What is a zero standing charge energy tariff?

A zero standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed charge (the ‘standing charge’) on your electricity and/or gas. Instead, the supplier typically recovers those costs through a higher unit rate (price per kWh) or specific tariff conditions. Whether you save depends mainly on how much energy you use and the unit rate on the tariff.

Are zero standing charge tariffs available in the UK?

Yes, some UK suppliers offer tariffs marketed as ‘no standing charge’ or ‘zero standing charge’ (sometimes for electricity only). Availability varies by region, meter type, and payment method, and offers can change over time.

Who are zero standing charge tariffs best for?

They can be best for very low energy users, such as small households, people who are away from home frequently, or properties with minimal ongoing usage. If your usage is moderate to high, a higher unit rate can outweigh the savings from removing the standing charge.

What are the risks or downsides of switching to a zero standing charge tariff?

The most common downside is a higher unit rate. That means your bills can rise if your consumption increases (for example in winter). Some tariffs also have specific eligibility rules or may only apply to one fuel. Always compare the total estimated annual cost, not just the standing charge.

How do I know if a zero standing charge tariff will save me money?

Compare tariffs using the same estimated consumption (kWh) for electricity and gas and calculate the total cost: (unit rate × usage) + (standing charge × days). A zero standing charge tariff can be cheaper only if the higher unit rate doesn’t outweigh what you would have paid in standing charges. If you have smart meter data, use your last 12 months of usage for the most accurate comparison.

Do zero standing charge tariffs affect the Ofgem price cap?

The Ofgem price cap sets limits on the maximum prices suppliers can charge for default tariffs, expressed through a combination of unit rates and standing charges. A ‘zero standing charge’ product may still be structured to comply with regulatory limits where applicable. Check whether the tariff is a fixed deal or a variable/default tariff and review the actual unit rate you’ll pay.

Can I get zero standing charge tariffs with a smart meter or prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but it depends on the supplier and tariff terms. Some no-standing-charge offers may be limited to certain meter types or payment methods. Check eligibility before you start a switch.

Is it better to switch gas, electricity, or both on a zero standing charge tariff?

It depends on which fuel you use least. If your gas usage is very low (for example, you don’t have gas heating), a no-standing-charge gas option could make a bigger difference. For many homes, it’s worth comparing electricity-only, gas-only, and dual-fuel options to see which combination gives the lowest total annual cost.

How can I switch to a zero standing charge energy tariff?

You can compare eligible tariffs, check the unit rates and any exit fees, then apply to switch with your chosen supplier. Make sure you have your postcode, current supplier details, and recent usage (or annual kWh) to estimate savings accurately. You can start exploring switching options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Will my energy supply be interrupted when I switch?

No. Switching suppliers should not interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your energy still comes through the same pipes and wires; only the company billing you changes.

Zero standing charge energy tariffs UK: compare & switch

Thinking about a zero standing charge electricity or gas tariff? Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see whether a no standing charge tariff could suit your home usage before you switch.

Check if zero standing charge could reduce your bills (or cost more) based on how you use energy
Compare unit rates vs standing charges across UK suppliers in one place
Switch online in minutes — ideal for low usage, second homes, or careful budgeting

Compare zero standing charge tariffs Learn how they work

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. We’ll show the trade-offs clearly — a zero standing charge tariff often has a higher unit rate.

Compare zero standing charge energy tariffs for your home

A zero standing charge energy tariff removes (or heavily reduces) the daily fixed charge. That sounds ideal, but suppliers typically balance it by charging a higher unit rate (pence per kWh). The best tariff depends on how much energy your household uses and whether you have electricity, gas, or both.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service. Use the form to tell us a little about your property and we’ll match you with available tariffs — including options that may have no standing charge or a lower standing charge — then you can decide whether to switch.

Quick reality check before you apply

Low usage homes can benefit most (but not always).
High usage homes often pay more because of a higher unit rate.
Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier appetite.

What you’ll get from our comparison

Tariffs ranked by the estimated annual cost based on your usage
Clear breakdown of standing charge and unit rate
Options for fixed and variable tariffs where available
Support switching for electricity-only, gas-only or dual fuel homes

Get your no-standing-charge comparison

Fill in your details to see eligible tariffs and estimated costs. Takes about 60 seconds.

Tip: If you’re not sure of your annual usage, we can still estimate from typical household patterns — but having your latest bill (kWh and tariff rates) improves accuracy.

Who a zero standing charge tariff can suit (and who it won’t)

No standing charge energy tariffs in the UK aren’t “good” or “bad” by default — they’re a different pricing structure. The key is matching the tariff to your household’s usage pattern.

Often suits: low usage households

If you use relatively little energy, removing the daily standing charge can reduce your fixed costs — especially if the unit rate increase is modest.

Often suits: second homes & empty properties

When a property is unoccupied for weeks, a standard tariff still charges a daily standing charge. A zero standing charge option may be worth comparing.

Often not ideal: higher usage households

If you use a lot of kWh, even a small rise in unit rate can outweigh the standing charge savings. Comparing the annual estimate is essential.

Worth checking: prepayment meters

Some no-standing-charge offers are marketed around prepay, but eligibility varies widely. We’ll show what’s available for your meter type and area.

Budgeting impact: fewer fixed daily costs

Your bill becomes more usage-driven. That can help if you’re actively reducing consumption — but it can also mean higher costs in cold months if the unit rate is higher.

Switching confidence: compare like-for-like

The best way to decide is comparing the full cost with your kWh. We break down standing charge and unit rate so you can see the trade-offs.

How zero standing charge tariffs work in the UK

Most UK energy tariffs include two main charges:

Standing charge (daily fixed fee)

A fixed amount charged per day, even if you use no energy. It contributes to network costs, metering, and supplier operating costs. The amount varies by region and fuel type (electricity vs gas).

Unit rate (pence per kWh)

The price you pay for each kWh of electricity or gas you use. If the standing charge is reduced to zero, the unit rate is often higher to cover fixed costs in a different way.

Why suppliers offer no standing charge tariffs

To appeal to customers who want bills that reflect usage more directly
To compete on a simple message (“no daily charge”), even if the unit rate is higher
To suit specific meter types or payment methods in certain regions

Important: The cheapest option is usually the tariff with the lowest total annual cost for your kWh — not necessarily the one with the lowest standing charge. That’s why comparing with your postcode and usage is crucial.

How switching works with EnergyPlus

Tell us your postcode and contact details so we can show tariffs available where you live.
We compare whole-of-market and highlight any zero / low standing charge options alongside standard tariffs.
Choose the tariff that fits your usage (we’ll show estimated costs, standing charge and unit rate).
Switch — your new supplier handles the move and your supply stays on.

Zero standing charge vs standard tariff: the simple cost check

To compare tariffs fairly, estimate the annual cost using this formula:

Estimated annual cost = (unit rate × your annual kWh) + (standing charge per day × 365)

Illustrative example (not a quote)

The table below shows how a higher unit rate can outweigh a zero standing charge as usage rises. Actual prices vary by region, payment method, and supplier.

Usage scenario	Standard tariff (example)	Zero standing charge tariff (example)	What tends to happen
Low use (e.g., 1,200 kWh/year electricity)	Lower unit rate + daily standing charge	Higher unit rate + £0 standing charge	Zero standing charge can be competitive
Medium use (e.g., 2,900 kWh/year electricity)	Standing charge becomes smaller share of total	Unit rate premium starts to bite	Result depends on exact prices
High use (e.g., 4,600+ kWh/year electricity)	Unit rate matters most	Higher unit rate typically costs more overall	Standard often wins on annual cost

Best practice: Compare on the same basis your supplier uses: your meter type, payment method, and your most realistic annual kWh (or last 12 months of usage if you have it).

Eligibility, meters and regional considerations

Availability of zero standing charge energy tariffs can change. Some suppliers restrict these tariffs by region, meter type, or payment method. Here’s what typically affects eligibility in the UK:

Your postcode region

Standing charges and unit rates differ across distribution regions. A tariff advertised nationally may still price differently — and a no-standing-charge option may be offered only in certain areas.

Meter type (credit, prepay, smart)

Some tariffs are limited to certain meter types. If you have a smart meter (or want one), that can affect which plans are available — particularly for newer products.

Payment method

Direct Debit tariffs can price differently from pay-on-receipt-of-bill. We’ll compare using the most relevant options for your situation.

Single-rate vs multi-rate tariffs

If you’re on Economy 7 or another multi-rate set-up, the comparison needs to reflect day/night usage. Some zero standing charge options may be single-rate only.

Common mistakes to avoid when switching

Focusing on standing charge only and ignoring the unit rate (this is the biggest reason people overpay).
Using unrealistic usage assumptions — a small error in kWh can swing the result.
Not checking exit fees on your current fixed tariff before switching.
Mixing fuel types — electricity and gas may have different best options; dual fuel isn’t always cheapest.

FAQs: zero standing charge tariffs in the UK

Are zero standing charge energy tariffs really “free” to keep?

They remove the daily fixed charge, but costs are typically recovered through a higher unit rate or different pricing structure. You still pay for energy you use, and the overall annual cost can be higher or lower depending on your usage.

Do zero standing charge tariffs exist for gas as well as electricity?

Sometimes, but availability can be more limited. Some suppliers may offer the structure for electricity only, or restrict by region/meter type. Comparing by postcode is the quickest way to see what’s currently available for your home.

Will I need a smart meter?

Not always. Some tariffs are available to standard credit meters, while others may require a smart meter or be more common on certain meter types. We’ll highlight options based on what you have now.

If I use zero energy, will my bill be £0?

If there is truly no standing charge and you use no energy, the energy portion would be £0. However, in real life most homes use some energy (including for appliances on standby). Also check whether the tariff includes any minimum charges or other fees.

Could a no standing charge tariff increase my costs in winter?

Yes, if the unit rate is higher you’ll feel it when you use more kWh (often in colder months). That’s why we recommend comparing the full annual estimate and looking at your typical seasonal usage.

How long does switching take?

Switching is usually straightforward and your supply stays on. Timescales vary by supplier and your situation, but most switches complete without disruption. We’ll guide you through the options and next steps once you’ve compared.

Looking for more help? Start your comparison in the Compare & switch section — we’ll show whether zero standing charge tariffs are available for your postcode and how they compare on annual cost.

What UK households value about EnergyPlus

When you’re deciding whether a zero standing charge tariff is worth it, clarity matters. Here are common reasons people use EnergyPlus for home energy comparisons:

Whole-of-market comparisons

We compare across the market so you can see no standing charge options alongside standard tariffs and choose based on total cost.

Plain-English breakdown

We make the unit rate vs standing charge trade-off easy to understand, so you’re not switching based on a headline alone.

Support from start to switch

If you want help moving supplier, we’ll explain what happens next and what you may need from your latest bill.

“We were tempted by no standing charge, but the higher unit rate meant it wasn’t cheapest for us. The comparison made that obvious.”

Homeowner, UK

“We’ve got a small flat and low usage. Seeing the standing charge impact over the year helped us pick the right tariff.”

Tenant, UK

“Simple form, quick results, and the breakdown of unit rate vs standing charge was exactly what we needed.”

Family household, UK

Ready to see if zero standing charge is right for you?

Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs by postcode and get an estimated annual cost that includes unit rates and standing charges — so you can switch with confidence.

Start comparison (form) Read FAQs first

Home energy only (not business). Switching won’t interrupt your supply.

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026