Should I switch to a no standing charge tariff in the UK?
No standing charge tariffs can suit low energy users, second homes and some all-electric households that can shift usage—yet they can cost more for average use. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see what fits your home.
- Check if you’d save based on your actual usage and region
- Compare no standing charge vs standard tariffs (gas, electricity or both)
- Switch in minutes—no paperwork hassle
- UK homes only (not business energy)
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Results depend on your postcode, meter type and usage. Prices and availability can change.
Compare no standing charge tariffs for your postcode
Because UK energy prices vary by region, meter type and payment method, the only reliable way to decide is to compare personalised quotes. We’ll show you whole-of-market results and highlight where a no standing charge option could work for your household.
Tip: Have a recent bill handy (or your smart meter app). If you can enter your annual usage in kWh, you’ll get the most accurate comparison.
What you’ll get from EnergyPlus
- Estimated annual cost for standard vs no standing charge tariffs
- Visibility of tariff type (fixed, variable, tracker where available)
- Notes on exit fees and key restrictions
- Support for electricity-only, gas-only or dual fuel homes
Not sure what a standing charge is? Jump to what a no standing charge tariff means or see the break-even calculation below.
Start your comparison
Quick check: If your household uses very little energy (e.g. a flat occupied part-time), a no standing charge tariff may be worth comparing. For higher usage, the unit rate is often higher—so you’ll want to run the numbers.
What is a no standing charge tariff?
Most UK energy tariffs include two main parts:
Standing charge
A daily fixed amount you pay regardless of how much gas or electricity you use. It typically helps cover things like network costs and metering.
Unit rate
The price you pay for each kWh you use. This is where most of your bill comes from if you’re a medium or high energy user.
A no standing charge tariff removes (or heavily reduces) the daily charge, but it often compensates by increasing the unit rate. That means it can be cheaper if you use very little energy—yet more expensive if your usage is moderate to high.
Important: In the UK, “no standing charge” can mean different things depending on supplier and tariff. Some tariffs advertise “zero standing charge” for electricity but not gas (or vice versa). Always check both fuel lines before switching.
Who should consider a no standing charge tariff?
Very low energy users
If you’re out most days, live alone, or keep heating use minimal, you may benefit from avoiding a daily fixed charge—if the unit rate uplift doesn’t outweigh it.
Second homes & part-time occupancy
If the property is used occasionally (and you can keep usage genuinely low), removing standing charges can reduce costs during “quiet” months.
Homes that can shift consumption
If you can actively manage usage (e.g. heating controls, efficient appliances), you may keep consumption below the break-even point.
When it’s often not the best choice
Average or high usage households
If you regularly use heating and hot water (especially gas), a higher unit rate can add up quickly and outweigh the standing charge savings.
Households that want “set and forget” pricing
If you don’t want to monitor usage or you’re budgeting tightly, a standard tariff with a balanced standing charge and unit rate can be more predictable.
Is a no standing charge tariff cheaper? Use the break-even rule
To judge whether you’d save, compare the standing charge you’d remove with the extra unit rate you’d pay. A simple break-even calculation helps:
Break-even usage per day (kWh) ˜ Standing charge (p/day) ÷ Extra unit rate (p/kWh)
Example (illustrative only)
If a standard electricity tariff has a 55p/day standing charge, and the no standing charge option costs 6p/kWh more:
- Break-even = 55 ÷ 6 ˜ 9.2 kWh/day
- If you use less than ~9.2 kWh/day, the no standing charge tariff may be cheaper.
- If you use more than ~9.2 kWh/day, the standard tariff is likely cheaper.
What to check before deciding
Your actual annual usage (kWh)
Use the figures on your bill for electricity and gas. Estimates based on property size can be misleading.
Standing charge and unit rate for both fuels
If you’re dual fuel, compare electricity and gas separately. A “good” electricity deal can be offset by expensive gas (or vice versa).
Quick comparison table: no standing charge vs standard
| Feature | Standard tariff | No standing charge tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Daily standing charge | Usually applied (varies by region) | Often £0 (or reduced), but check fuel-by-fuel |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Often lower | Often higher |
| Best suited to | Medium to high usage households | Low usage / part-time occupancy |
| Risk | Pay even when you use nothing | Costs rise quickly if usage increases |
How switching works (UK home energy)
Switching to a different tariff is usually straightforward. In most cases you won’t lose supply, and your energy continues as normal while the paperwork is handled in the background.
- Compare based on your postcode and usage (electricity, gas, or both).
- Choose a tariff—we’ll highlight key details like unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees.
- Apply to switch—your new supplier contacts your current supplier.
- Provide a meter reading (or your smart meter does it automatically) around the switch date.
- Your new tariff starts and you receive a final bill from the old supplier.
Will my supply be interrupted?
No—switching suppliers doesn’t involve engineering work for most homes.
Do I need a smart meter?
Not necessarily. Many tariffs work with standard meters, but eligibility can vary by supplier.
What about my Direct Debit?
Your new supplier will set up payments. Always check whether prices differ by payment method.
Common mistakes to avoid when comparing no standing charge tariffs
Comparing on “bill size” without usage
A £/month bill can hide seasonal patterns. A no standing charge tariff may look good in summer but cost more in winter. Use annual kWh if possible.
Ignoring gas vs electricity differences
Some households are low electricity users but high gas users (heating). Check each fuel’s break-even separately before switching.
Not checking contract terms
A cheaper unit rate today isn’t the whole story. Review exit fees, price guarantees (fixed vs variable), and any restrictions or eligibility notes.
Assuming “no standing charge” equals “best deal”
These tariffs are a pricing structure—not automatically cheaper. The best tariff is the one that minimises your total annual cost for your usage.
No standing charge tariffs UK: FAQs
Are no standing charge tariffs available for both gas and electricity?
Sometimes—availability varies by supplier and region. Some tariffs remove the standing charge for electricity only, while gas remains on a standard pricing structure. Always check both fuels before switching.
Could a no standing charge tariff cost more in winter?
Yes. If your energy use increases (particularly gas for heating), the higher unit rate can quickly outweigh the saved standing charge. That’s why it’s best to compare annual usage rather than a single month’s bill.
Do no standing charge tariffs affect my smart meter or readings?
Your meter works the same way. Billing still relies on kWh usage. You may be asked for a meter reading during the switch (or readings may be taken automatically if your smart meter is communicating).
Is there a catch with “zero standing charge” deals?
The trade-off is typically a higher unit rate, which can be expensive if your usage rises. Also check contract terms, payment method assumptions, and whether the tariff applies to both fuels if you’re dual fuel.
Can I switch if I’m in a fixed contract?
You can, but you may pay an exit fee depending on your current tariff. Compare the potential saving against any exit fees. If your fixed deal is ending soon, it may be worth timing the switch to avoid charges.
Do prepayment meters have no standing charge options?
It depends on supplier availability and the type of prepayment meter. Some deals are limited by payment method. Enter your postcode and details to see what’s available for your home.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
See a broad view of tariffs, including options where “no standing charge” may be available for your area.
Clear, practical guidance
We focus on total annual cost and the real-world break-even, not just headline claims.
Easy switching support
A quick form is all it takes to start. We’ll help you move to a tariff that fits your home’s usage.
What customers say
“I didn’t realise the unit rate mattered more than the standing charge. The comparison made it obvious which deal worked for our low-usage flat.”
Home energy customer, UK
“Quick and straightforward. I compared dual fuel options and found a better fixed tariff without guesswork.”
Home energy customer, UK
Ready to check if a no standing charge tariff is right for you?
Get personalised, whole-of-market results for your postcode. We’ll help you compare total annual costs—not just the headline “£0 standing charge”.
This guide is for UK domestic energy only. Tariff availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. Always confirm rates and terms before switching.
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