Should I switch to a no standing charge tariff in the UK?
No standing charge tariffs can look cheaper, but they’re not right for everyone. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus to see whether a zero standing charge option could suit your usage, meter type and budget.
- Check if you’d actually pay less based on your kWh usage
- See eligibility (smart meter / prepayment / region) before you switch
- Compare against standard tariffs and fixed deals from multiple suppliers
- Switch online in minutes with a simple form
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Estimates depend on tariff availability, region and meter type. You’ll always see unit rates and standing charges before you decide.
Compare no standing charge tariffs (whole-of-market)
A no standing charge tariff (sometimes called a zero standing charge tariff) removes the daily fixed fee, but the supplier usually charges a higher unit rate (p/kWh) instead. Whether it saves you money depends on how much gas and electricity you use.
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare energy plans across the market, including tariffs that reduce or remove standing charges where available. Use the form to see options that match your postcode, meter type and current setup.
Quick check before you start
- If you use energy most days (family homes, electric heating, EV charging), a zero standing charge tariff can be more expensive.
- If your home is empty for long periods (second home, long travel, minimal usage), it can sometimes reduce fixed costs.
- Availability varies by supplier, region and meter (credit, smart, prepayment).
Tip: Have a recent bill handy if you can. If not, don’t worry — we can still help you compare by postcode and typical usage.
What is a no standing charge tariff?
Most UK energy tariffs include two parts:
- Standing charge (p/day): a fixed daily amount that contributes to network costs, metering and maintaining your supply.
- Unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay for each unit of electricity or gas you use.
A no standing charge tariff removes (or significantly reduces) the daily fixed cost. To compensate, the supplier typically sets a higher unit rate. That means it can work well if you use very little energy, but it can cost more if you use average or high amounts.
You could save if…
Your usage is very low, you’re away often, or your home is empty for long periods.
You might pay more if…
You use energy every day, have electric heating, work from home, or run an EV/heat pump.
It depends on…
Your region, meter type (credit/smart/prepay), payment method and supplier availability.
No standing charge break-even calculator (simple rule)
To decide if switching makes sense, compare the extra unit rate you’d pay against the standing charge you’d avoid.
Break-even formula
Break-even daily usage (kWh/day) ˜ Standing charge (p/day) ÷ Extra unit rate (p/kWh)
If you use less than the break-even usage, a no standing charge tariff may be cheaper. If you use more, you may pay more overall.
Example (illustrative)
In this example, if you use under 5 kWh/day for that fuel, the no standing charge option could be cheaper. Many households use more than this for electricity (and gas in winter), so it’s worth checking your actual kWh figures from a bill or smart meter app.
Important: Some tariffs advertise “no standing charge” but may embed costs elsewhere (higher unit rate, limited discounts, or specific payment methods). Always compare total annual cost for your usage.
Who is a no standing charge tariff best for?
These tariffs can be a good fit in specific situations. Here are the most common UK household scenarios.
Often suitable
- Second homes, holiday homes, or properties empty for weeks at a time
- Very low-usage flats (single occupant, efficient appliances)
- Homes with alternative heating where gas/electric use is minimal
- People who want fewer fixed daily costs (and accept higher unit rates)
Often not suitable
- Families and shared houses with daily cooking/heating usage
- Work-from-home households with higher daytime electricity use
- EV charging at home or electricity-heavy lifestyles
- Electric heating, heat pumps, or high winter gas consumption
If your usage is seasonal
Some households use very little in summer but much more in winter. In that case, compare on annual kWh (not just a quiet month) to avoid surprises when the heating goes on.
How to compare no standing charge tariffs properly
To make a confident decision, avoid comparing only the headline “£0 standing charge”. Instead, compare like-for-like using your usage and the tariff structure.
- Find your usage (kWh) for electricity and gas from your latest bill, online account or smart meter app.
- Note your current standing charge and unit rate (these can differ for gas vs electricity and by region).
- Estimate annual cost: (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365).
- Check tariff type: fixed vs variable, any exit fees, and how long the price is guaranteed.
- Confirm meter/payment eligibility: credit meter vs smart meter vs prepayment can change what’s available.
- Factor in behaviour changes: if you plan to charge an EV, install a heat pump, or work from home, your usage may rise.
Credit meters
Most comparisons are based on standard credit meter tariffs. Availability of zero standing charge can be limited and varies by supplier and region.
Smart meters
Some specialist tariffs may require a smart meter. If you don’t have one, check whether the supplier offers installation.
Prepayment
Prepay tariffs can price differently. We’ll help you compare what’s available for your meter type and whether switching meter is worthwhile.
Common mistakes to avoid
Comparing only standing charges
A tariff with a £0 standing charge can still cost more overall if the unit rate is higher. Always compare annual cost for your typical kWh.
Using a low-usage month
If you compare using summer usage only, you may underestimate winter heating costs (especially for gas). Use a full year where possible.
Missing tariff terms
Check whether a tariff is fixed or variable, any exit fees, and whether prices can change during the term.
Not checking meter setup
Some tariffs are not available for every meter type (smart, economy-style meters, prepay). We’ll help you filter what you can actually get.
FAQs: no standing charge tariffs in the UK
Are no standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Not always. Availability can vary by region (network area), supplier, and meter/payment type. If there isn’t a true £0 standing charge option for your postcode, we’ll show the closest alternatives (for example, lower standing charge tariffs or fixed deals with better overall cost).
Do I need a smart meter for a zero standing charge tariff?
Some tariffs may require a smart meter (especially those with more complex pricing). Others don’t. If a smart meter is required, check whether the supplier offers installation and whether you can still get a competitive deal without one.
Will switching affect my supply or cause downtime?
No. When you switch UK energy supplier, the gas and electricity still come through the same networks. Your supply should not be interrupted. You’ll simply get bills from the new supplier once the switch completes.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
It depends on the amount and your meter type. Some customers can switch with a debt repayment plan in place, while others may need to clear the balance first. If you’re unsure, compare options and contact your supplier for guidance.
Is a no standing charge tariff good for gas, electricity, or both?
You can see different pricing for each fuel. A household might use very little gas (summer) but more electricity year-round, or vice versa. Always assess gas and electricity separately and then look at the combined annual cost if taking a dual fuel deal.
How fast can I switch to a new tariff?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within days. You’ll be kept informed of key dates, and you’ll always see the tariff start details as part of the switching journey.
Want a quick answer? If you share your postcode and a rough idea of your usage, we can help you see whether a no standing charge tariff is likely to save you money.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
Whole-of-market approach
See a range of UK home energy tariffs, including options that reduce or remove standing charges where available.
Clear, like-for-like comparisons
Compare standing charges, unit rates, and estimated annual cost so you can decide based on real usage—not headlines.
Switch support if you need it
If you’re unsure about meter types, eligibility, or timing, our journey is designed to keep it straightforward.
“I didn’t realise the unit rate was higher on the no standing charge deal. Comparing the yearly cost made the decision easy.”
UK homeowner, online comparison
“We’re away a lot, so a lower fixed cost helped. The form was quick and we could see what was actually available in our area.”
UK household, second-home usage
Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff will save you money?
Compare tariffs available for your postcode and meter setup. You’ll see unit rates, standing charges and estimated costs so you can choose what works for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Designed for UK homes (not business)
- Clear costs: unit rates + standing charges
Prefer to read more? Jump to break-even or FAQs.
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