What is a standing charge and why do energy suppliers charge it?

A standing charge is a fixed daily amount you pay for having an electricity and/or gas supply, regardless of how much energy you use. It helps cover costs like maintaining the network, metering and billing, and government/environmental schemes. It appears on your bill as a pence-per-day charge.

What does a discounted standing charge energy tariff mean?

A discounted standing charge tariff reduces the fixed daily standing charge compared with standard tariffs. In many cases, the unit rate (p/kWh) is higher to balance the overall cost, so the best option depends on your usage pattern.

Are discounted standing charge tariffs cheaper overall?

Not always. If the tariff has a lower standing charge but a higher unit rate, it may suit low-usage homes, vacant properties, or households that have reduced consumption. Higher-usage households can sometimes pay more overall. Comparing the annual cost based on your kWh usage is the most reliable way to tell.

Who is most likely to benefit from a low standing charge tariff in the UK?

Low standing charge tariffs can be a good fit for people who use relatively little gas/electricity (for example: smaller homes, single occupants, or properties that are empty for parts of the year). They can also appeal to customers who want more of their bill to reflect actual usage rather than fixed daily costs.

Can a discounted standing charge tariff have a higher unit rate?

Yes. Some tariffs lower the standing charge but increase the unit rate (p/kWh). When comparing tariffs, look at both figures and estimate your annual cost using your typical consumption.

How do I compare energy tariffs with different standing charges?

To compare fairly, calculate an estimated annual cost: (unit rate × expected yearly kWh) + (standing charge × 365). Use your past bills for kWh, or your smart meter/app data if available. This shows which tariff is better for your household rather than comparing standing charges alone.

Are there zero standing charge energy tariffs in the UK?

Some suppliers may advertise very low or occasional promotional standing charges, but true zero standing charge tariffs are uncommon because many fixed costs still need to be recovered. Where standing charges are reduced significantly, the unit rate is often higher.

Does the Energy Price Cap affect standing charges and unit rates?

Yes. Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap sets limits (for standard variable tariffs) on the average amount suppliers can charge, which is reflected through both standing charges and unit rates. The cap level changes over time and can vary by region and payment method.

Could a low standing charge tariff be risky if my usage increases?

It can be. If the unit rate is higher, your total bill could rise faster when you use more energy (for example, during winter or if more people move into the home). If your consumption varies a lot, it’s worth comparing costs at both your typical and peak usage levels.

How can Energy Plus help me find the right tariff?

Energy Plus provides guides and information to help you understand tariff structures (including standing charges) and make a more confident choice. You can start by exploring guides and FAQs here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/

Energy tariffs with discounted standing charge in the UK

Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs that may reduce your standing charge (where available) and see if switching could cut your daily costs—without compromising on unit rates.

Whole-of-market comparison for home gas & electricity
See tariffs with lower standing charges, low unit rates, or both
Quick form—get matched to suitable options for your postcode

Compare discounted standing charge tariffs How discounted standing charges work

Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. We compare home energy deals only (not business). Switching is subject to eligibility and supplier T&Cs.

Compare UK tariffs with a lower standing charge (where available)

If your bills feel high even when you’re using less energy, your standing charge could be a big part of the cost. Some suppliers offer tariffs designed to reduce the daily standing charge—sometimes in exchange for a different unit rate, a fixed term, or specific payment methods.

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable home energy tariffs for your area, including options that may have discounted standing charges compared with typical deals.

Tip: A discounted standing charge can suit low usage homes (e.g., small flats, empty-nesters, or households out during the day). For higher usage, a slightly higher standing charge may be outweighed by a much lower unit rate—so it’s worth comparing total annual cost, not just the daily fee.

What you’ll see after you submit

Matched tariff options for your postcode region and meter type
A clear view of standing charge vs unit rate trade-offs
Guidance on whether a dual fuel switch (gas + electricity) could help

Get your discounted standing charge comparison

Good to know: Standing charges and unit rates vary by region, payment method and meter type (including smart and prepayment meters).

Who a discounted standing charge tariff can suit

Low energy users

If your home uses relatively few kWh, the standing charge can make up a larger proportion of your bill. A lower daily fee may reduce your baseline cost.

Small homes & flats

One- and two-bedroom properties often consume less energy overall. Comparing tariffs that prioritise a lower standing charge can make the total cost more predictable.

Second homes / periods away

If you’re away for weeks at a time, you still pay the standing charge daily. A discounted standing charge can help reduce costs when consumption is minimal.

Electricity-only households

If you don’t have mains gas, your electricity standing charge becomes more noticeable. Comparing electricity-only tariffs can highlight better value structures.

Budget-focused planners

A lower standing charge can lower the minimum you pay each month, which may help with budgeting—especially in warmer months when usage drops.

People who compare properly

The best tariff depends on your annual usage. We help you compare standing charge and unit rates together so you can choose based on total cost.

What is the standing charge on an energy tariff?

The standing charge is a daily fixed amount you pay to have your home connected to the gas and/or electricity network. It covers costs that don’t change with your usage, such as metering, maintaining the network, and supplier administration.

Standing charge vs unit rate

Your bill is typically made up of (1) the standing charge (p/day) plus (2) the unit rate (p/kWh). A tariff with a discounted standing charge may have a different unit rate—so comparing the annual cost is key.

Why it varies across the UK

Standing charges differ by distribution region and can also vary by payment method and meter type. That’s why your postcode helps us show options relevant to your area.

Simple comparison example (illustrative only)

Tariff	Standing charge (p/day)	Unit rate (p/kWh)	Best for
Lower standing charge	Lower	Sometimes higher	Low annual usage / long periods away
Lower unit rate	Sometimes higher	Lower	Higher annual usage
Balanced	Typical	Typical	Most households

To decide what’s best, use your annual kWh (from a bill or your online account). If you don’t have it, we can still help you compare based on typical usage estimates for your household—then you can confirm once you see supplier details.

How to find the best standing charge deal (without missing hidden costs)

A discounted standing charge sounds straightforward, but real value depends on the full tariff structure. Use this quick process to compare confidently.

Start with your postcode and meter type

Prices vary by region and meter (credit, prepayment, smart, Economy 7). Your postcode helps show tariffs available in your area.
Compare total annual cost, not just p/day

A lower standing charge can be offset by a higher unit rate. Always compare using your estimated kWh to see which option is truly cheaper overall.
Check terms that affect value

Look for exit fees, fixed vs variable pricing, direct debit requirements, and whether discounts apply for dual fuel or online billing.
Switch at the right time

If you’re on a fixed tariff, check your end date. You can usually switch without exit fees during the final window (supplier rules vary). If you’re already on a variable tariff, you can often switch sooner.

Want the quickest route? Use the comparison form and we’ll help identify tariffs that may reduce your standing charge while remaining competitive on total cost.

Tariff types that may offer a discounted standing charge

There isn’t one universal “standing charge discount” product. Instead, lower standing charges can appear in several tariff styles, depending on supplier strategy and regional pricing.

Fixed tariffs

Some fixed deals set a lower standing charge for a term, often with a specific unit rate. Fixed tariffs can provide price certainty.

May include exit fees
Good for budgeting
Compare total annual cost carefully

Variable tariffs

Variable rates can change. A lower standing charge may be available at certain times, but it can move with pricing updates.

Often more flexible
Less price certainty
Watch for changes over time

Online / direct debit deals

Some suppliers price more competitively for customers who pay by direct debit and manage accounts online—sometimes reflected in a lower standing charge.

Convenient account management
May suit most households
Check paper billing charges

Dual fuel pricing

Switching gas and electricity together can sometimes improve overall pricing. This may not always mean a lower standing charge, but it can reduce total cost.

One supplier, one set of bills
Potential bundled value
Confirm each fuel is competitive

Discounted standing charge: savings, trade-offs and common pitfalls

When it can save you money

Your annual kWh is low (standing charge forms a large share of your bill)
You’re away often and want to lower baseline costs
You value predictable monthly spend, particularly in summer
You’ve compared total annual cost, not just the daily rate

Common pitfalls to avoid

Ignoring unit rates: a higher p/kWh can outweigh a lower p/day
Not checking exit fees: fixed deals can charge to leave early
Overlooking meter setup: Economy 7 and prepay pricing can differ
Comparing the wrong region: your network area affects charges

Quick rule of thumb

If you’re primarily chasing a lower standing charge, focus on total annual cost at your usage. If you don’t know your kWh, use your last 12 months of bills or ask us to estimate and then fine-tune after you see your options.

Regional and meter considerations (UK)

Standing charges and unit rates can change depending on where you live and how you pay. This is why a “good” deal in one part of the UK may look different elsewhere.

Distribution region

Your electricity network area (and gas region) can impact pricing. A discounted standing charge tariff may be available in some regions but not others.

Prepayment meters

Prepay tariffs can price differently and availability can be more limited. If you’re considering switching meter type, check feasibility and timing with suppliers.

Economy 7 / multi-rate

Multi-rate meters have different day/night unit rates. A lower standing charge may not be the best choice if your usage pattern benefits from cheaper off-peak rates.

FAQs: discounted standing charge energy tariffs

Can I get a zero standing charge tariff in the UK?

True zero standing charge tariffs are uncommon and availability can be limited. Some deals may lower the standing charge but adjust the unit rate. The most reliable way to decide is to compare based on your usage and postcode.

Will a lower standing charge always reduce my bill?

Not always. If the unit rate is higher, the total can increase—especially for medium or high usage households. Compare the estimated annual cost to see the real impact.

Do standing charges differ for gas and electricity?

Yes. Gas and electricity each have their own standing charge, and both can vary by region and payment method. If you’re dual fuel, you’ll typically see a standing charge for each fuel.

Is it worth switching if I’m on a standard variable tariff?

It can be. Many households start on a standard variable tariff after a fixed deal ends. Comparing could reveal better value structures—whether that’s a lower standing charge, a lower unit rate, or a better balance of both.

What information do I need to compare accurately?

Your postcode, whether you have gas and/or electricity, meter type (e.g., smart, Economy 7, prepay), and ideally your annual usage in kWh. If you don’t know usage, we can start with an estimate and refine later.

Does switching affect my supply or cause outages?

No. Your energy comes through the same pipes and wires. Switching changes who bills you and at what rates. Any planned changes are managed between suppliers.

Still unsure? Jump back to Compare now and we’ll help you find a tariff structure that fits how your household actually uses energy.

Trust & social proof

We focus on clear comparisons and practical help—especially where tariffs are easy to misunderstand (like standing charge discounts). Here’s what customers typically value about the experience.

“I didn’t realise my standing charge was adding so much. The comparison made it easy to see the trade-off with unit rates.”

Homeowner, South East

“Simple form and clear follow-up. I switched to a tariff that suited our low usage rather than chasing the cheapest headline price.”

Flat resident, Scotland

“Helpful explanation of standing charge vs unit rate. It stopped me choosing the wrong deal for our family’s usage.”

Family household, Midlands

What we compare

We compare home energy tariffs across the market and highlight differences in standing charge, unit rates, contract length and key terms—so you can choose based on total value, not guesswork.

Ready to reduce your daily energy costs?

Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and see if a discounted standing charge option is available for your postcode—then choose based on the total annual price.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

We’ll help you understand the standing charge vs unit rate trade-off so you can pick the right tariff for your household usage.

Before you switch, have handy

Your postcode
A recent bill (optional but helpful)
Your meter type (smart, prepay, Economy 7)

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026