Energy tariffs with low standing charge in the UK this month
Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and filter for low standing charge options in your area. Get personalised results in minutes and switch when you’re ready.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (electricity, gas or dual fuel)
- See standing charge and unit rate together to judge the real cost
- Works for low-use homes, flats, second homes and high-use households
- Switch online with clear next steps and support if you need it
Standing charges vary by region and meter type. You’ll see today’s rates for your postcode and usage. Switching is subject to supplier eligibility and credit checks.
Find low standing charge energy tariffs for your home
Standing charge is the daily fixed amount you pay to stay connected to the gas and/or electricity network. A tariff with a lower standing charge can reduce bills for some households — but it’s only one part of the total cost. EnergyPlus helps you compare standing charge + unit rate together, so you can choose what’s genuinely cheaper for your usage.
This page focuses on home energy only (not business). Enter a few details and we’ll return whole-of-market options available in your region, including tariffs that often appeal to customers looking for energy tariffs with low standing charge in the UK this month.
Tip: If you use very little energy (for example, a small flat, a single occupant, or a second home), standing charge can be a bigger share of your bill. If you use a lot, unit rate often matters more — we’ll show you both.
Who benefits most from a low standing charge tariff?
A lower standing charge can be helpful, but it isn’t automatically “the cheapest”. The best tariff depends on how much energy you use and whether your supplier offers a low-standing-charge structure in your region.
Low-use households
If your usage is low, standing charge can take up a larger share of the bill. Reducing the daily charge may improve value, even if the unit rate is slightly higher.
Flats & smaller properties
Many flats have lower consumption than larger homes. Comparing tariffs using your postcode helps ensure you’re not overpaying on fixed daily costs.
Second homes & partial occupancy
If a property is empty for parts of the year, you may still pay the standing charge daily. Lower fixed charges can make a meaningful difference.
Customers comparing prepay vs credit
Standing charges and unit rates often differ by meter type. We’ll show available options for your meter type and highlight the full cost picture.
Anyone switching from an expensive default tariff
If you’re on a standard variable tariff, comparing can still uncover better value — sometimes via improved unit rates rather than the lowest standing charge.
Households wanting predictability
Some fixed deals trade a lower standing charge for a higher unit rate (or vice versa). Comparing side-by-side helps you choose the best fit.
If you want to prioritise low standing charge, you still need to check the unit rate and estimated monthly cost. Jump to what to compare to see the key fields we recommend reviewing.
How standing charges work in the UK (plain English)
Your energy bill usually has two main parts:
- Standing charge: a fixed daily amount (pence per day) you pay regardless of usage.
- Unit rate: what you pay for each unit of energy you use (pence per kWh).
Standing charges contribute to costs such as metering, network maintenance and keeping your supply available. The exact amount differs by region, fuel (gas vs electricity), meter type, and the tariff itself.
Important: A tariff with a lower standing charge can come with a higher unit rate. The cheapest option is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your usage — not necessarily the lowest standing charge alone.
- Enter your postcode so we can show tariffs in your network region.
- Select your fuel & meter type (we’ll match what suppliers can offer).
- Compare standing charge + unit rate with an estimated cost based on your usage band.
- Switch if it stacks up — we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Quick self-check
If you’re aiming for low standing charge, ask: “How much do I use per month?” If you’re unsure, use our form and pick Not sure — you’ll still get a useful comparison.
What to compare when looking for a low standing charge
When you compare energy tariffs with low standing charge in the UK, focus on the full picture. Use the table below as a checklist when reviewing results.
| Field | Why it matters | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | Fixed daily cost regardless of usage. | Low standing charge can be offset by a higher unit rate. |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Your main cost driver if you use moderate/high energy. | Small differences add up over a year, especially for electricity. |
| Estimated annual cost | Best single indicator when comparing like-for-like. | Ensure usage assumptions match your household as closely as possible. |
| Tariff type | Fixed vs variable affects predictability and risk. | Fixed deals may include exit fees; variable can change. |
| Exit fees / contract length | Impacts flexibility if prices shift. | Check if fees apply per fuel on dual fuel tariffs. |
| Payment method | Direct Debit, pay on receipt, prepay can have different rates. | Confirm you’re comparing the same payment type. |
| Meter compatibility | Some tariffs require a smart meter or exclude prepay. | If unsure, choose “Not sure” and we’ll narrow options safely. |
Ready to see results? Use the comparison form and we’ll show available tariffs for your postcode.
Why standing charges differ by postcode (regional differences)
Network region costs
The UK is split into electricity distribution regions and gas network areas. Network charges can vary regionally, which is why you may see different standing charges for the same tariff name in different postcodes.
Meter type & tariff structure
Prepayment, smart and standard meters can be priced differently. Some suppliers also rebalance costs between standing charge and unit rate, creating “low standing charge” offers that are not identical across regions.
Best practice: Always compare using your postcode. UK energy pricing is regional, so generic “average standing charge” figures won’t reflect what you can actually get.
Common mistakes when searching for low standing charge energy
1) Comparing standing charge without unit rate
A lower standing charge can be outweighed by a higher unit rate. Always check estimated annual cost (or calculate with your usage).
2) Not using your postcode
Rates vary by region. A tariff that looks great elsewhere might not be available — or priced the same — where you live.
3) Ignoring meter type
Prepay and smart meters can have different pricing. Make sure you compare tariffs compatible with your setup.
4) Overlooking exit fees
A low standing charge fixed deal may include exit fees. If you might switch again soon, factor that into the decision.
If you want the simplest route, start with the EnergyPlus comparison form and review the results using the checklist above.
FAQs: low standing charge energy tariffs
Are there zero standing charge energy tariffs in the UK?
True zero standing charge tariffs are uncommon, and availability can change. Where a standing charge is reduced, suppliers may recover costs through the unit rate. Compare the estimated total cost for your usage to see what’s best overall.
Is a low standing charge always cheaper for low users?
Often it can help, but not always. The break-even point depends on how much higher the unit rate is. The right approach is to compare both charges together using your postcode and a realistic usage estimate.
Do standing charges change during the year?
They can change, particularly on variable tariffs. Fixed tariffs typically hold rates for the contract term. We recommend checking the tariff details before switching.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
It depends on the amount owed and your meter type. Some customers can switch under specific rules, while others may need to clear the balance first. Use the form to see options and then confirm with the supplier.
Is dual fuel always cheaper?
Not always. Sometimes separate suppliers can be better value depending on standing charge and unit rates. Comparing dual fuel and single-fuel options can help you decide.
Still unsure? Start a comparison and we’ll show the tariffs available for your postcode. Compare now.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“Clear breakdown of costs”
“I wanted a lower standing charge but didn’t know what to check. The comparison made it obvious which deal was actually cheaper for my usage.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“Quick, no jargon”
“I used the postcode search and got options that matched my meter. It saved me time trawling supplier sites.”
— Flat resident, Greater London
“Helpful for a low-use property”
“Our second home barely uses energy, so the standing charge mattered. Comparing properly helped us pick the right balance.”
— Second home owner, North Wales
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market approach, postcode-based results, and a clear view of standing charge, unit rates and key tariff terms before you decide.
Compare low standing charge tariffs for your postcode
Get whole-of-market results for home energy and see the real cost this month — standing charge, unit rate and estimated annual cost together.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Availability and prices depend on your region, meter type and eligibility. Always review tariff terms before switching.
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