Ofgem standing charge changes 2026: find the cheapest tariff
If you’re worried the 2026 standing charge changes could push up your bill, compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and see which plans stay competitive once daily charges and unit rates are considered together.
- Compare electricity and gas tariffs including standing charges and unit rates
- See fixed and variable options based on your usage and postcode
- Switch with confidence: clear costs, no jargon, UK support
Home energy only. Estimates based on the details you provide; final prices depend on supplier availability and eligibility.
Compare the cheapest tariffs for 2026 (including standing charge)
Standing charges can make a surprising difference to your annual cost, especially if you use less energy (for example, small households, flats, or homes with good insulation). With Ofgem standing charge changes expected in 2026, the “cheapest tariff” won’t simply be the lowest unit rate — it’s the best balance of daily standing charge and pence per kWh for how you actually use energy.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals from UK suppliers. Fill in the form to see options in your area and identify tariffs that may be better value if standing charges rise or are rebalanced.
Tip: If you’re on a prepayment meter, have low usage, or are considering a switch to a heat pump/EV tariff, the standing charge and tariff structure matters even more. Use the form so we can show relevant options.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Estimated annual cost based on your usage, including standing charges
- Side-by-side comparison of fixed vs variable and different contract lengths
- Supplier details and key terms (exit fees, payment method, smart meter requirements)
Prefer not to estimate kWh? Use your latest bill. If you don’t have it, we can still show indicative results and help refine them later.
What are Ofgem standing charges — and what could change in 2026?
A standing charge is the fixed daily cost you pay for being connected to the gas and/or electricity network, regardless of how much energy you use. Suppliers typically show it in pence per day. Your total bill is usually:
- Standing charge (daily fee × number of days)
- Unit rate (pence per kWh × energy used)
Why 2026 matters
Ofgem periodically reviews how charges are set and how costs are recovered. If standing charge methodology changes in 2026, suppliers may respond by rebalancing prices — lowering unit rates while increasing standing charges, or the other way around.
How “cheapest tariff” changes
The cheapest tariff for your home depends on your consumption pattern. Low usage households are more sensitive to standing charges. High usage households feel changes in unit rates more strongly. The right comparison must include both.
Important: no one can “guarantee” the 2026 cheapest tariff today
Tariffs and caps can change, and supplier availability differs by region. What you can do now is compare current deals in a way that’s robust to standing charge shifts — prioritising transparent total annual cost and avoiding misleading “headline” unit rates.
How to choose the cheapest tariff if standing charges change
To avoid paying more than you need to, focus on the total cost rather than one part of the tariff. Here’s a practical checklist you can use before switching.
1) Compare annual cost
A “low unit rate” can still be expensive if the standing charge is high. Use your kWh usage to compare like-for-like annual totals.
2) Check payment method pricing
Direct Debit pricing often differs from pay-on-receipt or prepay. If you need flexibility, compare the correct payment route.
3) Watch exit fees & terms
Fixed deals can protect you from price rises, but exit fees may reduce the benefit if you need to switch again soon.
4) Consider your usage profile
Low usage homes: standing charge is a bigger share of your bill. Higher usage homes: small unit rate differences add up quickly.
5) Separate electricity & gas logic
A good electricity deal can be paired with a weaker gas deal (and vice versa). Comparing dual fuel vs single fuel can uncover savings.
6) Don’t ignore service quality
Price matters, but so do billing accuracy, customer support and clear tariff information — especially during industry-wide changes.
Want the quick way? Use the comparison form and we’ll show tariffs ranked by estimated annual cost, with standing charges visible so you can see what’s driving the result.
Standing charge vs unit rate: the cost breakdown
To understand which tariff is truly cheapest, it helps to see how the maths works. The examples below are simplified to show the effect standing charges can have.
| Example | Standing charge | Unit rate | Annual usage | Estimated annual cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low usage household | Higher | Lower | Low kWh | Can be expensive despite low unit rate |
| High usage household | Higher | Lower | High kWh | Often better value if usage is high |
| Balanced deal | Moderate | Moderate | Average kWh | May win for many households |
*Illustrative only. Actual prices vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method.
How EnergyPlus ranks “cheapest”
- We take the tariff’s standing charge(s) and unit rate(s) for your region and payment method.
- We apply your electricity and gas usage (kWh) to estimate annual cost.
- We show key terms (fixed/variable, contract length, exit fees) so you can decide based on more than price.
Regional factors that affect standing charges
Standing charges and unit rates can differ across Great Britain because network costs vary by region. That’s why a tariff that looks cheapest on a national headline can be beaten locally once your regional standing charge is applied.
Your electricity distribution region
Electricity is delivered through regional networks, and those costs can show up in standing charges and unit rates. Postcode-based comparison is the simplest way to see your true costs.
Meter type & payment method
Smart meters, legacy meters, and prepayment setups can be priced differently. Payment method also influences available tariffs and standing charge levels.
Scotland, Wales and England: comparisons are supported across Great Britain. If you’re unsure what details to use, submit your postcode and we’ll guide you through the rest.
Common mistakes when searching for the “cheapest” tariff
When standing charges are in focus, it’s easy to compare the wrong numbers. Avoid these pitfalls before you switch.
Only looking at the unit rate
A low p/kWh can be offset by a higher standing charge, especially for low usage homes.
Using the wrong usage figure
If you compare tariffs using someone else’s kWh, you can choose the wrong structure. Use your bill or a realistic estimate.
Ignoring fees and contract terms
Exit fees, contract length, and payment method restrictions can reduce the value of an otherwise cheap headline price.
FAQs: Ofgem standing charge changes and 2026 tariffs
Will Ofgem reduce standing charges in 2026?
Ofgem can review how costs are recovered, but outcomes depend on consultation decisions and industry implementation. Rather than relying on a single prediction, compare tariffs using total annual cost so you’re protected whichever way standing charges move.
What is a “standing charge” in simple terms?
It’s a daily fee for being connected to the energy supply. You pay it even if you use no gas or electricity on that day.
Does the cheapest tariff have the lowest standing charge?
Not always. A lower standing charge can come with a higher unit rate. The cheapest tariff is the one with the lowest total annual cost for your usage and region.
Should I fix now if I’m worried about 2026 changes?
Fixing can provide price certainty, but it depends on your risk tolerance and exit fee appetite. Comparing fixed deals of different lengths can help you find a sensible balance between stability and flexibility.
Do standing charges vary by supplier?
Yes. Even when market conditions are similar, suppliers can structure tariffs differently. Standing charges also vary by region and payment method, so postcode-based comparison is essential.
Is this for home energy only?
Yes. This page and the comparison form are designed for UK domestic (household) gas and electricity, not business energy.
If your question isn’t answered here, submit the form in Compare tariffs and we’ll tailor results to your situation (meter type, payment method and region).
Why households use EnergyPlus
When pricing changes, clarity matters. Here’s what customers tell us they value most about comparing with EnergyPlus.
“I didn’t realise the standing charge was making my bill look higher even when we were using less. The comparison showed the total cost clearly.”
“It was the first time I could actually compare like-for-like with my postcode and payment method. Switching was straightforward.”
“Helpful explanation of standing charges and what matters for our usage. Felt more confident choosing a fixed tariff.”
Trust indicators
- Whole-of-market domestic tariff comparison
- Clear breakdown of standing charges and unit rates
- Accessible support and transparent information
What to prepare (optional)
- Your postcode
- Latest bill (annual kWh for gas and electricity)
- How you pay (Direct Debit, receipt, prepay)
Ready to see the cheapest tariff for your home?
Compare whole-of-market deals with standing charges included, tailored to your postcode and usage. It takes a couple of minutes and can highlight better-value tariffs ahead of potential 2026 standing charge changes.
- See clear totals (not just headline unit rates)
- Compare fixed vs variable with key terms
- Domestic energy only
Start your comparison
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