What is a £0 standing charge energy tariff?

A £0 standing charge tariff is an electricity and/or gas plan where the daily standing charge is set to £0. You still pay for the energy you use via the unit rate (p/kWh), and some tariffs may recover fixed costs through a higher unit rate or specific terms. Always check the tariff’s unit rate, any time-of-use pricing, and any fees or minimum charges before switching.

Are £0 standing charge tariffs always cheaper?

Not always. A £0 standing charge can benefit low-usage households (for example, small flats, second homes, or properties that are empty for periods), but suppliers may offset the missing standing charge with a higher unit rate. The cheapest option depends on your annual kWh usage, your meter type, and whether the tariff uses peak/off-peak rates.

Who is a £0 standing charge tariff best for?

These tariffs can suit households with low energy use, people who are away for long periods, and some solar households that import very little electricity across the year. If your usage is moderate or high, a tariff with a standing charge and a lower unit rate may work out cheaper overall.

Can I get £0 standing charge with a smart meter?

Often yes, depending on the supplier and tariff rules. Some £0 standing charge deals may require a smart meter (especially if they include time-of-use pricing). If you already have a smart meter, it can make switching and accurate billing easier.

Do £0 standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates?

They can. Because the standing charge normally covers fixed network and billing costs, a tariff with no standing charge may increase the unit rate (or use different pricing structures) to recover those costs. Compare total estimated annual cost, not just the standing charge.

Is a £0 standing charge tariff good if I have solar panels?

It can be, particularly if your solar reduces imported electricity significantly. However, solar households should also compare export rates (SEG), battery-friendly time-of-use tariffs, and peak unit rates. The best choice depends on how much you import vs export and whether you have a battery.

How do I compare £0 standing charge tariffs accurately?

Use your annual consumption (kWh) for electricity and gas, then calculate the annual cost using the unit rate(s) plus any standing charge (if applicable). For time-of-use tariffs, estimate how much usage falls into each rate band. Also check exit fees, contract length, payment method discounts, and any minimum billing rules.

Are there any downsides or catches to £0 standing charge tariffs?

Potential downsides include higher unit rates, stricter eligibility (meter type or region), limited availability, time-of-use pricing complexity, and possible fees or terms that affect low-consumption billing. Read the tariff information label and key terms before switching.

Can I switch to a £0 standing charge tariff if I’m in debt or on a prepayment meter?

It depends on the supplier and your circumstances. Some tariffs may not be available for certain meter types, and switching with debt can be restricted. If you’re on prepayment or have an outstanding balance, check eligibility with the supplier or consider speaking to your current supplier about options first.

What should I do next if I want the best £0 standing charge option for my home?

Start by gathering your latest annual kWh usage (or recent bills), your postcode, and your meter details. Then compare available £0 standing charge tariffs against standard tariffs using total annual cost. If you have solar (and especially a battery), compare import rates and export rates together to maximise overall savings. You can also explore related solar and tariff guidance on https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/.

Best £0 standing charge energy tariffs in the UK

Compare whole-of-market electricity and gas deals (including £0 standing charge options where available) and get matched to tariffs that fit your usage, payment type and postcode.

Find tariffs designed for low users, second homes and smart meter households
See the real trade-off: higher unit rates vs lower/no daily charge
Personalised results based on your postcode and usage (not averages)

Compare £0 standing charge tariffs How £0 standing charge works

Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. We’ll show what’s available for your home and explain the total cost before you switch.

Compare £0 standing charge energy tariffs for your home

A £0 standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed fee you normally pay just for being connected. It can be a strong option if your home uses very little energy for long periods (for example, a second home, flat with minimal usage, or a home where you’re away often). However, these tariffs often have a higher unit rate (pence per kWh), so the “best” option depends on your usage.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Tell us your postcode and how you pay, and we’ll show you available deals (including £0 standing charge options where offered) and explain the total annual cost so you can choose confidently.

What you’ll see in your results

Standing charge (including £0 where available)
Unit rates for electricity and/or gas
Estimated annual cost based on your usage and region
Tariff type (fixed/variable, single-rate/Economy 7, smart)

Looking for solar-related savings too? You can still compare standard home energy tariffs here; if you have panels, your import tariff still matters for what you buy from the grid.

Get matched in under 2 minutes

Start with a few details. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode and meter type.

Tip: If you have a recent bill, check your annual kWh. The lower your usage, the more likely a £0 standing charge tariff could be competitive.

Important: Energy suppliers can change products and eligibility. Some “no standing charge” deals are electricity-only, require a smart meter, or apply under specific usage conditions. We’ll highlight any key terms in your results.

Who benefits most from a £0 standing charge tariff?

No standing charge energy tariffs aren’t automatically “cheaper” — they’re structured differently. These are the common scenarios where they can make sense.

Low annual usage homes

If you use relatively little electricity and/or gas, you may pay more in standing charges than you expect. Removing them can reduce fixed costs.

Second homes & holiday lets (home use)

When a property sits empty, standing charges still add up. A £0 standing charge tariff can help cut costs during unused periods.

Homes with seasonal demand

If your consumption is concentrated in winter, a tariff without a daily fee may be worth considering — but compare the unit rate carefully.

All-electric flats

Some all-electric homes prefer to focus on optimising electricity costs. If gas is not used at all, avoiding a gas standing charge can be relevant (where applicable).

Smart meter households

Some £0 standing charge products are linked to smart metering and specific payment methods. We’ll show compatibility in your results.

Anyone who wants clarity

If you dislike paying a fixed daily fee, this structure makes costs more usage-led — just be sure the total cost stacks up.

How £0 standing charge energy tariffs work (in plain English)

Most UK home energy tariffs include two key charges:

Standing charge (per day)

A fixed daily amount covering things like maintaining the energy network and metering services. You usually pay it even if you use zero energy that day.

Unit rate (per kWh)

What you pay for each unit of energy you use. This can vary by tariff type, region and (for some products) time of day.

The key trade-off

With a £0 standing charge tariff, you may pay no daily fee, but the supplier often sets a higher unit rate to recover costs. That’s why the best tariff depends on your annual usage, not just the standing charge figure.

Quick example (illustrative)

Tariff	Standing charge	Unit rate	Best for
Standard-style	~50–70p/day (varies)	Lower	Medium/high usage households
£0 standing charge	£0/day	Higher	Low usage / properties left empty

Figures above are for explanation only. Actual standing charges and unit rates vary by region, supplier, meter type and market conditions.

How to find the best deal (our approach)

We start with your postcode to reflect regional pricing and network costs.
We account for how you pay (direct debit, prepayment, etc.) and your meter type where relevant.
We compare total cost (unit rate × usage + standing charge × days), not just one headline figure.
We flag key terms like smart meter requirements, contract length, exit fees and caps.

Compare for my postcode

Tariff types, meters and eligibility (what to check)

“£0 standing charge” can appear across different structures. Use this checklist to avoid switching to something that doesn’t match your home.

Electricity-only vs dual fuel

Some products are electricity-only. If you still use gas, check whether the gas side has a standing charge, or whether you can switch both fuels competitively.

Payment method

Direct debit, pay on receipt of bill and prepayment can price differently. We’ll show results that align with your payment preferences where possible.

Smart meter requirements

Certain “no standing charge” options may require a smart meter or specific metering setup. If you don’t have one, we’ll help you understand alternatives.

Single-rate vs Economy 7

If you have Economy 7 or other multi-rate electricity, you’ll want to compare on the right structure. A lower standing charge won’t help if the day rate is significantly higher.

Regional pricing matters

Standing charges and unit rates vary across the UK due to regional electricity distribution and gas network costs. That’s why a tariff that looks great online may not be the best once your postcode is applied.

Do £0 standing charge tariffs actually save money?

They can — but only when the saving from removing the daily charge is bigger than the extra you pay through the unit rate. Here’s a practical way to think about it.

What to compare

Total annual cost (not just “£0 standing charge”)
Electricity + gas combined if you use both
Exit fees on fixed deals
Any special conditions (meter, payment, minimum usage)

A quick rule of thumb

If a standard tariff has a standing charge of 60p/day, that’s about £219/year. A £0 standing charge tariff needs to be no more than around £219 “worse” via unit rates to break even — and that depends on your kWh usage.

Because unit rates differ, we recommend comparing using your actual usage (from your bill) where possible.

Typical cost components to look for in your quote

Component	What it means	Why it matters
Standing charge	Daily fixed charge	£0 can reduce costs when usage is low or irregular
Unit rate	Price per kWh	Higher unit rates can outweigh a £0 standing charge
Tariff type	Fixed or variable	Fixed gives price certainty; variable can change
Exit fees	Charge for leaving early	Relevant if you plan to switch again soon

Want an accurate answer? Use the form above and we’ll show your personalised comparison using your postcode. For best accuracy, use your last 12 months’ kWh from a bill or online account.

Common mistakes when choosing a no standing charge tariff

Avoid these pitfalls and you’ll get a cleaner comparison between £0 standing charge and standard tariffs.

Focusing on standing charge only

A £0 standing charge can look great, but unit rates may be higher. Always compare the estimated yearly cost.

Using the wrong usage estimate

If you use a generic average, you could pick the wrong structure. Your own kWh makes the difference on £0 standing charge tariffs.

Ignoring meter and rate type

Economy 7, smart meters and multi-rate tariffs can change which deal is best. Match your comparison to your meter setup.

Missing region-specific pricing

Tariffs vary by region. Always check deals using your postcode rather than a national example.

Not checking contract terms

Look for exit fees, price change clauses (for variable deals) and any conditions for keeping a £0 standing charge.

Assuming it’s always available

£0 standing charge options can be limited and may not be offered in every region or for every meter type. Compare to confirm availability.

FAQs: £0 standing charge energy tariffs (UK)

Are £0 standing charge tariffs really “no standing charge”?

If a tariff is advertised as £0 standing charge, the daily standing charge should be zero for the covered fuel. However, other charges can exist within the unit rate. Always confirm whether it applies to electricity, gas, or both and check the full tariff details.

Will I pay more per kWh?

Often, yes. Many £0 standing charge tariffs offset the missing daily charge with a higher unit rate. The right choice depends on your total annual kWh.

Do I need a smart meter?

Not always, but some products may require one (or work best with one). If a smart meter is required, we’ll highlight that in your comparison results.

Can I get £0 standing charge on prepayment?

Availability can be more limited on prepayment meters, and pricing differs by payment method. Enter your postcode and details to see what’s currently available for your setup.

Is switching safe if I’m on the Energy Price Cap?

Yes — you can switch as usual, but whether it’s a good idea depends on the tariff’s total cost and terms. We compare the estimated annual cost and show the trade-offs clearly.

How quickly can I switch?

Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances. If you’re switching between suppliers, you’ll typically be kept informed at each stage. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted.

Trusted comparisons, clearer decisions

When you’re comparing no standing charge tariffs, clarity matters. Here’s what customers value when using a comparison service like EnergyPlus.

“The results made the trade-off obvious.”

“I was focused on standing charge, but seeing the annual cost based on my usage helped me choose the right deal.”

Homeowner, UK

“Simple and postcode-specific.”

“Tariffs looked different once my postcode was used. The comparison saved me time.”

Flat resident, UK

“No guesswork.”

“I needed something that worked for a property we don’t use every week. The options were explained clearly.”

Second home owner, UK

Why compare with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market approach focused on home energy
Postcode-aware comparison for more accurate pricing
Clear presentation of unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual cost

Ready to see the best £0 standing charge options for your postcode?

We’ll match you to currently available home energy tariffs and show the total cost so you can decide whether £0 standing charge is genuinely better for your usage.

Whole-of-market comparison
Postcode-based pricing
Clear breakdown of charges

Start my comparison Read the FAQs first

You’ll always see key terms like tariff length, unit rates and whether a smart meter is required (where applicable).

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026