Energy tariffs with a discounted standing charge in the UK
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals that may reduce your daily standing charge (where available) and check the full cost of electricity and gas—unit rate plus standing charge—before you switch.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
- See tariffs where the standing charge is lower, discounted, or offset by credits
- Switch online in minutes with a single form
- Clear explanation of how standing charges work and what to watch for
Standing charge availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. Always compare the total annual cost (unit rate + standing charge) for your household.
Find home energy tariffs with a lower standing charge (and check the total cost)
Standing charges are the fixed daily cost you pay for keeping your home connected to the energy network—separate from the unit rate you pay per kWh. If you use less energy (for example, a small flat, a second home, or a well-insulated property), the standing charge can make up a bigger slice of your bill.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market household tariffs to help you spot deals where the standing charge is lower, discounted, or effectively offset by credits—while still checking whether the overall annual cost stacks up for your postcode, meter and usage.
Important: a “discounted standing charge” can sometimes come with a higher unit rate. The best deal is the tariff with the lowest total cost for your usage—not necessarily the lowest standing charge on its own.
What you’ll need to get accurate results
- Postcode (standing charges and unit rates vary by region)
- Fuel type (electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel)
- Meter info (smart meter, prepay, single/dual-rate such as Economy 7)
- Estimated usage (from your bill or best estimate)
Prefer to learn first?
Jump to how standing charges work or see FAQs to avoid common switching mistakes.
Mobile layout note: the comparison form sits below the explanation on smaller screens for easy completion.
Why a lower standing charge can matter
Better value for low usage homes
If your household uses fewer kWh—because you’re out a lot, live in a smaller property, or have efficient heating—a high standing charge can dominate your bill. Lowering it can improve value.
More predictable daily costs
The standing charge is paid each day regardless of how much energy you use. A reduction can make budgeting simpler—especially through warmer months when usage is lower.
Fairer comparisons across tariffs
Suppliers can structure deals differently—some lower the standing charge and raise unit rates, others do the opposite. Comparing the full annual cost helps you choose what’s right for your usage.
Tip: If you have solar panels, are out during the day, or run mainly electricity (no gas), you may sit in a usage pattern where standing charges make a noticeable difference. A whole-of-market check ensures you’re not missing better overall value.
How standing charges work in the UK (plain English)
Your energy bill is typically made up of:
1) Unit rate (pence per kWh)
This is what you pay for the energy you use. Higher usage households often care more about unit rates because most of their bill is usage-driven.
2) Standing charge (pence per day)
This covers fixed costs such as maintaining the pipes and wires and supplying your home. You pay it each day even if you use no energy.
Why standing charges vary
| Factor | What it means for you | What to check when comparing |
|---|---|---|
| Region / network area | Different distribution areas have different costs, so the same supplier can have different standing charges by postcode. | Always compare with your postcode for accurate standing charges. |
| Meter type | Credit, smart, prepayment, and multi-rate meters can be priced differently. | Ensure the tariff matches your meter (or is compatible if you’re changing). |
| Tariff structure | Some tariffs reduce standing charges but may raise unit rates or apply credits in a different way. | Compare total annual cost based on your estimated usage, not a single line item. |
| Payment method | Direct Debit vs other payment options can affect pricing. | Check the assumptions used (e.g., monthly Direct Debit). |
Quick check: If you’re comparing two tariffs, a useful test is to calculate your yearly cost using (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365). A lower standing charge only wins if the unit rate doesn’t wipe out the savings for your usage.
What “discounted standing charge” can look like
Not every supplier labels tariffs the same way. When people search for discounted standing charge energy tariffs, they may mean any of the following:
Lower standing charge vs the local average
A straightforward reduction in the daily standing charge for your region and meter type. This can be attractive for low usage households, but still needs a total-cost check.
Standing charge “offset” by credits
Some tariffs include a monthly bill credit or sign-up incentive that can offset higher fixed costs. Make sure you understand how long the credit lasts and any conditions.
Bundled tariffs (dual fuel) with different pricing mix
Dual fuel may change the balance of unit rates and standing charges across gas and electricity. The “best” structure depends on your split between gas and electric use.
Time-of-use tariffs (e.g., multi-rate)
For Economy 7 or other smart tariffs, the standing charge may not be the main lever—cheap off-peak unit rates can matter more. We’ll help you compare based on your usage pattern.
Watch-outs: check exit fees (if fixed), whether discounts are time-limited, and whether prices change after an introductory period.
Regional differences: why your postcode matters
Standing charges and unit rates can vary across Great Britain because distribution network costs differ by area. That means a tariff that looks excellent in one region may be less competitive in another.
England, Scotland & Wales
Pricing is set per supplier and region. We’ll show your local standing charge and compare like-for-like tariffs for your meter and payment method.
All-electric vs gas homes
If you don’t have gas, you’ll only pay an electricity standing charge. For dual fuel, you’ll typically pay two standing charges—one for gas and one for electricity.
Prepay & smart meter considerations
Some tariffs are only available for certain meter types. If you’re open to changing meter type, that can widen your options—subject to supplier policies.
To see regionally accurate standing charges, start with your postcode comparison. We’ll match results to your location, fuel type and typical usage.
Common mistakes when chasing a lower standing charge
Comparing standing charge only
A tariff can have a lower standing charge but a higher unit rate. If your usage is moderate or high, you could pay more overall. Always compare the total annual cost.
Ignoring meter and rate type
Economy 7 and other multi-rate tariffs need multi-rate comparisons. Switching to a single-rate tariff without checking your day/night usage can increase costs.
Not checking contract terms
Fixed tariffs may include exit fees, and some discounts may be time-limited. Make sure you know what happens at the end of the deal period.
Using generic national examples
Rates change by region. A standing charge quoted online may not be the one you pay. Use a postcode-based comparison for accurate figures.
FAQs: discounted standing charge energy tariffs
Can I get a zero standing charge energy tariff in the UK?
True zero standing charge tariffs are uncommon. When they do appear, they may have higher unit rates or specific conditions. The most reliable approach is to compare the total annual cost for your postcode and usage.
If you’re specifically trying to reduce fixed daily costs, look for tariffs with a lower standing charge, or deals where credits effectively reduce your overall bill.
Is the standing charge the same for gas and electricity?
No—gas and electricity have separate standing charges and unit rates. If you’re on dual fuel, you’ll usually pay two standing charges (one for each fuel), so it’s important to compare both.
Will switching supplier change my standing charge?
It can. Standing charges vary by supplier, tariff, payment method, meter type and region. Switching is one of the main ways households can reduce standing charge costs (where competitive deals are available).
Do standing charges change over time?
Yes. On variable tariffs, rates can change. On fixed tariffs, prices are typically fixed for the term, but check the tariff details. Your comparison should be refreshed periodically to keep pace with market changes.
How do I know if a lower standing charge is right for me?
It depends on your annual kWh. If you use relatively little energy, a lower standing charge often helps. If you use more, the unit rate may matter more. The safest way is to compare using your own usage figures and postcode.
Does EnergyPlus include the whole market?
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK home energy. Availability of specific tariffs varies by region, meter type and supplier participation at the time you compare.
Want personalised numbers? Run a comparison with your postcode to see your local standing charge and estimated annual cost.
What customers value about EnergyPlus comparisons
“I didn’t realise the standing charge was driving my costs. The comparison made it easy to see the full yearly price in my area.”
“Clear breakdown of unit rate versus standing charge. I felt confident I wasn’t just chasing a headline discount.”
“Quick to complete and the results were tailored to my postcode and meter type. Switching was straightforward.”
Trust basics (what we do)
- Postcode-based pricing checks for regionally accurate standing charges
- Like-for-like comparisons by fuel, meter and payment method
- Focus on total annual cost, not just headline rates
Ready to see today’s standing charge options for your postcode?
Run a quick home energy comparison to find tariffs that may reduce your standing charge (where available) and confirm the best total annual cost for your household.
For UK households. You’ll need your postcode and (ideally) estimated annual usage from a recent bill.
Fast checklist
- Enter your details and postcode
- We match tariffs to your region and meter type
- Choose the best total cost (unit rate + standing charge)
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