Cheapest no standing charge energy tariff UK 2026
Compare whole-of-market no standing charge (or low standing charge) energy tariffs for UK homes in 2026. See if a pay-as-you-use tariff could suit your usage, postcode and meter type.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home gas & electricity
- See options by postcode, payment method and meter type
- Find tariffs designed for low usage, second homes and light households
- Fast form — we’ll show matches and next steps
Important: “No standing charge” tariffs often have a higher unit rate. Cheapest depends on your annual usage, region and meter.
Find the cheapest no standing charge tariff for your home
There isn’t one single “cheapest” no standing charge energy tariff across the UK. Prices vary by region, payment type, meter (including smart meters), and whether you need electricity only or gas + electricity. Use the form to check whole-of-market options in minutes.
Tip: If your aim is to minimise fixed daily costs, you may also want to compare low standing charge tariffs, not just “£0 standing charge”. Sometimes a small standing charge with a much lower unit rate works out cheaper overall.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to match your regional price cap area)
- Rough idea of usage (or latest bill) — optional but helpful
- Payment preference: Direct Debit or pay on receipt / prepay
- Meter type: standard, smart, Economy 7 or prepayment (if known)
What is a no standing charge energy tariff?
A standing charge is the fixed daily amount you pay to be connected to the energy network (covering things like maintenance, metering and supplier operating costs). A no standing charge tariff sets that daily fee to £0 — but the supplier usually recovers those costs through a higher unit rate (pence per kWh) or different pricing structure.
In 2026, “no standing charge” deals may be offered as:
- True £0 standing charge for gas, electricity, or both
- Introductory/conditional £0 standing charge (e.g. online-only, fixed-term, or smart-meter required)
- Very low standing charge options that can beat £0 once unit rates are considered
Who are no standing charge tariffs best for?
Low energy users
If you use very little energy, a zero standing charge can reduce the amount you pay just for being connected. It can be helpful for small flats, single occupants and efficient homes.
Second homes & empty periods
If a property is unoccupied for weeks at a time, a standing charge can feel like a penalty. A pay-as-you-use structure may suit holiday lets (home use) or part-time occupancy.
People who hate fixed daily fees
Even when not cheapest overall, some households prefer pricing that’s mostly variable. The key is checking the higher unit rate doesn’t outweigh the savings.
Often not best for: medium-to-high usage households (especially with electric heating), where higher unit rates can quickly cost more than a standard tariff with a standing charge.
How to compare no standing charge tariffs in 2026
To find the cheapest option for your home, you need to compare the total annual cost, not just the standing charge. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market deals, then shows which tariffs appear cheapest based on your details.
- Enter your postcode to match regional price bands and network charges.
- Select fuel and payment type (Direct Debit, pay on receipt, or prepay) — prices can differ.
- Add usage (optional) for a more accurate “cheapest” result. If you’re unsure, estimate from your last bill.
- Review matching tariffs including £0 standing charge and low standing charge alternatives.
- Switch (if you choose to) — you keep the same gas/electricity supply; only the supplier changes.
What “whole-of-market” means
We look across a broad range of home energy tariffs and filter by your eligibility and needs — including fixed and variable options, and tariffs with £0 or low standing charges where available.
Why postcode matters
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region because network costs differ across the UK. The cheapest no standing charge tariff in one area may not be cheapest in another.
Costs & the break-even point (standing charge vs unit rate)
A zero standing charge can look like an instant win — but the real question is: how much higher is the unit rate? Use this simple way of thinking about it:
Break-even idea: If a standard tariff has a 60p/day standing charge and a no standing charge tariff costs 6p/kWh more, you break even at about 10 kWh/day (60 ÷ 6). Below that, £0 standing charge may be cheaper; above that, it may cost more.
| Scenario | Standing charge saved | Unit rate difference | Approx. break-even usage | Who it can suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity only | 55p/day | +5p/kWh | ~11 kWh/day | Low-to-medium users |
| Gas (heating season) | 30p/day | +2p/kWh | ~15 kWh/day | Very low gas users |
| Dual fuel combined thinking | 85p/day | +4p/kWh avg | ~21 kWh/day | Low combined usage |
If you don’t know your usage, don’t worry — submit the form and we’ll help you estimate and compare properly based on your property and meter.
Common mistakes when chasing “no standing charge”
Comparing only the standing charge
£0/day looks great, but you can still pay more overall if the unit rate is higher. Always compare estimated annual cost for your usage.
Ignoring meter and tariff terms
Some tariffs are restricted by meter type (e.g. prepay, Economy 7) or require smart meters. Others are time-limited or have exit fees.
Not accounting for seasonal usage
If your gas usage spikes in winter, a higher unit rate may hit harder than expected. Consider an annual view, not just summer bills.
Assuming it’s best for electric heating
High electricity consumption (e.g. heat pumps, storage heaters) often favours low unit rates even if standing charges are higher.
Eligibility & regional considerations (UK homes)
Availability of no standing charge tariffs can change through 2026, and it’s not guaranteed in every region or for every meter. When you compare, we’ll check what’s actually available for your postcode and setup.
Payment method
Direct Debit tariffs can price differently from pay-on-receipt or prepay. If you’re flexible, it’s worth comparing across methods.
Meter type
Economy 7, smart and prepayment meters can have separate tariff lines. A “no standing charge” deal may apply to one meter type but not another.
Regional pricing
Standing charges vary by distribution region. That means the value of switching to £0 standing charge can be higher in some areas than others.
FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs (2026)
Are no standing charge tariffs really cheaper?
They can be — mainly for low usage households. Many have a higher unit rate, so the cheapest option depends on your annual kWh and region. Comparing total cost is the only reliable way.
Do I need a smart meter?
Not always. Some suppliers restrict certain tariffs to smart meters, but others do not. If you’re unsure what meter you have, submit the form and we’ll advise based on your details.
Can I get no standing charge for both gas and electricity?
Sometimes. Availability varies by supplier and region. You may also find electricity-only £0 standing charge tariffs more common than dual-fuel equivalents.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your gas and electricity still come through the same pipes and wires. Switching changes the company billing you and the tariff you’re on.
Is there a “catch” with zero standing charge?
The main trade-off is the unit rate can be higher, and some tariffs may have conditions (online management, fixed term, exit fees, or meter requirements). Always check tariff terms before switching.
What if I don’t know my annual usage?
You can still compare. Enter your postcode and what you know — we can estimate usage from household size and property type, or you can check your latest bill later for a more accurate result.
What UK households like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“I was specifically looking for a tariff without a standing charge for a small flat. The comparison made it clear when it would actually save money.”
“The break-even explanation helped me avoid a deal that looked cheap but wasn’t for my usage.”
“Quick to fill in, and I could see low standing charge options too, not just £0.”
Trust note: Always confirm tariff terms (unit rates, exit fees, payment rules and eligibility) before switching. If you’re unsure, compare via the form and we’ll help you interpret the options.
Ready to check the cheapest no standing charge option for your postcode?
Submit the form to see tariffs that match your home — including £0 standing charge and low standing charge alternatives — and understand the true annual cost for your usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Postcode-based pricing checks
- Clear break-even guidance
Prefer to learn first? Jump to Costs & break-even or FAQs.
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