What is Ofgem's standing charge shake-up in 2025?

Ofgem is consulting on changes to how standing charges are set and presented, aiming to make bills clearer and potentially reduce the fixed daily charge for some households. The exact outcome depends on the final decision and your supplier’s tariffs. If you want to lower your overall costs, comparing tariffs (including unit rates and standing charges) is key.

Will the 2025 changes reduce my standing charge?

Not necessarily. Any reduction to the standing charge may be offset by changes to unit rates, and impacts can vary by region and payment method. The best way to know what you could save is to compare your current tariff against available fixed and variable options using your recent bill details.

When will any standing charge changes take effect?

Ofgem proposals typically go through consultation and a final decision before implementation. Timing can vary, so keep an eye on Ofgem announcements and supplier communications. In the meantime, you can still switch now if you find a better deal.

How do I switch energy supplier with EnergyPlus?

To switch, choose a tariff, provide your address and current supplier details, and submit your application. Your new supplier will handle the transfer and contact your existing supplier. You can start by viewing available tariffs and switching online at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Will switching affect my energy supply?

No. Your gas and electricity supply stays on during the switch because the same national networks deliver the energy. Only your billing and tariff change.

Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?

It depends on the type and size of the debt and whether you have a repayment plan in place. Some customers can switch, while others may need to clear the balance first. Check your account and speak with your supplier if you’re unsure.

Do I need to submit meter readings when switching?

You may be asked for a meter reading around the switch date so your old and new suppliers can produce accurate final and opening bills. If you have a smart meter, readings are often collected automatically.

Is it better to choose a fixed or variable tariff during this shake-up?

A fixed tariff can offer price certainty for a set period, while a variable tariff can move with market and price-cap changes. The right choice depends on your risk preference, budget, and how the unit rate and standing charge compare. Reviewing the full tariff cost (standing charge + unit rates) helps you decide.

Ofgem standing charge shake-up 2025: how to switch

If the Ofgem standing charge shake-up lands in 2025, it could change how much you pay each day before you use any energy. Compare whole-of-market UK tariffs and switch in minutes with EnergyPlus.co.uk.

Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home (gas, electricity, or dual fuel)
Understand what a standing charge is and who may benefit if it changes
See fixed vs variable options and switch with one simple form

Compare tariffs & switch What’s changing in 2025?

Home energy only. Switching is free to use. Your current supply won’t be interrupted.

Compare home energy tariffs now (whole-of-market)

Standing charges are the fixed daily amount you pay to be connected to the gas and/or electricity network. If Ofgem’s approach to standing charges changes in 2025, the “best” tariff for you may change too — especially if you use very little energy or you’re trying to keep bills predictable.

Use the form to compare deals using your postcode and a few quick details. We’ll show available tariffs across the market (including fixed and variable options) and you can choose what suits your household.

Good to know: If you don’t have a recent bill, you can still compare using estimated usage. If you do have a bill, we can make results more accurate (unit rate + standing charge).

Start your comparison

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See switching steps

By continuing you confirm you’re comparing for a UK home address. We’ll use your details to provide results and support your switch.

Why standing charges matter (and why switching may be worth it)

They’re paid even if you use no energy

Standing charges are a daily fixed cost on your bill. That means low-usage households can feel them most — and changes to how they’re set could shift who pays what.

Tariffs differ by unit rate and standing charge

Two tariffs can look similar until you check the p/kWh and the daily charge together. Comparing whole-of-market helps you spot a better overall cost for your usage.

Regional rates can be different

Standing charges vary by region and by payment type (e.g. Direct Debit vs prepay). A postcode-based comparison shows what’s available where you live.

Practical tip: If you’re comparing deals because you’ve heard “standing charges might go down”, also check whether the unit rate goes up. What matters is the total annual cost for your typical usage.

Ofgem standing charge shake-up 2025: what it could mean

Ofgem regulates the energy market in Great Britain and sets the price cap level for default tariffs. Standing charges sit alongside unit rates within that capped structure. When Ofgem consults on “standing charge reform” (sometimes discussed as a standing charge shake-up), the goal is generally to review how fixed costs are recovered and whether the balance between the daily charge and the per-kWh charge is fair for different households.

For 2025, you’ll see news and updates discussing potential changes such as reducing standing charges, rebalancing costs into unit rates, or offering alternative tariff structures. The exact outcome depends on Ofgem decisions and supplier implementation, and it may vary by region and meter/payment type.

What you can do today

Check your current standing charge and unit rate on your latest bill or app
Compare fixed and variable tariffs based on your usage (not just headlines)
Consider tariff length and exit fees (especially if you may switch again in 2025)

What to watch for in 2025

Any new tariff options that alter the standing charge/unit rate split
Changes for prepayment meters vs credit meters
Regional standing charge differences (your postcode matters)

Important: This page explains how standing charges work and how to switch. For official updates and consultation outcomes, refer to Ofgem communications. If you’re unsure, comparing tariffs based on your usage is usually the safest route.

How to switch energy tariff (simple UK checklist)

Switching your home energy supplier is usually straightforward. Your gas and electricity continue to flow as normal; only the company billing you changes. Here’s how to do it with confidence if you’re comparing in light of potential standing charge changes.

Gather basics: postcode, current supplier name, and (ideally) your latest bill showing unit rates and standing charges.
Compare whole-of-market: look at the estimated annual cost, tariff type (fixed/variable), contract length, and any exit fees.
Check meter type: credit, prepayment, or smart meter. Some deals are specific to meter/payment type.
Choose your tariff: if you value predictability ahead of 2025, a fixed tariff may suit; if you prefer flexibility, a variable tariff may suit.
Submit your switch: your new supplier handles the process. You’ll get confirmation and a switch date.
Take meter readings: on switch day (or when prompted). This helps ensure your final and first bills are accurate.

Switching timeframes

Many switches complete in a few working days, though timescales can vary. You’ll be kept informed by your new supplier, and you won’t lose supply during the process.

Will I pay an exit fee?

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave early. If you’re switching now but want flexibility for 2025, compare tariffs with low/no exit fees or shorter terms.

Standing charge vs unit rate: quick comparison table

When headlines talk about standing charge reform, it’s easy to miss the trade-off: a lower standing charge can be paired with a higher unit rate (or vice versa). Use this table to sense-check what you’re being offered.

What you’re looking at	Why it matters	How to compare
Standing charge Daily fixed cost	Paid regardless of usage; impacts low-usage homes more.	Compare daily rates (p/day) for your region and payment type.
Unit rate Cost per kWh	Drives bills for medium/high-usage homes and winter heating.	Compare p/kWh and run an annual estimate using your usage.
Tariff type Fixed vs variable	Fixed can protect against price rises; variable can track cap changes.	Choose based on risk preference, budget stability, and potential 2025 changes.
Total annual cost Overall estimate	Most reliable way to compare when charges shift around.	Use whole-of-market results and check assumptions (kWh/yr).

If you’re on a prepayment meter: rates can differ from Direct Debit. Compare using the correct payment type for accurate standing charge and unit rate results.

Common mistakes to avoid when switching

Comparing on standing charge alone

A low daily charge can be offset by a higher unit rate. Always check estimated annual cost for your usage.

Using the wrong payment type

Direct Debit, pay on receipt, and prepay tariffs can price differently. Choose the one you’ll actually use.

Forgetting exit fees or end dates

If you might switch again around 2025 updates, look for low/no exit fees and note contract end dates.

FAQs: standing charges and switching in 2025

What is a standing charge on my energy bill?

A standing charge is a fixed daily amount you pay for gas and/or electricity. It contributes to network costs, metering, and other fixed elements of supply. You pay it regardless of how much energy you use.

If standing charges fall, will my bills definitely go down?

Not necessarily. If costs move from the standing charge into the unit rate, some households could pay less while others pay more depending on usage. The safest way to judge is by comparing the total annual cost using your typical kWh consumption.

Do standing charges vary across the UK?

Yes. Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region and by payment method. Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is covered by Ofgem regulation; Northern Ireland has a different regulatory setup and market structure.

Will I lose supply when I switch?

No. Switching changes who bills you, not the physical supply to your home. Your energy should continue uninterrupted, and your new supplier will manage the switch process.

Should I choose a fixed tariff before 2025?

It depends on your priorities. A fixed tariff can help with budgeting and protects you from price rises during the fixed period, but you may pay an exit fee to leave early. If you want flexibility in case tariff structures change, consider shorter fixes or low/no exit fee options.

What information do I need to switch?

Usually just your postcode and a few details about your household energy setup. Your latest bill helps with accuracy, especially to capture your current standing charge and unit rates, but it’s not essential to start.

Trusted switching support (what people value)

“Clear options without the confusion”

Customers tell us they like seeing unit rates and standing charges side-by-side, so they can choose based on total cost rather than headlines.

Home switcher, UK

“Quick comparison — no hassle”

A simple form and whole-of-market results helps people get from “I should switch” to “done” in one sitting.

Dual fuel household

“Helpful for low-usage homes”

When standing charges are a big part of the bill, comparing the full picture (standing charge + p/kWh) makes a real difference.

Flat / small household

Privacy: We only ask for what we need to show accurate results and support your switch. You can start with just the essentials and refine later.

Ready to compare tariffs ahead of the 2025 shake-up?

Don’t guess what standing charge changes might mean for your home. Compare whole-of-market deals by postcode and switch to a tariff that suits your usage now — with flexibility to review again later.

Compare & switch now

Takes a few minutes. Home energy only. No supply interruption.

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Updated on 24 Dec 2025