Cheapest no standing charge electricity tariff in the UK
Compare whole-of-market no standing charge electricity tariffs for UK homes. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with options that fit how you use energy (including low-use, second homes and smart meter households).
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK domestic electricity
- See when “no standing charge” is actually cheaper for your usage
- Fix or variable options where available, with clear unit-rate trade-offs
- Fast form fill — no obligation to switch today
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a UK comparison service. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier. We’ll show eligible options based on your details.
Find the cheapest no standing charge electricity tariff for your home
No standing charge tariffs remove (or reduce) the fixed daily cost, but the unit rate (price per kWh) is often higher. The cheapest option depends on how much electricity you use, your region, and your meter type. EnergyPlus helps you compare eligible whole-of-market options in one place, based on your details.
If you’re a low-usage household (for example: a small flat, a second home, or you’re away often), you may benefit from paying more per kWh in return for a lower fixed cost. If you use a lot of electricity (EV charging, electric heating, large family home), a standard tariff with a standing charge may work out cheaper overall.
Quick tip: The “cheapest” no standing charge tariff isn’t the lowest unit rate — it’s the one with the lowest total annual cost for your usage. We’ll focus on that when matching you to options.
Get matched to eligible tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll compare options available for your home. It takes about 60 seconds.
Looking for solar too? This page focuses on electricity tariffs for homes, but if you’re exploring ways to cut bills further, ask us about solar and battery options when we contact you.
Who no standing charge electricity tariffs can suit
A tariff with no standing charge can work well in specific situations. Here’s when they’re most likely to be cost-effective — and when they’re not.
Low electricity use
If you use fewer units (kWh), removing the daily charge can reduce your total bill — even if the unit rate is higher.
Second homes & occasional use
Paying a standing charge every day can feel painful when a property is empty. A no standing charge tariff may suit intermittent usage.
Budgeting preference
Some households prefer bills that more closely track usage rather than paying a fixed daily amount year-round.
Not always best for high use
If your home uses a lot of electricity, the higher unit price can outweigh the savings from removing the standing charge.
You still pay for energy networks
Costs don’t disappear — they’re usually recovered via the unit rate. Comparing total cost is what matters.
Availability varies
Not every supplier offers no standing charge electricity, and eligibility can differ by region and meter type.
How a no standing charge electricity tariff works
Most domestic electricity tariffs in Great Britain have two main parts:
Standing charge (daily fixed cost)
A set amount charged per day, regardless of how much electricity you use. It contributes to things like maintaining the energy network and metering costs.
Unit rate (cost per kWh)
What you pay for each unit of electricity used. On “no standing charge” tariffs, this is often higher to recover costs that would otherwise sit in the standing charge.
What “cheapest” really means
The cheapest no standing charge electricity tariff is the one with the lowest overall cost for your home — not necessarily the lowest unit rate. That’s why we ask for your postcode and contact details: suppliers and prices vary by region, and some tariffs are only available to certain meter types.
Important: A “zero standing charge” deal can still be more expensive overall if you use moderate-to-high electricity. Always compare the total cost for your estimated annual usage.
Costs, savings and the break-even point
To decide whether a no standing charge tariff is cheaper, you’re comparing:
| What you’re comparing | Standard tariff | No standing charge tariff | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily standing charge | Usually applies | Removed or reduced | Lower fixed cost, especially useful if usage is low |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Often lower | Often higher | Higher usage can cost more, so you need a break-even check |
| Total annual cost | Depends on usage + region | Depends on usage + region | This is what you should compare to find the cheapest option |
A simple break-even rule of thumb
You can estimate when a no standing charge tariff becomes cheaper by comparing the standing charge you’d avoid against the extra you’ll pay per kWh:
Break-even usage (kWh/day) ˜ (standing charge per day) ÷ (no-standing unit rate - standard unit rate)
If you use less than the break-even level, no standing charge may be cheaper. If you use more, a standard tariff may win.
We’ll calculate it properly for your home
Because rates vary by region, payment method, and meter setup, we’ll focus on total cost and eligibility when you submit the form. That way, you don’t waste time on deals you can’t actually get.
Eligibility, meter types and regional considerations
No standing charge electricity tariffs aren’t always available to every household. Here are the main factors that affect what you’ll see when comparing.
Your region and distribution network
Electricity charges can vary by region (based on the local distribution network). A tariff that’s competitive in one area may not be in another.
Meter setup (standard, smart, multi-rate)
Some no standing charge deals may be limited to certain meter types. If you have a smart meter or a multi-rate meter, it can affect available tariffs and pricing.
Payment method
Prices and eligibility can differ depending on how you pay (for example, direct debit vs other methods). We’ll guide you through what’s available.
Supplier availability
Not all suppliers offer a no standing charge option at all times. The market changes, so checking what’s available now matters.
Home energy only: This page is for domestic properties in the UK. If you’re comparing energy for a business site, you’ll need business-specific pricing and terms.
Common mistakes when searching for “no standing charge” electricity
Comparing unit rates only
A no standing charge tariff can look “expensive” on the unit rate but still be cheaper overall for low usage. Compare annual cost.
Ignoring your usage pattern
If your usage spikes seasonally (for example, electric heating), the higher unit rate may cost more during heavy-use months.
Not checking tariff terms
Look for exit fees, price guarantees on fixed deals, and whether rates can change (variable tariffs).
Assuming it’s available everywhere
No standing charge electricity tariffs can vary by region and meter type. A quick eligibility check saves time.
FAQs: Cheapest no standing charge electricity tariff UK
Are no standing charge electricity tariffs really “cheaper”?
They can be cheaper for low-usage homes, because you avoid paying a daily fixed charge. But many deals have a higher unit rate, so higher usage can cost more. The cheapest choice is the one with the lowest total cost for your estimated annual usage.
Do no standing charge tariffs exist for everyone in the UK?
Not always. Availability depends on supplier, region, and meter type. Some offers are limited, time-bound, or only available to certain households. Using a comparison service helps you see what you can actually get.
Is this the same as a “zero daily charge” tariff?
It’s often used to mean the same thing: a tariff with no (or near-zero) standing charge. Always check the tariff details, as some deals reduce the standing charge rather than removing it completely.
Will I need a smart meter?
Not necessarily. Some tariffs are available on standard meters, while others may require a smart meter or certain meter configurations. We’ll help you understand what’s eligible when comparing.
Can I switch electricity tariffs if I’m in a fixed contract?
You may be able to switch, but fixed tariffs can have exit fees depending on the supplier and terms. If you’re unsure, we can factor that into your comparison and next steps.
Is this page about business electricity?
No — this landing page is for UK home energy comparisons. Business tariffs use different pricing structures and contracts.
Still not sure if no standing charge makes sense for your household? Use the form and we’ll help you compare based on your situation.
Why households use EnergyPlus
When you’re looking for the cheapest no standing charge electricity tariff in the UK, clarity matters. Here’s what people value about a comparison-led approach.
“I didn’t realise the unit rate was higher on no standing charge deals. The comparison helped me pick what was actually cheaper for my usage.”
“Fast form, clear next steps, and I could see what was available in my postcode without guessing.”
“Helpful explanation of break-even. Made it easy to choose between no standing charge and standard tariffs.”
Trust & transparency: We focus on eligibility and total cost, not just headline rates. Your details help us show the most relevant options for your home.
Ready to check the cheapest no standing charge option for your postcode?
Submit your details and we’ll match you with eligible whole-of-market electricity tariffs for your home — with a clear view of total cost, not just the headline.
No obligation. Tariff availability depends on region, meter type and supplier terms.
What you’ll get
- Relevant no standing charge and standard alternatives
- Guidance on break-even for your usage
- Clear next steps if you want to switch
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