based on your actual usage and whether you charge an EV at home. If you’re unsure, start by reviewing your latest bill (kWh usage) and then explore EV-friendly or low-fixed-cost tariffs so you can choose the best balance of unit rate and standing charge. Learn more at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ev-charger/.

Best no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK (this month)

A practical, UK-focused guide to “zero standing charge” gas and electricity tariffs—how they work, who they suit, and how to compare them safely with your current deal.

See when no standing charge can be cheaper (and when it usually isn’t)
Understand the trade-off: higher unit rates vs paying a daily standing charge
Get a whole-of-market comparison via EnergyPlus in minutes

Get your energy quote How no standing charge tariffs work

Figures in this guide are estimates for typical UK households and will vary by region, meter type, payment method and supplier terms.

Fast answer: are no standing charge tariffs “best” in the UK?

They can be best only for some low-usage situations (for example, a small flat that’s empty much of the week, a second home, or households that use very little gas/electricity). In most cases, a no standing charge tariff replaces the daily standing charge with higher unit rates, so medium-to-high users often pay more overall.

Key point: The “best” tariff is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your usage in your region and meter type—not the lowest standing charge on its own.

Key takeaways (UK)

Standing charges vary by region (network area) and by fuel. Electricity and gas each have their own standing charge.

Eligibility can be limited (meter type, payment method, credit checks, or “new customer only” offers).

Compare total cost, including unit rates, any discounts, exit fees, and how prices can change (fixed vs variable).

Quick self-check: If you use energy most days (working from home, family household, electric heating, EV charging), a no standing charge tariff is often less competitive because higher unit rates apply to every kWh you use.

Compare no standing charge tariffs (whole of market)

Use the form to get a tailored comparison. We’ll show options that match your details—including any no standing charge tariffs available for your postcode, meter type and payment method—plus standard tariffs so you can see the true trade-off.

What you’ll need: postcode, contact details, and (if you can) a recent bill so your usage is accurate. If you don’t have exact usage, we can estimate—then you can refine later.

How no standing charge tariffs work (plain English)

Standard pricing:

You pay a daily standing charge (for network costs, metering and policy costs) plus a unit rate for each kWh used.

No standing charge pricing:

The standing charge is reduced to £0, but the unit rate is usually higher. You pay more per kWh, but nothing (or less) on days you use little/none.

Important: Some offers are marketed as “no standing charge” but apply only to one fuel (electricity or gas) or only at certain times, or they offset the standing charge via a higher unit rate or a fixed monthly fee. Always compare estimated annual cost and read tariff information labels.

What changes your price the most

Region / network area: Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain. Your postcode determines the distribution area.
Meter type: Single-rate, Economy 7/other multi-rate, smart meter, and (in some cases) prepayment meters can have different tariff availability and pricing.
Payment method: Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt. Prepayment options vary widely and may not be offered by every supplier.
Consumption pattern: No standing charge tariffs tend to favour low usage. If you use most energy at certain times (e.g., Economy 7), the split between day/night rates matters.

Get a tailored quote

We’ll use your postcode to find available tariffs and show estimated annual costs. This helps you judge whether a no standing charge option is genuinely competitive for you.

No standing charge vs standard tariffs: what to compare

No standing charge tariffs aren’t “one thing”—pricing structures vary. Use the table below as a practical checklist of what matters, then confirm the details for your postcode and meter.

What you’re comparing	Standard tariff	No standing charge tariff	Why it matters (UK)
Standing charge (p/day)	Usually applies daily	£0 (or advertised as £0)	This is where you “save” on low-use days—but you’ll often pay for it elsewhere.
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Lower / typical	Often higher	Higher unit rates can outweigh standing charge savings if you use energy daily.
Fuel coverage	Electric and/or gas	May apply to one fuel only	A “no standing charge” electricity tariff doesn’t remove the gas standing charge (and vice versa).
Meter compatibility	Wider availability	Can be restricted	Economy 7, smart meters, and some legacy meters may have fewer options.
Price structure	Fixed or variable	Fixed or variable	Variable tariffs can change; fixed deals may include exit fees.
Exit fees	Sometimes	Sometimes	If the maths doesn’t work after a few bills, exit fees can make switching again costly.
Discounts / conditions	May include DD or online discounts	May include minimum usage or other conditions	Always check tariff terms and the tariff information label to avoid surprises.

Who it suits (usually)

Very low usage homes (e.g., small flat, single occupant, high time away)
Second homes or properties empty for long periods
Households that can keep kWh usage consistently low
Some gas customers in summer (if gas use is near-zero), depending on unit rate uplift

Who it doesn’t suit (often)

Families and larger homes with daily cooking/heating usage
Electric heating or heat pump homes (higher electricity consumption)
EV charging at home (high kWh volumes magnify unit-rate costs)
Anyone who can get a strong fixed deal with low unit rates and manageable standing charges

Decision checklist (60 seconds)

Do you know your annual kWh (electricity and/or gas)?
What’s your current standing charge (p/day) and unit rate (p/kWh)?
Is the no standing charge offer for both fuels (if you have both)?
Any exit fees, minimum term, or “new customer only” conditions?
Is your meter compatible (single-rate vs Economy 7; smart meter requirement)?
Compare the estimated annual cost—not just one price component.

Tip: If you’re unsure of your annual kWh, your supplier bill usually shows it. If you have a smart meter, you can often find it in your online account or app.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

No standing charge tariffs can be helpful, but they’re easy to misjudge. Here are the most common issues we see when people compare on standing charge alone.

1) Higher unit rates can wipe out the “saving”

If the unit rate is even a few pence higher, it can outweigh a typical standing charge once you use enough kWh. This is why usage (kWh) is the key input—not just your bill total.

2) “No standing charge” may apply to one fuel only

Some deals remove the electricity standing charge but keep gas unchanged. If you heat with gas, your gas standing charge can still be a meaningful part of the annual cost.

3) Meter type and payment method restrictions

Economy 7 (multi-rate) and some prepayment arrangements may have fewer offers. Some tariffs are Direct Debit only or require passing a credit check.

4) Fixed terms and exit fees

A fixed no standing charge deal can include an exit fee. If your usage changes (e.g., winter heating, working from home), it may stop being competitive.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are simplified to show the standing charge vs unit rate trade-off. Actual prices vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method.

Scenario A: Low-use electricity only (small flat)

Assumed annual usage: 1,200 kWh electricity
Standard tariff: 55p/day standing charge; 24p/kWh
No standing charge tariff: 0p/day standing charge; 33p/kWh

Estimated annual cost:
Standard: (0.55 × 365) + (0.24 × 1,200) = £200.75 + £288.00 = £488.75
No standing charge: (0.00 × 365) + (0.33 × 1,200) = £0.00 + £396.00 = £396.00

In this low-use example, no standing charge could be cheaper because the household avoids ~£200/year in standing charges and doesn’t use enough kWh for the higher unit rate to catch up.

Scenario B: Typical household electricity usage (work from home)

Assumed annual usage: 3,100 kWh electricity
Standard tariff: 55p/day standing charge; 24p/kWh
No standing charge tariff: 0p/day standing charge; 33p/kWh

Estimated annual cost:
Standard: (0.55 × 365) + (0.24 × 3,100) = £200.75 + £744.00 = £944.75
No standing charge: (0.00 × 365) + (0.33 × 3,100) = £0.00 + £1,023.00 = £1,023.00

At higher usage, the extra 9p/kWh outweighs the standing charge saving, making the no standing charge option more expensive in this example.

Caveat: The break-even point depends on your exact standing charge difference and unit-rate difference. For dual fuel, you need to do the maths for electricity and gas separately (or compare a combined annual estimate).

Other UK-specific exclusions to watch

Price cap context: The Ofgem price cap applies to standard variable tariffs and sets a cap on the unit rate and standing charge, not your total bill.
“Intro” pricing: Some deals may have introductory rates that change after a period (check end date and what happens next).
Multi-rate tariffs: If you have Economy 7, compare day rate, night rate and standing charge together—don’t focus on one line.
Billing and readings: If your account is estimated and later corrected, your apparent savings can change.
Warm Home Discount / support schemes: Availability and treatment can vary by supplier; always check eligibility and how credits are applied.

If you’re unsure: Get a comparison that includes both no standing charge and standard options. The “best” result is the lowest estimated annual cost for your situation.

FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK

1) Do no standing charge tariffs really have a £0 standing charge?

Some do, but terms vary. Always check the tariff information label for the exact standing charge in p/day for your region and meter type. Occasionally, “no standing charge” is effectively achieved by increasing unit rates or using an alternative pricing structure.

2) Are no standing charge tariffs covered by the Ofgem price cap?

The Ofgem cap applies to standard variable tariffs (SVTs) and sets a maximum for unit rates and standing charges on those tariffs. Fixed deals aren’t capped in the same way. Regardless, you should compare estimated annual cost rather than relying on the cap as a guarantee of the cheapest option.

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

Sometimes, but availability is typically more limited than for Direct Debit. Prices can also differ. If you have prepayment and are considering switching, confirm whether the supplier supports your meter type and whether any meter exchange is required.

4) Will a no standing charge tariff work with a smart meter?

Often yes, but it depends on the supplier and tariff. Smart meter customers may also have access to a wider range of smart or time-of-use tariffs, which can compete strongly on total cost—especially if you can shift usage to off-peak times.

5) Are no standing charge tariffs good for gas in summer?

They can be, because gas usage can drop close to zero in summer for some homes. But you still need to compare the gas unit rate uplift against the standing charge you’d avoid. If you still cook with gas or use hot water via a gas boiler, usage may not be “near zero”.

6) Can a supplier refuse me a tariff?

Yes—some tariffs have eligibility rules (for example, payment method requirements, credit checks, or “new customer only” conditions). If you’re in debt to your current supplier, switching can be restricted in some cases.

7) Will I have a cooling-off period if I switch?

In many situations you’ll have a cooling-off period when you agree to switch. The exact rules can depend on how the contract is agreed and the supplier’s process. If you’re unsure, check the supplier’s terms and Ofgem guidance.

8) What’s the quickest way to know if no standing charge is right for me?

Get your annual kWh for electricity and gas and run a comparison for your postcode. If your usage is low, a no standing charge tariff may surface near the top on estimated annual cost—if it doesn’t, the higher unit rates are likely outweighing the standing charge saving.

How we assess “best” no standing charge tariffs (methodology)

“Best” is not a single tariff for everyone. For this guide, we define best as: the tariff that produces the lowest estimated annual cost for a given UK household profile, while meeting the household’s meter/payment constraints and acceptable terms (e.g., exit fees, fixed/variable preference).

Our comparison inputs (what changes results)

Postcode / region (network charges vary)
Fuel type (electric only vs dual fuel)
Meter type (single-rate, Economy 7/multi-rate, smart)
Payment method (Direct Debit, pay on receipt, prepayment)
Estimated annual usage (kWh) for each fuel
Tariff terms (fixed/variable, exit fees, eligibility conditions)

Limitations (transparency)

Prices can change (especially variable tariffs).
Some tariffs are limited by supplier availability, credit checks or customer status.
Estimated annual costs depend on the accuracy of your kWh usage.
Some suppliers structure offers in ways that don’t fit a simple “standing charge vs unit rate” headline.

Trust signals

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

Sources (UK)

We aim to keep this guide current, but supplier pricing and availability can change quickly. Always confirm tariff details before switching.

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Updated on 8 Mar 2026