Ofgem standing charge cap proposal savings calculator (UK)
Estimate what you could save if Ofgem’s standing charge cap proposal affects your electricity and gas tariffs. Then compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk in minutes.
- Quick estimate based on your current standing charges and usage
- See the impact across electricity, gas, or both
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Switch with confidence: clear costs, no jargon
Estimates are indicative only and depend on Ofgem’s final decision, your meter type, region, and tariff terms. EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service (whole-of-market) for UK homes.
Use the Ofgem standing charge cap proposal savings calculator
Standing charges are the daily fixed costs you pay to stay connected to the energy network—separate from the unit rate you pay per kWh. Ofgem has consulted on options to reduce or cap standing charges. If changes are introduced, the effect on your bill will depend on your current standing charges, your unit rates, and your energy use.
This page helps you estimate potential savings, then compare home energy tariffs across the market with EnergyPlus.co.uk. If you’re currently on a pricey variable tariff, a competitive fixed deal may deliver savings regardless of standing charge changes.
What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)
- Your postcode (for regional price cap area)
- Your current electricity and/or gas standing charge (p/day) and unit rate (p/kWh)
- Rough annual usage (kWh) or a recent bill
How the estimate works
The calculator is indicative: it estimates your annual standing charge cost today versus a hypothetical capped standing charge. You can then compare tariffs to see if switching could reduce both your standing charge and your unit rate.
- Annual standing charge cost ˜ daily standing charge × 365
- Annual unit cost ˜ unit rate × annual kWh usage
- Estimated saving ˜ (current standing charge - capped standing charge) × 365
Calculate & get whole-of-market results
Fill in the form and we’ll show relevant options for your home. You can include your current standing charges to better estimate the impact.
Where do I find my standing charge?
Check your latest bill, online account, or tariff information page. It’s usually shown as p/day (electricity and gas listed separately). If you have a smart meter, your in-home display may show daily standing charge too.
Why the standing charge cap proposal matters to UK households
Standing charges can feel especially unfair if you use less energy (for example, smaller homes, single occupants, or people who are away often). A cap could reduce the fixed part of your bill—but it may also be balanced by changes elsewhere, such as unit rates. Comparing tariffs remains key.
Understand your fixed costs
See how much you pay each year just to have gas/electricity connected, before you use a single kWh.
Spot who benefits most
Lower users often see a bigger percentage impact. Higher users may see smaller gains if unit rates rise.
Compare whole-of-market
Even without regulatory changes, switching can reduce your total annual cost when you find a better unit rate and standing charge.
Tip: If you’re on a standard variable tariff (SVT), comparing fixed deals can be worthwhile. If you’re already on a fixed deal, check exit fees and end dates before switching.
How standing charges work (and what a cap could change)
In the UK, most domestic tariffs have two main parts: a unit rate (pence per kWh) and a standing charge (pence per day). Standing charges typically cover fixed network and metering costs, plus supplier operating costs. Ofgem regulates default tariffs through the price cap, and may consult on reforms such as a standing charge cap or alternative ways to recover costs.
What you pay today
What could change under a cap
- Lower daily standing charges for some households, depending on the final cap level and your current tariff.
- Possible unit rate adjustments if suppliers recover costs elsewhere (this is why a total-cost comparison matters).
- Different impacts by region because network costs vary across Great Britain.
- Different impacts by meter and payment type (e.g., prepayment vs credit, traditional vs smart).
The best practical move for most households: run the numbers, then compare tariffs on total annual cost rather than focusing on a single line item.
A simple 3-step way to estimate your standing charge savings
- Find your current standing charge (electricity and gas), shown as p/day on your bill.
- Choose a cap assumption (or enter one) to see the difference per day.
- Multiply by 365 for an annual estimate, then compare tariffs to see your potential total savings.
Important: A standing charge cap proposal is not the same as a guaranteed bill reduction. Your final bill depends on the full tariff (unit rate + standing charge) and how much energy you use.
Savings examples (indicative)
These examples show how a cap could affect the fixed part of your bill. They’re illustrative only—your actual standing charge depends on your region, meter type, tariff and payment method.
If you use very little energy
Standing charges can form a larger share of your annual bill. A cap could have a noticeable effect—but still compare the unit rate, because a higher unit rate can offset savings if usage rises.
If you use a lot of energy
Your unit rate matters most. Even if standing charges fall, choosing a tariff with a better unit rate can deliver bigger overall savings.
Want a personalised view? Use the calculator with your postcode and current standing charges, then compare whole-of-market tariffs.
Who can use this calculator?
Suitable for
- UK domestic customers (home energy)
- Gas, electricity, or dual fuel
- Credit or prepayment customers (tariff availability varies)
- Smart or traditional meters
Good to know
- Regional standing charges vary across Great Britain
- Tariffs change frequently; results are time-sensitive
- If you have Economy 7 or another multi-rate tariff, unit rates may differ by time of use
- If you’re in a fixed contract, check exit fees and end dates
If you’re unsure what details to enter, submit with your postcode and contact details and we’ll help you interpret your bill and compare appropriate home energy deals.
Common mistakes when estimating standing charge cap savings
Focusing on standing charge only
If unit rates rise, some of the benefit can be offset—especially for higher-usage homes. Compare the total annual cost.
Using the wrong units
Standing charge is usually p/day and usage is kWh. Mixing monthly figures with daily costs leads to misleading estimates.
Ignoring tariff terms
Fixed deals can have exit fees. If you’re near the end date, timing your switch can avoid unnecessary charges.
FAQs: Ofgem standing charge cap proposal
What is a standing charge?
A standing charge is a fixed daily cost on your energy tariff. It’s charged regardless of how much energy you use. Most tariffs have separate standing charges for electricity and gas.
Would a cap mean my bills definitely go down?
Not necessarily. If standing charges are reduced or capped, suppliers may recover costs in other parts of the tariff, such as the unit rate. Your total bill depends on both the standing charge and the unit rate, plus your energy usage.
Why do standing charges vary by region?
Network costs differ across regions, and these differences can be reflected in standing charges. Your postcode helps estimate which regional factors may apply when comparing tariffs.
What if I don’t know my kWh usage?
You can still compare tariffs using your postcode and contact details. If you have a recent bill, it often shows annual usage in kWh. Your online account may also list it under “consumption” or “annual usage”.
Can I switch if I’m on a fixed tariff?
Usually yes, but some fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave before the end date. Compare potential savings against any fees and check your tariff terms.
Is EnergyPlus.co.uk whole-of-market?
EnergyPlus.co.uk provides a whole-of-market comparison service for UK home energy, helping you review available tariffs and understand costs clearly before you switch.
Still not sure? Go back to the savings calculator and submit what you know—we can help fill in the gaps.
What UK customers value about EnergyPlus.co.uk
Real switching decisions come down to clarity: what you’ll pay, what you’re agreeing to, and how easy it is to act. Here’s what customers commonly tell us they look for in a comparison service.
“It was straightforward to compare like-for-like. The costs were explained clearly.”
Homeowner, England
“Helpful when I didn’t know my exact figures—someone talked me through my bill.”
Tenant, Scotland
“I liked seeing both standing charge and unit rate—not just a headline number.”
Flat owner, Wales
Trust indicator: We focus on transparent, total-cost comparisons for domestic energy—standing charge and unit rate—so you can make an informed choice.
Ready to estimate your standing charge cap savings?
Use your postcode and current tariff details (if you have them) to get an indicative estimate and compare whole-of-market home energy deals. Switching can reduce your costs even if Ofgem’s proposal changes.
Home energy only. Estimates are indicative and not a guarantee of savings. Tariff availability varies by region and meter type.
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