Energy tariffs with no standing charge UK (2026 guide)
Compare whole-of-market options and check whether a no standing charge energy tariff could reduce your household bills in 2026. Get matched to deals based on your postcode, usage and payment preferences.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (electricity, gas, or dual fuel)
- See if a £0/day standing charge is better than a lower unit rate
- Clear explanation of who these tariffs suit (and who should avoid them)
- Switch support and help understanding supplier terms
EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service. Tariff availability and prices vary by region, meter type and supplier acceptance criteria.
Check if a £0 standing charge tariff is cheaper for your home
A no standing charge tariff removes (or reduces to £0) the daily fee you normally pay just for having an active energy supply. In 2026, these tariffs can look attractive—especially if you use very little energy—however they often come with a higher unit rate (p/kWh). That means the “best” deal depends on your usage pattern, meter type and region.
Use the form to tell us your postcode and a few details. We’ll compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and highlight options that may include no standing charge (where available), alongside standard tariffs so you can make a like-for-like decision.
Tip for accuracy: if you know your annual usage (kWh) from a recent bill, keep it to hand. If not, we’ll still provide a practical estimate so you can compare unit rates vs standing charges properly.
What you’ll get
- A comparison of tariffs that may include £0/day standing charge (supplier/region dependent)
- Estimated monthly cost based on your usage profile
- Clear breakdown of standing charge vs unit rate
- Switching help if you decide to proceed
Compare now (whole-of-market)
Complete the form and we’ll match your home to available tariffs.
Good to know: no standing charge tariffs are not available in every region and may be limited for some meter types (e.g. certain prepayment configurations). We’ll show alternatives where relevant.
What is an energy tariff with no standing charge?
Most UK home energy tariffs include a standing charge: a daily amount (p/day) paid regardless of how much gas or electricity you use. It helps cover fixed network and supplier costs such as metering, billing, and maintaining the energy system.
A no standing charge tariff (sometimes advertised as “£0 standing charge” or “zero standing charge”) reduces that daily fee to zero. In return, the supplier typically charges a higher unit rate (p/kWh). Some tariffs may reduce the standing charge rather than removing it entirely—so it’s important to compare the full price structure.
Standing charge
Daily fee you pay even if you use no energy. Varies by region, fuel and meter type.
Unit rate
The cost per kWh you use. No standing charge deals often increase this rate.
Your break-even point
The usage level where a higher unit rate outweighs the saving from £0/day standing charge.
Who do no standing charge tariffs suit in 2026?
Whether a no standing charge energy tariff is good value comes down to how much energy your household uses across the year—not just in one month. In 2026, with continued focus on fair pricing and bill clarity, many households are looking for ways to reduce fixed charges. Here’s when it can (and can’t) make sense.
Often a good fit
- Low-usage homes (e.g. single occupants, small flats)
- Second homes with minimal usage for parts of the year
- Vacant periods (e.g. extended travel) where usage is near-zero
- Homes with very efficient heating and minimal hot water demand
Often not a good fit
- Families and higher-usage homes
- Households with electric heating or high hot water demand
- EV charging at home (depending on tariff structure)
- Anyone who could be hit by high unit rates in winter
Practical rule of thumb: If your home’s usage is low enough that standing charges are a large chunk of your bill, a £0 standing charge tariff may help. If your usage is moderate to high, a standard tariff with a lower unit rate is often cheaper overall.
Benefits and trade-offs to weigh up
No standing charge tariffs can be beneficial, but only when you compare the full pricing structure. In 2026, the most common mistake is choosing “£0 standing charge” based on headline appeal without checking the unit rate, assumptions, and your real usage.
Lower fixed cost
If you use very little energy, removing the daily fee can reduce your bill even when the unit rate is higher.
Better for “empty” periods
Helpful for homes that are unoccupied for weeks at a time (as long as the tariff terms fit your meter type).
Simple to understand
Bills can feel clearer: you mostly pay for what you use, instead of paying a daily charge regardless.
Higher unit rates
Many £0 standing charge tariffs recover costs via the unit rate. This can increase winter bills for typical households.
Not always available
Availability varies by region (distribution network), fuel and meter type; some suppliers limit access.
Break-even matters
The saving from £0/day must outweigh the extra you pay per kWh. We can estimate this using your usage.
Example cost comparison: standard vs no standing charge
The table below shows how a £0 standing charge can be cheaper for low usage, but more expensive once consumption rises. Figures are illustrative only (prices vary by supplier, region and time). For a personalised estimate, use the comparison form.
| Scenario (electricity example) | Standard tariff | No standing charge tariff | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low usage 1,200 kWh/year |
Lower unit rate + daily standing charge |
Higher unit rate + £0/day standing charge |
£0/day can be competitive if standing charge would be a big part of the bill. |
| Typical usage 2,900 kWh/year |
Often best value due to unit rate | Can become pricier if unit rate is significantly higher | You need a close comparison—break-even may be exceeded. |
| High usage 4,600 kWh/year |
Unit rate savings compound with higher usage | Higher unit rates can dominate total cost | Standard tariffs are frequently cheaper overall for high usage. |
Break-even explained: If a standard tariff has a 60p/day standing charge, that’s about £219/year. A £0 standing charge tariff needs to save you more than £219/year elsewhere—or at least not add more than that via higher unit rates.
How to compare and switch in 2026 (without bill surprises)
- Check your meter type: credit, smart meter, or prepayment can affect which suppliers and tariffs you can access.
- Use annual usage if possible: look for kWh on your bill (electricity and gas separately). If you don’t have it, we’ll use a reasonable estimate.
- Compare like-for-like: evaluate total annual cost rather than just the daily standing charge headline.
- Check key terms: exit fees, payment method requirements (direct debit vs on receipt of bill), and any usage thresholds.
- Switch when ready: most home switches are straightforward. Keep an eye on the opening/closing meter reads (or smart reads) for accurate final bills.
What to prepare
- Postcode and current supplier name
- Fuel type: electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel
- Typical monthly bill (if you don’t have kWh usage)
- Preferred payment method
Common pitfalls
- Choosing £0 standing charge but ignoring a much higher unit rate
- Comparing monthly cost using a summer month only
- Not checking if the tariff is fixed, variable, or time-limited
- Overlooking differences for your region’s distribution costs
Regional differences in standing charges (why your postcode matters)
In the UK, standing charges and unit rates can differ by region because electricity distribution network costs vary. This is why two households with the same usage can see different quotes depending on where they live.
When you compare no standing charge tariffs for 2026, you should always use a postcode-based quote. EnergyPlus uses your postcode to show tariffs relevant to your area and highlight the true total cost.
If you’ve moved recently: your current tariff may have regional pricing linked to your new address. Comparing again can reveal better options, including reduced or £0 standing charge tariffs where available.
Ready to check options for your area? Compare tariffs now.
Eligibility and meter considerations
Not every supplier offers £0 standing charge tariffs, and eligibility can depend on how your home is set up. Before switching, it helps to understand the practical constraints.
Smart meters
Generally compatible with most tariffs, including some alternative pricing structures. Availability still varies by supplier.
Prepayment meters
Tariff choice can be narrower. Some suppliers require a compatible meter mode or may not offer £0 standing charge options.
Economy 7 / multi-rate
Multi-rate meters can change the comparison. It’s essential to factor in day/night usage split as well as standing charge.
Not sure what meter you have? Submit the form with your postcode. We can guide you on what’s likely compatible and what information to check on your bill.
FAQs: no standing charge energy tariffs (UK 2026)
Are no standing charge tariffs really £0 per day?
Some are genuinely £0/day for the standing charge, but many are reduced standing charge rather than zero. Always check the tariff information label and compare the total annual cost.
Will I definitely save money with a £0 standing charge tariff?
Not necessarily. The unit rate may be higher, so your overall bill can increase if you use a typical or high amount of energy. Savings are most likely for low-usage homes and periods when a property is barely used.
Can I get no standing charge tariffs for gas and electricity?
It depends on supplier and region. Some deals may apply to electricity only, others to gas only, and a smaller number to dual fuel. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options and will show what’s available for your postcode.
Do these tariffs have exit fees or fixed terms?
Some are fixed and may include exit fees; others are variable. Always review the tariff’s key terms before switching—especially if you may move home or switch again soon.
Do I need a smart meter for £0 standing charge tariffs?
Not always, but some suppliers prefer or require certain meter types. If you’re unsure, submit your details and we’ll help identify compatible options.
Is EnergyPlus a supplier?
No. EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK homes. We help you compare available tariffs and understand the differences, including standing charges, unit rates and key terms.
Want a quick answer for your situation? The fastest way is to compare using your postcode and (if possible) annual kWh usage. Start your comparison here.
Find out if a no standing charge tariff works for you
Don’t guess based on the headline. Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and get a clear view of the total cost for 2026.
Home energy only. Availability depends on supplier, region and meter type.
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Why households use EnergyPlus
“I only use a small amount of electricity. EnergyPlus helped me see that a £0 standing charge deal made sense for my flat.”
— Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“The comparison explained the trade-off clearly. I avoided a no standing charge tariff because the unit rate would have cost more over winter.”
— Tenant, West Midlands
“Quick form, clear options and no confusion. It was the first time I understood standing charge vs unit rate.”
— Homeowner, Kent
Trust checks to make before you switch