What is a no standing charge electricity tariff in the UK?

A no standing charge electricity tariff removes the daily fixed fee (the standing charge) and instead recovers costs through the unit rate (p/kWh) or other pricing rules. This can suit households with very low grid usage, but it can be more expensive for higher usage because the unit rate is often higher. Compare options to see your estimated annual cost.

Are no standing charge tariffs cheaper?

They can be cheaper if your electricity use from the grid is low (for example, a small flat, a second home, or homes with solar that buy little power). For average or high usage, a tariff with a standing charge may work out cheaper because it often has a lower unit rate. The best way to know is to compare using your annual kWh and current rates.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge electricity tariff?

People who typically benefit most include low-usage households, empty properties for part of the year, and some solar households that import minimal electricity. If you have electric heating, charge an EV frequently, or have higher daily usage, you may not benefit because the unit rate can be higher.

Do no standing charge tariffs exist for solar households?

Yes. Some households with solar panels (especially with batteries) can reduce grid imports enough that a no standing charge tariff may be worth comparing. You should still check the unit rate, any minimum usage rules, export arrangements, and whether a smart meter is required.

What should I compare when choosing a no standing charge electricity tariff?

Compare (1) unit rate (p/kWh), (2) any ‘minimum charge’ or usage rules, (3) tariff type (fixed vs variable), (4) contract length and exit fees, (5) smart meter or payment method requirements, and (6) the estimated annual cost using your real kWh usage. If you have solar, compare using your imported electricity, not total household consumption.

Is there a catch with no standing charge electricity tariffs?

Often the trade-off is a higher unit rate, and some tariffs may include minimum daily charges, limited availability by region, or specific payment/meter requirements. Always read the tariff information and check the full cost over a year rather than focusing only on the standing charge.

How can I find the best no standing charge electricity tariff for my home?

Start with your latest annual electricity usage (kWh) and your region, then compare tariffs using estimated annual costs. If you have solar, use your annual imported kWh (and consider a battery if you want to reduce imports further). For tailored guidance, use the tools and comparisons on EnergyPlus: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/no-standing-charge-electricity-tariff-uk-compare

Compare no standing charge electricity tariffs in the UK

Looking for electricity with no daily standing charge? Compare whole-of-market UK options with EnergyPlus and find tariffs that fit your usage—especially if you use less energy, have a second home, or want simpler daily costs.

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy
See how unit rates vs standing charges affect your bill
Check eligibility by postcode and meter type
Fast online form—no obligation

Compare no standing charge tariffs How no standing charge works

EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service. Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. We’ll show you your best available options based on the details you provide.

Compare no standing charge electricity tariffs by postcode

A no standing charge electricity tariff removes the daily fixed fee from your bill. Instead, the supplier typically recovers costs via a higher unit rate (p/kWh). Whether it saves you money depends on how much electricity your home uses and the tariffs available in your area.

Use the form to request a tailored comparison. We’ll check whole-of-market options and highlight any tariffs that are advertised as zero standing charge (where available), plus close alternatives with lower standing charges that can be cheaper overall.

Good to know before you compare

Standing charge covers fixed network and supplier costs (set by region and metering factors).
Some deals are limited by meter type (e.g. smart meter required) or availability windows.
We’ll help you compare based on estimated annual consumption and your postcode.

Tip: If you’re a low user (e.g. one-bedroom flat, out at work, or a second home), a no standing charge tariff can look attractive—but always compare the total annual cost, not just the daily fee.

What is a no standing charge electricity tariff?

Most UK electricity tariffs include a standing charge—a daily amount you pay regardless of usage. A no standing charge electricity tariff removes that daily fee. Instead, the supplier usually increases the unit rate (the price you pay per kWh) to cover fixed costs.

Because of this trade-off, the “best” tariff depends on your household usage pattern. If you use very little electricity, removing the fixed daily cost can reduce your bill. If you use a lot, the higher unit rate can make it more expensive over a year.

Who is a no standing charge tariff most suitable for?

Low electricity users

If your consumption is low, the standing charge can make up a large chunk of your bill. Removing it can be beneficial—if the unit rate increase doesn’t outweigh the saving.

Second homes & rarely used properties

If you’re away for long stretches, paying a daily fee can feel frustrating. A zero standing charge option may reduce costs during low-usage periods.

Homes that can shift usage

If you can keep overall kWh use low (efficient appliances, careful heating choices), a higher unit rate may still be manageable.

Important: If you use a lot of electricity (large household, electric heating, frequent tumble dryer/EV charging), a no standing charge tariff can increase your annual cost due to higher unit rates.

No standing charge vs standard tariff: what to compare

To compare fairly, focus on estimated annual cost using your typical electricity usage. A tariff with a £0 standing charge can still cost more overall if the unit rate is significantly higher.

What you’re comparing	No standing charge tariff	Standard tariff
Daily standing charge	£0.00 per day (where available)	Typically charged daily (varies by region)
Unit rate (p/kWh)	Often higher to offset fixed costs	Often lower than zero standing charge options
Best for	Low users, second homes, low occupancy	Medium/high users, families, electric-heavy homes
Key risk	Higher unit rate can cost more if usage rises	You pay daily charge even with little or no usage

Quick check: If your home’s annual usage is low, removing a daily charge can help. If your usage is moderate or high, a low standing charge + competitive unit rate often wins. We’ll show both so you can decide.

How EnergyPlus compares no standing charge electricity tariffs

No standing charge tariffs aren’t always widely available and can be subject to eligibility criteria. EnergyPlus compares options across the market and focuses on what matters: availability in your region, your meter type, and your expected usage.

Tell us your postcode so we can match regional pricing and available suppliers.
We consider tariff structure, including standing charge level and unit rates.
We compare total cost based on typical home usage scenarios (low/medium/high).
You choose whether a true £0 standing charge tariff—or a lower standing charge alternative—is best for your household.
Switch with confidence knowing you’ve checked the trade-offs, not just one headline price.

What we need to compare accurately

Your postcode (regional standing charges vary)
Whether you’re on single-rate or multi-rate metering
Approximate home usage (or last bill)

What we don’t do

No pressure selling
No “too-good-to-be-true” focus on standing charge alone
No business-only tariffs (this page is home energy)

Common mistakes when choosing a no standing charge tariff

Comparing only the standing charge

A £0 standing charge looks great, but the unit rate drives your costs if you use electricity every day.

Using the wrong usage estimate

If you underestimate kWh, a higher unit rate tariff can become unexpectedly expensive. We recommend using a recent bill where possible.

Not checking eligibility

Some tariffs depend on meter type, region, or are available for a limited time. We’ll confirm what’s available for your postcode.

Regional and metering considerations (UK)

Standing charges and unit rates can vary across the UK due to regional network costs and supply factors. That’s why postcode-level comparison matters. A deal that looks competitive in one area may be less competitive in another.

Meter type

Single-rate meters are most common. Some homes have multi-rate setups (e.g. Economy 7). Not every supplier offers the same tariff types across all meters.

Smart meters & tariff availability

Some modern tariffs may require a smart meter. If a no standing charge option is unavailable, we’ll show you similar alternatives with competitive overall costs.

No standing charge electricity tariff FAQs (UK)

Are no standing charge electricity tariffs available in the UK?

They can be available, but not in every region or for every meter type, and they may come and go. That’s why we check whole-of-market options for your postcode and show close alternatives where a true £0 standing charge tariff isn’t available.

Will a zero standing charge tariff always be cheaper?

No. Removing the standing charge usually means a higher unit rate. If your usage is moderate or high, you may pay more overall. Comparing the estimated annual cost is the safest way to decide.

Is this comparison for home energy only?

Yes. This page is focused on UK domestic electricity tariffs. If you need business energy, you’ll want a separate business-focused comparison.

What details do I need to compare?

At minimum, your postcode and contact details so we can share your matched options. For the most accurate comparison, have a recent bill handy (annual kWh, current tariff, and whether you’re on single-rate or multi-rate).

Can I switch if I’m in a fixed deal?

You can usually switch, but there may be exit fees if you leave a fixed tariff early. When comparing, we recommend checking whether exit fees apply and when your tariff end date is.

What if I also want solar or a greener tariff?

We can factor in preferences like renewable electricity where available. If you’re exploring home solar too, see the wider guidance on EnergyPlus solar pages—then use the form above to compare tariffs for your home.

Still unsure? Start with the form at Compare now—we’ll highlight the best-value structure for your usage, not just the headline standing charge.

Trusted comparison, clear trade-offs

No standing charge tariffs can be confusing because the saving is visible, while the trade-off (unit rate) is easy to overlook. Our approach is to present options transparently and help you compare on the metric that matters: total cost for your home.

“Clear and straightforward”

“I wanted to avoid paying a daily charge in an empty property. The comparison made it clear when £0 standing charge was worth it.”

Domestic customer, UK

“Helped me avoid a costly choice”

“I nearly switched just because the standing charge was zero—turns out it would’ve been more expensive for our usage.”

Domestic customer, England

“Fast comparison by postcode”

“Quick form, and the options were explained in plain English. I could see the total cost difference.”

Domestic customer, Scotland

What you can expect: a transparent comparison, clear explanation of unit rates vs standing charges, and options matched to your postcode.

Ready to compare no standing charge electricity tariffs?

Submit your details and we’ll check whole-of-market UK availability for your postcode—showing £0 standing charge options where available, plus low standing charge alternatives that may cost less overall.

Start comparison Read FAQs

Comparisons are for domestic properties in the UK. Tariff availability and prices can change and depend on region, supplier and meter type.

A simple way to decide

Compare on total annual cost
See unit rate and standing charge together
Matched to your postcode

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026