What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

A no standing charge tariff is an electricity or gas tariff where you pay no daily fixed charge. Instead, the supplier recovers costs through a higher unit rate (price per kWh). It can suit homes that use very little energy, but may cost more for typical or higher usage. Compare your annual cost, not just the standing charge.

Who benefits most from no standing charge tariffs?

People who typically benefit most are low-usage customers (very small households), properties that are vacant for long periods, holiday lets between bookings, and customers trying to avoid paying a daily charge when they use little or no energy. If you regularly use heating, hot water, or cook with gas/electric daily, a standard tariff can often work out cheaper overall.

When is a no standing charge tariff not worth it?

It’s often not worth it when your usage is moderate or high, because the unit rate is usually higher. It may also be poor value if you can access a competitive standard tariff with a low standing charge and a lower unit rate, or if your household energy use increases seasonally (for example, electric heating in winter).

How do I calculate the break-even point between standing charge and unit rate?

To estimate break-even usage, divide the annual standing charge you’d pay on a standard tariff by the difference in unit rate between the two tariffs. For example, if the standard standing charge is 60p/day (about £219/year) and the no-standing-charge tariff is 10p/kWh more expensive, the break-even is roughly 2,190 kWh/year. Below that, no-standing-charge may be cheaper; above it, a standard tariff may be cheaper.

Are no standing charge tariffs available for both gas and electricity?

Some suppliers offer no standing charge options for electricity, gas, or both, but availability varies by supplier, region, and meter type. Always check the full tariff details, including unit rates, any minimum usage rules, and whether the tariff is fixed or variable.

Do no standing charge tariffs affect smart meters or prepayment meters?

They can be available with smart meters, but not all suppliers offer them for every meter type. With prepayment meters, standing charges are commonly collected daily; a no standing charge tariff may work differently depending on the supplier’s rules. Confirm eligibility and how charges are applied before switching.

Can a no standing charge tariff help if my property is empty?

Potentially, yes—removing the daily charge can reduce costs during periods of very low or zero usage. However, you may still pay for any energy used (for example, security lights, a boiler frost setting, or appliances on standby), and the higher unit rate can increase costs when the property is occupied.

What should I check before switching to a no standing charge tariff?

Check the unit rate (p/kWh), whether the tariff is fixed or variable, contract length, exit fees, eligibility by meter type, and any minimum usage or fair use terms. Most importantly, compare the total annual cost using your real kWh consumption from recent bills or smart meter data. You can also compare energy options and get help switching via https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

How can I find the cheapest tariff for my usage?

Use your annual kWh usage (electricity and/or gas) and compare quotes based on total yearly cost rather than headline standing charge. If you’re unsure of your usage, take it from a recent bill or your online account. For help comparing options and switching, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Is a no standing charge tariff worth it in the UK?

Q: Is a no standing charge tariff worth it in the UK?

It can be worth it if your energy use is very low (for example, an empty property, a small flat with minimal usage, or someone away most of the time). For many households, the higher unit rate can outweigh the saving from removing the standing charge. The best way to decide is to compare total annual cost using your actual kWh usage.

No standing charge energy tariffs can look like an easy win—especially if you use very little gas or electricity. But in the UK they often come with a higher unit rate, limited availability, and important trade-offs. Use this guide to decide, then compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus.co.uk and switch with confidence.

Find out who typically benefits (and who doesn’t)
See a simple break-even way to judge real value
Compare no standing charge vs standard tariffs whole-of-market
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For UK households only. We compare whole-of-market tariffs where available. Quotes depend on your postcode, meter type and usage.

Compare no standing charge tariffs (and alternatives)

A no standing charge tariff removes (or reduces to £0) the daily fixed charge you typically pay for having your supply connected. In the UK, most suppliers recover those costs by charging a higher unit rate per kWh—so the best option depends on how much energy you actually use.

EnergyPlus.co.uk compares whole-of-market home energy deals where available, including standard tariffs, fixed deals and any no standing charge options that apply to your meter type and region.

Quick tip before you start

If you know your annual usage (kWh) from a bill or your online account, use that. If not, we can estimate from your household size and heating type—then you can refine later.

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What is a no standing charge tariff?

Most UK gas and electricity tariffs have two main parts:

Standing charge (daily fixed cost)

A daily amount you pay regardless of usage. It contributes to network costs, metering, and other fixed elements of supply.

Unit rate (cost per kWh)

What you pay for each unit of gas or electricity you use. This is where higher consumption quickly increases your bill.

No standing charge usually means the daily charge is removed, but the supplier may compensate by setting a higher unit rate or applying other terms. Always check the tariff information label.

Who might benefit from a no standing charge tariff?

A no standing charge tariff can be worth it in the UK if your usage is low enough that the higher unit rate doesn’t outweigh the saved daily charge.

Low-use homes

Small flats, single occupants, or homes where heating is rarely used (for example, very well-insulated properties).

Second homes / part-time occupancy

If the property is empty for long periods, removing a daily charge can reduce the “cost of being connected”.

Careful budgeters

If you monitor usage closely and can keep kWh low, the maths can work in your favour.

Who it’s usually not best for

Medium-to-high usage homes

Families, electric heating users, and anyone with higher kWh consumption may pay more overall if the unit rate is higher.

People who want maximum predictability

With a higher unit rate, bills can swing more with seasonal usage—especially in winter.

The simple break-even test (does £0 standing charge really save money?)

You can quickly estimate whether a no standing charge tariff is worth it by comparing:

Standing charge saving per day (standard tariff standing charge - no standing charge)
Extra unit rate cost per kWh (no standing charge unit rate - standard tariff unit rate)

Break-even formula

Break-even daily usage (kWh/day) ˜ Standing charge saving per day ÷ Extra unit rate per kWh.

Example (illustrative)

If a standard tariff has a 55p/day standing charge and the no standing charge tariff is £0/day, you save £0.55/day. If the no standing charge unit rate is 6p/kWh higher, then:

Break-even = 0.55 ÷ 0.06 ˜ 9.2 kWh/day. If you use less than ~9 kWh/day (on average), the no standing charge option could be cheaper; above that, it’s likely more expensive.

Figures are examples only. Actual standing charges and unit rates vary by region, payment method, tariff type, and time.

What to compare (so you don’t get misled)

Annual cost estimate

Use your kWh (or a realistic estimate) to compare full-year costs, not just daily charges.

Winter vs summer usage

Higher winter usage can flip the result if unit rates are much higher.

Electricity vs gas

You might find it works for one fuel but not the other, depending on rates and usage.

Pros and cons of no standing charge tariffs

Potential advantages

Lower costs for very low usage where standing charges dominate the bill.
Less “paying for nothing” when the home is empty or energy use is minimal.
Simple to understand if you mainly focus on usage-based cost.

Common downsides

Higher unit rates can make bills larger once usage rises.
Limited availability depending on supplier, region, meter type and payment method.
Less forgiving in winter when heating drives consumption up.
Comparisons can be tricky if you don’t use accurate kWh figures.

Practical takeaway: Don’t decide based on the standing charge alone. Decide based on your total annual cost for each tariff, using realistic usage.

How to compare tariffs properly (UK checklist)

Use this process to avoid common mistakes when comparing no standing charge energy tariffs in the UK.

Get your actual usage (kWh) if possible.
Check your latest bill or online account. If you have a smart meter, use 12 months of data to reflect seasonal changes.
Compare annual cost, not just the headline.
A £0 standing charge can still cost more overall if the unit rate is higher.
Check your payment method and meter type.
Direct Debit, prepayment meters, Economy 7, and smart meters can affect eligibility and pricing.
Look out for time-limited offers and exit fees.
Fixed deals may have exit fees. Variable tariffs can change over time.
Consider customer service and billing reliability.
The cheapest tariff isn’t always the smoothest experience—especially if you need support.

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No standing charge vs standard tariffs: what changes in the bill?

Use the table below to understand what you’re trading when you choose a no standing charge option.

Feature	Standard tariff	No standing charge tariff
Daily standing charge	Usually applies every day	Often £0 (or reduced)
Unit rate (kWh)	Can be lower	Often higher
Best for	Most average-use homes	Very low-use homes / empty periods
Risk	Pay daily even with low use	Bills rise quickly if use increases
Availability	Widely available	Can be limited by region/meter/supplier

If you’re unsure of your usage, start with an estimate and then update it once you find your annual kWh. Even a rough kWh figure makes comparisons far more accurate than choosing based on standing charge alone.

Regional and household factors that affect value

Where you live (postcode)

Unit rates and standing charges vary across Great Britain by region. Your postcode can change the break-even point.

Heating type

Electric heating and hot water can push electricity usage high, which can make a higher unit rate costly.

Meter type and tariffs

Economy 7 and some smart meter time-of-use tariffs have different structures that may outperform £0 standing charge.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing based on standing charge only

A higher unit rate can wipe out the savings quickly. Always compare projected annual cost.

Using unrealistically low usage estimates

If your kWh estimate is too low, no standing charge options look better than they are.

FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK

Are no standing charge tariffs actually cheaper?

Sometimes—but mainly for very low usage households. In many cases, the supplier offsets the missing standing charge with a higher unit rate, which can make the overall annual bill higher for average-use homes.

Do all suppliers offer £0 standing charge?

No. Availability can be limited and may depend on your region, meter type and payment method. That’s why whole-of-market comparison is useful—so you can see what’s genuinely available to you.

Will I still pay anything if I use zero energy?

On a true no standing charge tariff, you may pay nothing for days you use no energy. But check the tariff details carefully—some deals reduce standing charge rather than removing it completely, or have other terms that affect costs.

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

It depends on exit fees and how much you’d save. If your current fixed deal has a high unit rate or high standing charge, switching could still be worthwhile—but always check exit fees and compare total annual costs.

Does a smart meter affect whether I can get a no standing charge tariff?

It can. Some tariffs require a smart meter (especially time-of-use tariffs). Others don’t. When you compare with EnergyPlus.co.uk, we’ll show options relevant to your set-up and location.

Can I get no standing charge for both gas and electricity?

Sometimes, but not always. Some households do better mixing approaches—for example, a standard tariff for one fuel and a different tariff structure for the other—depending on usage patterns.

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Trust and social proof

Households use comparison services for one reason: clarity. Here’s what people value when switching with a structured, whole-of-market approach.

“I thought no standing charge was always cheaper. Seeing the annual cost comparison made the decision obvious.”

— Hannah, Leeds

“The break-even explanation helped me understand the trade-off in minutes.”

— Mark, Bristol

“Good to see options beyond the headline. We ended up on a better fixed deal instead.”

— Priya, Glasgow

What you can expect from EnergyPlus.co.uk

Whole-of-market comparison where available, based on your postcode and meter type
Clear tariff breakdowns (standing charge, unit rate, estimated annual cost)
Switch guidance focused on UK households—not businesses

Ready to find out if £0 standing charge is right for you?

Get personalised, whole-of-market quotes for your home and compare total annual cost—not just the headline rate.

Fast postcode-based results
See no standing charge options where available
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Updated on 21 Jan 2026