What is a no standing charge electricity tariff?

A no standing charge electricity tariff is a plan where you don’t pay a daily fixed standing charge. Instead, the supplier typically recovers those fixed costs through a higher unit rate (pence per kWh). It can work well for low-usage homes, but may cost more overall for higher usage. Compare options to see what’s cheapest for your usage.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper in the UK?

It depends on how much electricity you use. If your usage is low (for example, an empty property, small flat, or occasional-use home), avoiding a daily standing charge can reduce costs. If you use more electricity, a higher unit rate can outweigh the saving. The best way to know is to compare total annual cost for your actual kWh usage.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge electricity plan?

No standing charge tariffs can suit homes with very low consumption, such as second homes, vacant properties, or people away for long periods. They can also appeal if you want to minimise fixed daily costs. For average or high usage households, standard tariffs often work out cheaper overall.

Do no standing charge tariffs have higher unit rates?

Usually, yes. With no standing charge, suppliers often increase the per-kWh unit rate to cover fixed network and metering costs. When comparing, focus on the total cost for your expected kWh usage rather than the standing charge alone.

Can I get a no standing charge tariff with a smart meter?

In many cases, yes—availability depends on the supplier and your meter setup. A smart meter can make it easier to track usage and estimate whether a no standing charge plan would save you money.

Will a no standing charge tariff affect my Direct Debit?

It may. Some suppliers set Direct Debits based on expected annual cost. With no standing charge tariffs, the cost shifts more into usage, so monthly payments can vary depending on consumption. Check how the supplier calculates payments and whether you can adjust your Direct Debit.

Is there a catch with no standing charge electricity tariffs?

The main trade-off is typically a higher unit rate, which can increase costs if you use more electricity than expected. Also, not all suppliers offer them, and terms can vary by region and meter type. Always compare the full tariff details and estimated annual cost.

How do I compare no standing charge electricity tariffs accurately?

Use your annual kWh usage (from bills or your online account) and compare the total annual cost across tariffs: unit rate × expected kWh, plus any fixed charges (if applicable). For the most accurate result, compare like-for-like on the same payment method and tariff type. You can start comparing on https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/no-standing-charge-electricity-tariff-uk-compare.

Does solar make a no standing charge electricity tariff more worthwhile?

Potentially. If you have solar panels and use less imported electricity from the grid, avoiding a daily standing charge can improve value—especially in months where grid usage is low. However, you should still compare annual costs because the unit rate for imported electricity may be higher.

How can Energy Plus help me find the best option?

Energy Plus helps you compare no standing charge electricity tariffs and understand whether they’re likely to save you money based on usage. Review your options and compare plans here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/no-standing-charge-electricity-tariff-uk-compare.

Compare no standing charge electricity tariffs in the UK

Looking for an electricity tariff with no daily standing charge? Compare whole-of-market options in minutes and see whether a zero standing charge plan could suit your home usage.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
See trade-offs clearly: unit rate vs standing charge
Quick form — we’ll match you to suitable tariffs

Compare no standing charge tariffs How zero standing charge works

EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Availability and pricing depend on your postcode, meter type and supplier criteria. We’ll show options where available.

No standing charge electricity tariff UK: what you need to know

A no standing charge electricity tariff removes the daily fixed fee (the standing charge) and recovers costs through a higher unit rate (pence per kWh) or alternative pricing structure. These tariffs can be useful for some households — but they’re not automatically cheaper.

EnergyPlus helps you compare no standing charge electricity tariffs in the UK where available, alongside standard tariffs, so you can make an informed choice based on your actual usage, meter type and location.

Quick check: when is no standing charge worth it?

Very low usage homes (e.g., small flats, occasional occupancy)
Second homes or properties empty for long periods
Homes reducing grid usage due to solar generation (but still importing at night/winter)

Tip: If you use more electricity than average, a zero standing charge plan may cost more overall due to a higher unit rate.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Postcode (regional network charges vary across the UK)
Meter type (smart meter / traditional; single-rate or Economy 7 where relevant)
Your typical kWh usage or latest bill estimate

Get your comparison

Fill in the form and we’ll match you to available tariffs, including no standing charge options where offered for your area and meter.

Postcode Energy type Meter type Estimated annual electricity usage (kWh) Email Phone (optional)

See cost examples

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your comparison results. We’ll use your details to help provide quotes. You can opt out any time.

Important:

No standing charge tariffs are not always available in every region or for every meter type. If a true zero standing charge plan isn’t available, we’ll still show competitive low standing charge options so you can compare fairly.

Benefits, drawbacks & who no standing charge suits

Pay less when you use less

If you import very little electricity, removing the daily fee can reduce fixed costs. It can be helpful for low-occupancy households or homes empty for long periods.

Clearer cost control

With no standing charge, your bill may feel more closely tied to your kWh usage. This can make budgeting and usage reduction easier to see month to month.

Not always cheaper overall

Many zero standing charge tariffs have a higher unit rate. If you use average or high electricity, you may pay more than with a standard tariff.

Good fit for

Low-consumption homes
People away frequently (travel/shift work)
Second homes and holiday properties
Homes with solar that still need import occasionally

Usually better to avoid if

You heat with electricity (e.g., electric radiators)
You have high usage (large household, EV charging)
You rely on night rates (some Economy 7 setups)
You prefer predictable bills with lower unit costs

How no standing charge electricity tariffs work

Most UK electricity tariffs charge:

1) Standing charge (per day)

A fixed daily amount that contributes to network costs, metering and other fixed charges. You pay it regardless of usage.

2) Unit rate (per kWh)

The price for each unit of electricity you use. This varies by supplier, tariff type, and sometimes time of use.

What changes with a zero standing charge tariff?

With a no standing charge plan, the daily charge is removed (or set to £0.00). In many cases the supplier adjusts pricing elsewhere — usually a higher unit rate — to cover fixed costs. That means your total cost depends heavily on how many kWh you use.

We check availability by postcode and meter type
Some tariffs are region-limited or depend on whether you have a smart meter.
We compare like-for-like annual cost estimates
Standing charge and unit rate are combined into an annual estimate based on your usage.
You choose the tariff that fits your usage pattern
Low usage can favour zero standing charge; higher usage often favours lower unit rates.

If you have solar

Solar can reduce the amount you import from the grid, which may make a no standing charge tariff more appealing. However, you’ll still import during evenings and winter, so comparing with your realistic annual import (kWh) is key.

Cost examples: standing charge vs no standing charge

The numbers below are illustrative to show how pricing can work. Your exact rates depend on supplier, region, payment method and the tariff available at your postcode.

Scenario	Annual usage	Standard tariff example	No standing charge example	What tends to win
Low usage flat	1,200 kWh	Lower unit rate + daily standing charge	Higher unit rate + £0/day standing charge	Often no standing charge (if unit rate isn’t too high)
Average home	2,900 kWh	Balanced pricing	Unit rate uplift can outweigh savings	Often standard or low standing charge
High usage / EV charging	5,000+ kWh	Lower unit rate matters most	Higher unit rate can add up quickly	Usually standard (or time-of-use)

How we compare: we look at your estimated annual kWh and calculate a like-for-like total cost using each tariff’s standing charge and unit rate(s). That makes it easier to see which option is actually cheaper for your home.

Common mistakes when choosing a no standing charge tariff

Focusing only on the standing charge

A £0/day standing charge looks attractive, but the unit rate can be higher. Always compare the annual total, not just one line on the tariff.

Using the wrong usage estimate

If your kWh estimate is too low, a no standing charge tariff may look cheaper than it will be. Use a recent bill or a realistic annual figure.

Not checking meter compatibility

Some tariffs require a smart meter, or don’t suit Economy 7. Your meter type affects what you can switch to and the rates you’ll see.

Ignoring tariff terms

Check whether rates are variable or fixed, contract length, and any exit fees. The cheapest-looking tariff isn’t always the best fit.

Regional considerations

Standing charges and unit rates vary by region because electricity distribution network costs differ across the UK. That’s why we always start with your postcode when comparing.

FAQs: no standing charge electricity in the UK

Are no standing charge tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Not always. Availability can vary by supplier, region, and meter type. We’ll check what’s currently available for your postcode and show the closest alternatives if a true £0 standing charge isn’t offered.

Is a zero standing charge tariff always cheaper?

No. Many no standing charge tariffs compensate with a higher unit rate. Whether it’s cheaper depends on your annual kWh usage and your local rates. Comparing annual cost is the safest approach.

Can I get no standing charge with a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but it depends on supplier criteria and your meter setup. Tell us your meter type in the form and we’ll filter accordingly.

What if I don’t know my annual usage?

You can still submit the form. If you have a recent bill, your kWh usage may be shown there. We can also estimate based on household size, property type and typical patterns.

Will switching affect my supply?

No. Switching supplier doesn’t change how electricity is delivered to your home. The physical network stays the same; only billing and tariff terms change.

Do you compare the whole market?

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Some niche tariffs may have eligibility requirements or may not be available in all regions at all times; we’ll show what’s available for your details.

Trusted comparison for UK households

“I wasn’t sure if no standing charge was a gimmick. The comparison made the unit rate trade-off really clear.”

Hannah — Manchester

“Quick form, no hassle. Found a better fit for our low-usage flat and understood the costs before switching.”

Imran — London

“Helpful for checking what’s actually available by postcode. The annual estimate was what we needed.”

Kate — Bristol

What you can expect from EnergyPlus

Comparison based on your postcode and meter type
Clear breakdown of standing charge and unit rate
Practical guidance on whether a no standing charge tariff is likely to suit your home

Ready to compare no standing charge electricity tariffs?

Start with your postcode and we’ll show what’s available for your home — including zero standing charge plans where offered, plus low standing charge alternatives for a fair comparison.

Compare now Read FAQs

Home energy only. Switching is subject to supplier checks and tariff availability.

In a hurry?

Postcode + meter type is enough to start
We compare standing charge and unit rate together
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Updated on 9 Jan 2026