No standing charge energy tariffs: how they work and who they suit
A UK guide to ‘zero standing charge’ electricity and gas tariffs, including where they can make sense, when they cost more overall, and what to check before you switch.
- Understand the trade-off: no daily fee, but usually a higher unit rate
- See realistic examples with numbers (low use vs average use)
- Compare options and get a whole-of-market quote from EnergyPlus
Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and payment method. Examples on this page are estimates to help you decide what to check.
Fast answer: are no standing charge tariffs worth it?
A no standing charge (or “zero standing charge”) tariff removes the daily fixed fee you pay for having a supply. To make up for it, suppliers usually set a higher unit rate (p/kWh). That means these tariffs can suit you if you use very little energy, but can cost more if your usage is average or high.
Often suits
- Low-use homes (e.g., small flat, rarely occupied)
- Second homes (still need a live supply)
- People trying to simplify bills (but check unit rates carefully)
Often doesn’t suit
- Average/high usage (most family homes)
- All-electric homes with electric heating
- EV charging at home (unless you have a separate smart tariff setup)
Key checks
- Is it electricity only, or gas too?
- Any exit fees or fixed-term lock-in?
- Meter type: standard, Economy 7, smart, or prepayment
Quick rule of thumb: A no standing charge tariff only works out cheaper if the extra you pay per kWh is less than what you’d have paid in daily standing charges over the year. We show a simple break-even method below.
Compare no standing charge tariffs (and the closest alternatives)
No standing charge deals aren’t always available in every region or for every meter type. EnergyPlus compares the wider market and shows you:
- True no standing charge options (where offered)
- Low standing charge tariffs that can be better value overall
- Tariffs suited to your meter: single-rate, Economy 7, smart and (where applicable) prepayment
Tip: Have your latest bill or app handy. If you can, note your current unit rates (p/kWh), standing charges (p/day), and whether your tariff is fixed or variable.
How no standing charge tariffs work (UK)
Most UK energy bills have two main price parts:
- Unit rate (p/kWh)
- What you pay for each unit of electricity or gas you use.
- Standing charge (p/day)
- A daily fixed cost that helps cover network costs, metering, and supplier operating costs. You pay it even if you use no energy.
A no standing charge tariff sets the daily charge to £0. In return, the unit rate is typically higher. Some deals are only offered for electricity, not gas, and availability can differ by region and payment method.
Get a whole-of-market quote
Tell us a few details and we’ll match tariffs to your home and meter. We’ll highlight any zero or low standing charge options available for your postcode.
Not sure what you’re on now? Look for “standing charge” on your latest bill (p/day) and “unit rate” (p/kWh). If you can’t find it, we can still help you compare using typical usage.
No standing charge vs standard tariffs: what to compare
To decide fairly, compare the total annual cost, not just the standing charge. If a tariff has £0 standing charge but a higher unit rate, the difference can outweigh the saving from removing the daily fee.
| What you’re comparing | No standing charge tariff | Typical tariff with standing charge | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | £0 | Usually 40–70p/day (varies by region & fuel) | This is what you’re “saving” — but only if unit rates don’t rise too much. |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Often higher | Often lower | Higher usage can quickly outweigh the £0 standing charge. |
| Meter compatibility | May be limited (e.g., not offered on some E7/prepay) | Wider availability | Your meter can restrict what you can switch to. |
| Payment method | May differ by Direct Debit vs prepayment | Often best rates on Direct Debit | Payment method can change both standing charge and unit rate. |
| Terms (fixed term, exit fee) | Varies | Varies | Exit fees can remove flexibility if prices change. |
Decision checklist (2 minutes)
- How often is your home empty? (weeks at a time can change the maths)
- Do you have gas? No standing charge is often electricity-only.
- What meter are you on? Single-rate, Economy 7, smart, or prepay.
- Are you in debt to your current supplier? That can complicate switching.
- Do you need flexibility? Avoid exit fees if you may switch again soon.
Break-even: the simple way
For one fuel (e.g., electricity), estimate:
Break-even annual usage (kWh) ˜ Annual standing charge saving (£) ÷ Extra unit cost (£/kWh)
If you use less than the break-even kWh, a no standing charge tariff is more likely to help. If you use more, it’s more likely to cost more overall.
Caveat: This ignores tiered pricing, time-of-use rates and discounts, and assumes your usage pattern stays similar.
Two realistic scenarios (with estimates)
These examples are illustrative. Standing charges and unit rates vary by region, supplier, meter and payment method.
Scenario A: low-use flat (electricity only)
- Annual electricity use: 1,200 kWh
- Standard tariff example: 55p/day standing charge and 24p/kWh
- No standing charge example: £0/day standing charge and 33p/kWh
| Cost part | Standard | No standing charge |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (365 days) | 0.55 × 365 ˜ £200.75 | £0 |
| Unit cost (kWh × rate) | 1,200 × £0.24 = £288 | 1,200 × £0.33 = £396 |
| Estimated annual total | £488.75 | £396 |
In this example, the no standing charge option is ~£93/year cheaper because usage is low enough that the higher unit rate doesn’t outweigh the saved standing charge.
Scenario B: typical household (electricity only)
- Annual electricity use: 3,100 kWh
- Same example prices as above
| Cost part | Standard | No standing charge |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (365 days) | 0.55 × 365 ˜ £200.75 | £0 |
| Unit cost (kWh × rate) | 3,100 × £0.24 = £744 | 3,100 × £0.33 = £1,023 |
| Estimated annual total | £944.75 | £1,023 |
In this example, the no standing charge option is ~£78/year more expensive because the higher unit rate dominates when usage is higher.
Why your numbers will differ: Standing charges vary by region and fuel, and unit rates can differ by Direct Debit vs prepayment, single-rate vs Economy 7, and whether a tariff is fixed or variable.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
No standing charge tariffs can be useful, but there are common “gotchas” that affect real bills and switching eligibility.
1) Higher unit rates
The most common issue: the unit rate can be significantly higher. If your usage rises (winter, working from home, new appliance), you may pay more overall.
2) Not always available for gas
Some suppliers only offer £0 standing charge on electricity. You might still pay a gas standing charge, so check the combined cost if you want dual fuel.
3) Meter & tariff type limitations
If you have Economy 7 (two-rate), a smart time-of-use tariff, or prepayment, your options can be narrower. Always check compatibility before switching.
Exit fees and fixed terms
Some zero standing charge deals are fixed. If prices change or you move home, an exit fee can reduce flexibility. Check the tariff information label or supplier terms before you commit.
Regional price differences
Standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region (not just by nation). Two households on the same tariff name can have different prices depending on postcode.
If you’re struggling to pay: A no standing charge tariff isn’t automatically a “cheaper bill” solution. Consider support options (payment plans, benefits checks, grants) and get advice from Citizens Advice before making big changes.
FAQs: no standing charge tariffs
Are no standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Not always. Availability can depend on your supply region, supplier, and meter/payment type. If you can’t access a true £0 standing charge tariff, a low standing charge option can sometimes be better value overall.
Do no standing charge tariffs apply to both electricity and gas?
Often they’re offered for electricity only. If you want dual fuel, check each fuel separately and compare the combined annual cost.
Will I pay nothing if I use zero energy?
On a true £0 standing charge tariff, your energy usage cost could be £0 for that fuel if you used none during the billing period. However, you may still see other items on a bill (for example, credits/debits, payment plan adjustments, or charges for the other fuel if you’re dual fuel).
Are no standing charge tariffs covered by the Ofgem price cap?
The price cap applies to certain default/standard variable tariffs (and sets limits on unit rates and standing charges for capped tariffs). A tariff with a £0 standing charge may instead have a higher unit rate. Always compare the total estimated annual cost for your usage.
Can I get a no standing charge tariff on a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but options can be more limited and pricing can differ from Direct Debit tariffs. If you’re on prepay and considering switching, check whether you have any debt to your current supplier, as that may affect the switch process.
Do smart meters make no standing charge tariffs easier to access?
A smart meter can widen the range of tariffs you can choose from (including time-of-use tariffs), but it doesn’t guarantee access to a £0 standing charge product. Availability still depends on the supplier and your region.
Is switching risky — could my supply be interrupted?
Switching supplier in the UK is designed to be seamless. Your gas and electricity physically come through the same networks. Issues are uncommon, but admin errors can happen—keep meter readings and confirmation emails until your first bill is correct.
What should I check on the tariff details before I switch?
Check: (1) unit rates and whether they vary by time (Economy 7/time-of-use), (2) whether £0 standing charge applies to both fuels, (3) contract length and any exit fee, (4) payment method requirements, and (5) any eligibility limits related to meter type or smart meter status.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: March 2026
How we assess no standing charge tariffs
We focus on what changes your total cost and whether a tariff is actually accessible for a typical UK household:
- Total cost over a year (unit rate × usage + standing charge × days)
- Eligibility factors: region (postcode), meter type (single-rate/Economy 7/smart/prepay), payment method
- Contract terms: fixed vs variable, exit fees, any conditions
- User-fit: low-use scenarios vs average/high-use households
Limitations: The example calculations on this page use simplified assumptions (single-rate electricity, constant unit prices, 365 days). Your supplier may price differently, and your usage can vary seasonally.
Sources (UK)
Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff makes sense for you?
Compare whole-of-market options for your postcode, including zero and low standing charge tariffs where available. We’ll show estimated costs based on your details.
Reminder: The best tariff depends on usage, region and meter type. If your usage is likely to increase soon, consider comparing low standing charge and standard options too.
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