What is a no standing charge gas and electricity tariff?

A no standing charge tariff is an energy plan where you don’t pay a daily fixed fee (the standing charge). Instead, more of the cost is typically built into the unit rate you pay for each kWh of gas or electricity you use. It can suit some low-usage households, but it’s important to compare the total annual cost.

Is a no standing charge tariff cheaper?

It depends on your energy use. If you use very little gas and/or electricity (for example a small flat, a second home, or a property that’s empty for long periods), removing the standing charge may reduce your bill. If you use average or high amounts of energy, a higher unit rate can outweigh the saving, so it’s best to compare using your annual kWh figures.

Who benefits most from a no standing charge tariff?

These tariffs tend to benefit households with low day-to-day consumption, such as people who are out most of the time, smaller households, or properties with minimal occupancy. If your usage is higher, you may be better off with a lower unit rate even if it includes a standing charge.

What are the disadvantages of a no standing charge tariff?

The main downside is usually a higher unit rate, meaning you pay more per kWh when you do use energy. Also, tariff availability can be limited and may not apply to all meter types. Always check the full tariff details, including unit rates, any minimum payments and contract terms.

Can I get no standing charge tariffs with a smart meter or prepayment meter?

This depends on the supplier and the tariff. Some offers are restricted by meter type (credit, prepayment or smart). If you’re unsure, check the tariff requirements before switching or ask the supplier to confirm eligibility for your meter and payment method.

Do I still pay anything if I use no energy?

On a true no standing charge tariff, you typically wouldn’t pay a daily standing charge if you use no energy. However, you may still see charges in certain situations (for example, debt repayment on a meter, or other agreed fees). Always review the tariff terms to understand what applies.

How do I compare a no standing charge tariff with a standard tariff?

Compare using your annual consumption in kWh for electricity and gas. Work out (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365). Then compare the totals for each tariff. If you don’t have annual kWh figures, use your latest bill or smart meter app to estimate.

Can solar panels reduce the impact of standing charges?

Solar panels can significantly cut the amount of electricity you buy from the grid, but standing charges are usually still payable on most tariffs. If you’re trying to reduce fixed daily costs, it’s worth comparing tariffs and considering how much grid electricity you’ll still need after solar (and optional battery storage).

Where can I learn more or get advice about cutting energy bills with solar?

You can explore solar options and ways to reduce your electricity purchases from the grid on EnergyPlus: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/

No standing charge gas and electricity tariffs in the UK

Q: Are no standing charge tariffs available in the UK right now?

Availability can change by supplier, region, meter type and eligibility criteria. Some suppliers offer tariffs with reduced or zero standing charges, while others don’t. The best approach is to check what’s currently available for your postcode and usage and compare the total cost over a year.

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and see whether a no standing charge tariff (or a low standing charge alternative) could suit your household. Submit your details once and we’ll match you with available options for your postcode.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (gas, electricity or dual fuel)
Clear breakdown of unit rates vs standing charge so you can compare properly
Fast quote journey with a single form (no obligation to switch)

Compare no standing charge options How no standing charge tariffs work

For domestic customers in Great Britain. Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. Always compare total annual cost, not just standing charge.

Compare no standing charge tariffs (and the best alternatives)

A no standing charge gas and electricity tariff is a deal where the daily fixed charge is reduced to £0. In practice, these tariffs are often rare, limited to certain suppliers or regions, and may come with a higher unit rate (p/kWh). That’s why it’s important to compare using your postcode and typical usage.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options for UK homes, including tariffs with low standing charges, single-rate deals, and options that may better fit low usage households (for example, empty properties, second homes, or households where energy is used seasonally).

Tip: The cheapest tariff isn’t the one with the lowest standing charge—it’s the one with the lowest total annual cost for your actual usage. We’ll help you compare both.

What you’ll get from EnergyPlus

Tariffs filtered for your property details (including meter considerations)
Transparent pricing: standing charge + unit rate + estimated annual cost
Practical guidance on when a no standing charge tariff can cost more

Get your no standing charge comparison

Complete the form and we’ll match you with available home energy options for your postcode.

Important: A tariff advertised as “no standing charge” can still be more expensive overall if its unit rate is higher. We’ll help you compare using your estimated usage.

What is a no standing charge energy tariff?

Most UK household energy tariffs include two main parts:

Standing charge (p/day)

A fixed daily amount that contributes to the costs of running the energy network and supplying your home (billing, metering support, maintaining infrastructure). You pay it whether you use energy or not.

Unit rate (p/kWh)

The price you pay for each unit of gas or electricity you actually use. This is where most of your cost sits if your usage is medium to high.

A no standing charge tariff removes the daily fixed charge, but the supplier usually recovers costs through a higher unit rate. The result can be cheaper for some low-usage households, but more expensive for others.

UK context: Standing charges vary by region and fuel type, and can change over time. Your postcode affects what tariffs you’ll see and your estimated annual cost.

Benefits (and drawbacks) of no standing charge tariffs

No standing charge sounds like a win, but it depends on how much energy you use. Here’s what to consider before switching.

Potentially lower bills for low usage

If you use very little gas/electricity, a zero standing charge can reduce fixed costs—useful for empty properties or seasonal living.

More predictable “pay only when you use” feel

Some households prefer paying purely for usage rather than a daily fee—especially when trying to cut consumption.

Can cost more for typical households

Many no standing charge deals offset the fee with a higher unit rate—meaning medium/high usage households may pay more overall.

Less availability

True no standing charge tariffs can be limited by supplier appetite, region, and meter type—so the best alternative may be low standing charge instead.

Important for second homes

If your property is unused for long periods, fixed daily charges can feel disproportionate—comparison is particularly worthwhile.

Budgeting and tariffs still matter

Fixed vs variable pricing, exit fees, and payment methods (direct debit vs prepayment) may influence the total cost more than standing charge alone.

Bottom line: The best tariff is the one that minimises your annual cost for your usage pattern. Jump to how to compare properly.

How no standing charge tariffs work (in plain English)

Suppliers still have real costs to serve a home—so if the standing charge is removed, it’s usually recovered somewhere else. Here are the common structures you might see.

Standing charge reduced to £0 (or close to it), but unit rates increase to cover fixed costs.
Two-tier pricing where the first block of usage is charged at a higher rate (effectively acting like a fixed cost).
Time-limited promotions (e.g., introductory period), after which standard pricing applies.
Fuel-specific availability—you may find no standing charge for electricity but not gas, or vice versa.

Why your postcode matters

Standing charges and unit rates vary by region due to network costs. That’s why the same tariff name can price differently across Great Britain.

Why meter type matters

Smart meters, standard credit meters, and prepayment meters can have different tariff availability and prices. We’ll factor this into your comparison where possible.

How to compare no standing charge tariffs properly

To avoid switching to a “no standing charge” tariff that costs more, compare using a simple annual cost formula.

Annual cost = (standing charge per day × 365) + (unit rate × annual kWh)

Example comparison (illustrative only)

Tariff type	Standing charge	Unit rate	Annual usage	Estimated annual cost
Standard tariff (typical structure)	50p/day	25p/kWh	1,000 kWh/year	£(0.50×365)+£(0.25×1,000)=£432.50
No standing charge	£0/day	40p/kWh	1,000 kWh/year	£(0×365)+£(0.40×1,000)=£400.00
No standing charge	£0/day	40p/kWh	3,500 kWh/year	£(0×365)+£(0.40×3,500)=£1,400.00
Standard tariff (typical structure)	50p/day	25p/kWh	3,500 kWh/year	£(0.50×365)+£(0.25×3,500)=£1,057.50

In this illustration, the no standing charge tariff can look attractive at very low usage, but can become significantly more expensive as usage rises. That’s why EnergyPlus prioritises total annual cost for your situation.

Quick checklist before you switch

Check the unit rate as well as the standing charge
Use realistic annual usage (or your last 12 months’ bills)
Look for exit fees and fixed-term end dates
Confirm your payment method (direct debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment)
If you have a smart meter, confirm any tariff compatibility

Eligibility and common restrictions (UK homes)

Whether you can access a no standing charge tariff depends on the supplier and your setup. Here are the most common factors that affect availability.

Meter type & payment method

Credit vs prepayment availability can differ
Smart meter requirements may apply
Some tariffs are direct debit only

Region and network costs

Standing charges vary across Great Britain
Tariff availability can change by postcode
Some deals are capped by region or quota

Not sure what you have? Submit the form above with your postcode and contact details and we’ll guide you through the relevant options for your home.

Common mistakes when searching for “no standing charge”

Comparing only the standing charge

A £0 standing charge can hide a higher unit rate. Always compare total annual cost for your usage.

Using the wrong usage estimate

If you under-estimate your kWh, a high unit rate can surprise you later—especially in winter.

Ignoring tariff terms

Exit fees, fixed-term dates and payment requirements can change what’s best for your household.

FAQs: no standing charge gas and electricity tariffs

Are no standing charge tariffs available in the UK right now?

Availability can be limited and can change. Some suppliers may offer no standing charge (or near-zero standing charge) deals in certain regions or for certain meter types. If a true £0 standing charge isn’t available, a low standing charge tariff may be the next best option depending on your usage.

Do no standing charge tariffs save money?

Sometimes—mainly for very low usage households. But if the unit rate is much higher, typical households can pay more overall. The only reliable way to tell is to compare your estimated annual cost using your usage and postcode.

Is it better to have no standing charge for electricity or gas?

It depends on which fuel you use less. If your gas use is minimal (e.g., no gas heating), focusing on gas standing charge could be helpful. Likewise, very low electricity usage might suit an electricity no standing charge tariff. Comparing both fuels together can reveal the best overall outcome.

Can I get a no standing charge tariff on a prepayment meter?

Some deals may be restricted by payment method or meter type. If you’re on prepayment, you may have fewer tariff options, but you can still compare what’s available for your postcode and see alternatives with lower standing charges.

Will switching tariff affect my supply?

Switching supplier or tariff doesn’t change the physical gas/electricity supply to your home. Your energy still comes through the same networks; you’re simply changing who bills you and on what rates.

What information do I need to compare accurately?

Best case: your last 12 months’ kWh for gas and electricity (or a recent bill). If you don’t have it, don’t worry—start with your postcode and we’ll help estimate and refine your comparison.

Still unsure? Go back to the comparison form and we’ll guide you through the options.

Why households use EnergyPlus

A few examples of what customers value when comparing tariffs focused on standing charges and real-world annual cost.

“I was set on a no standing charge tariff. The comparison showed it wasn’t cheapest for my usage, and I switched to a low standing charge deal instead.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“The breakdown made it clear where the costs sit. I finally understood unit rate vs standing charge.”

— Flat resident, Greater Manchester

“Fast form, no pressure. I got options relevant to my postcode and meter.”

— Family household, Kent

Trust and clarity: We focus on transparent comparisons so you can decide whether “no standing charge” is genuinely best for your home.

Ready to see if a no standing charge tariff suits your home?

Compare whole-of-market gas and electricity deals for your postcode. We’ll show no standing charge options where available—and the best-value alternatives when they’re not.

Start comparison Read FAQs

Domestic comparison for Great Britain. Tariff availability and pricing vary by region, supplier and meter type.

What we’ll need

Your postcode (to price your region correctly)
Contact details (to send your results and options)
Optional: your current usage (for the most accurate annual cost)

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026