Ofgem standing charge cap proposal savings calculator
Estimate what a standing charge cap could mean for your household, then compare whole-of-market energy deals to see if you can cut costs now. Get tailored results in minutes — no call centre pressure.
- Understand standing charges vs unit rates (in plain English)
- Estimate potential annual savings under a proposed cap
- Compare tariffs across the whole market for your home
- Free, UK-based comparison with a quick form
For domestic customers in Great Britain. Estimates are illustrative and depend on your usage, meter type, region and tariff. We’ll always show your options clearly.
Calculate potential standing charge cap savings — then compare energy tariffs
Ofgem has discussed options to change how standing charges work, including proposals that could reduce or cap them and recover costs elsewhere. If a cap is introduced, the impact on your bill depends on your fuel type (electricity/gas), your payment method, your region, and how much energy you use.
This page helps you do two things:
- Estimate how a standing charge cap proposal might affect your annual cost (illustrative calculation).
- Find today’s best-value whole-of-market home energy deals based on your details.
Good to know: Even before any cap changes, many households can save by switching to a better tariff structure (e.g., lower unit rates, better standing charges, or a tariff that fits their usage pattern). Our comparison is for domestic properties only (not business).
Get your personalised savings estimate
Fill in the form and we’ll show estimated standing charge cap savings and suitable energy tariffs for your home.
Why the Ofgem standing charge cap proposal matters
Standing charges are the daily costs you pay to stay connected to the gas and electricity networks, regardless of how much you use. If standing charges are capped or reduced, the change may benefit some households more than others — particularly those who use less energy, live alone, or manage usage carefully.
Make sense of your bill
We break down what you’re paying for: standing charge, unit rate and how they interact under different tariff types.
Spot the real-world impact
A cap can reduce the fixed part of your bill — but changes may shift costs into unit rates. Our comparison looks at the overall cost, not one headline figure.
Compare the whole market
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy, so you can see suitable tariffs side-by-side and choose with confidence.
How standing charges work (and what a cap could change)
Your energy bill is usually made up of two main parts:
1) Standing charge (pence per day)
A daily fixed amount that helps cover network and metering costs. You pay it even if you use no energy that day.
2) Unit rate (pence per kWh)
The price you pay for each unit of gas or electricity you use. Your usage drives this part of your bill.
What does “standing charge cap” mean in practice?
A cap proposal typically refers to setting an upper limit on the daily standing charge (for electricity and/or gas). If introduced, it could lower the fixed portion of bills for customers on tariffs with higher standing charges. However, suppliers may adjust unit rates to recover costs — which is why comparing total annual cost matters.
EnergyPlus approach: we don’t focus on one number. We compare tariffs using your estimated annual consumption so you can see the most cost-effective options if standing charges go down, unit rates change, or both.
Example savings: how to think about a standing charge cap
The figures below are illustrative and simplified. Actual outcomes depend on the cap level, your tariff, your region, meter type and any changes to unit rates. Use them as a quick way to understand the direction of travel — then use our form to get a personalised comparison.
| Scenario | Standing charge change | Simple annual impact* | Who might benefit most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity standing charge reduced by 10p/day | -10p/day | ~£36.50/year | Low to medium electricity users |
| Gas standing charge reduced by 8p/day | -8p/day | ~£29.20/year | Households with gas connection but lower gas use |
| Dual fuel standing charges reduced (combined) | -18p/day total | ~£65.70/year | Dual fuel households comparing tariffs end-to-end |
| Standing charge reduced but unit rate increases | Mixed | Depends on usage | Low users may benefit; high users may see less impact |
*Simple annual impact is calculated as (daily reduction × 365). It does not include any changes to unit rates or tariff-specific features.
Tip: If you’re a low user (for example, a small flat or a single-occupant home), the standing charge can form a larger share of your bill. In that case, comparing tariffs with more favourable standing charges can be especially valuable.
Regional and meter-type differences (why your postcode matters)
Standing charges and unit rates can vary by distribution region and by payment method (such as direct debit vs prepayment). That’s why any cap proposal will feel different across the UK. When you submit your postcode, we can align your comparison with the prices that apply in your area.
Electricity region
Your area’s network costs can influence standing charges. A national cap could narrow differences, but tariffs may still vary.
Prepayment vs credit
Prices and eligibility differ by meter type. We’ll consider whether you’re on a smart meter, standard meter, or prepayment.
Electricity-only homes
If you don’t have gas, electricity standing charges can have an outsized effect. Tariff structure can matter as much as price.
Common mistakes when comparing standing charges
Comparing only the standing charge
A low standing charge can come with a higher unit rate. The right tariff is the one with the best total cost for your usage.
Using the wrong usage figure
If your kWh estimate is too low or too high, the comparison can mislead. If you’re unsure, we can use typical usage and refine it later.
Ignoring payment method and meter type
Prices can differ for direct debit, standard credit and prepayment, and some deals may be limited by meter type.
Assuming a proposal is already in your prices
Ofgem proposals and consultations can change. It’s best to compare tariffs available today and keep an eye on updates.
FAQs: Ofgem standing charge cap proposal
Is there an Ofgem standing charge cap in place right now?
This page focuses on a proposal and how to estimate potential impact. Energy pricing rules and caps can change over time. The best way to protect your household budget is to compare available tariffs based on your real usage and region.
Would a cap reduce everyone’s bill?
Not necessarily. If standing charges are reduced, costs can be recovered through other components such as unit rates. Low users may see a bigger benefit; high users may see a smaller net change depending on how prices are rebalanced.
What information do I need for an accurate estimate?
Your postcode (for regional rates) and your approximate annual kWh usage for gas and/or electricity. If you don’t know your kWh, you can still submit the form and we’ll start with typical usage, then refine your comparison.
Can I use this if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Yes. Select Prepayment under meter type. We’ll focus on tariffs and options that are appropriate for domestic prepay customers.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your gas and electricity keep flowing. Switching is administrative, and your new supplier takes over the billing once the switch completes.
Does EnergyPlus compare the whole market?
EnergyPlus provides a whole-of-market comparison approach for home energy, showing suitable tariffs based on your details. Availability can vary by region, meter type and eligibility.
Need quick help? Jump back to the savings calculator and we’ll do the heavy lifting.
What customers like about EnergyPlus comparisons
“Clear breakdown of standing charge vs unit rates. It helped me choose the right tariff for my usage rather than chasing a headline.”
— Homeowner, Manchester
“The postcode-based comparison made a difference. I didn’t realise prices varied so much by region.”
— Tenant, Bristol
“Quick form, no confusion. I got options that matched my meter type and could decide without pressure.”
— Flat owner, Glasgow
Trust and transparency: We explain assumptions, focus on total cost, and use your postcode and usage to keep comparisons relevant.
Ready to estimate your standing charge cap savings?
Use our quick calculator form to see an indicative impact and compare whole-of-market home energy deals suited to your postcode, meter type and usage.
Domestic customers only. Switching doesn’t interrupt your supply. Estimates depend on tariff availability and any future Ofgem changes.
What you’ll get
- Indicative standing charge cap savings view
- Whole-of-market tariff comparison for your home
- Clear next steps to switch (if you choose to)
Back to Local Home Energy