If you’ve ever wondered why you're paying a daily fee on your electricity bill — even when you're not using any energy — you’re not alone. These fees, called standing charges, can add up over time, particularly for households or businesses with low usage. That’s why more people are turning their attention to no standing charge tariffs. In this article, we’ll explore how these tariffs work, who they benefit most, and how to find no standing charge energy suppliers offering the best deals today.
A no standing charge tariff is an energy plan where you don’t pay a fixed daily fee to maintain your connection to the grid. Instead, you’re only charged for the energy you actually use. This is particularly useful for new homes, seasonal businesses, or low-usage households looking to cut back on unnecessary costs.
Most traditional energy plans include a daily standing charge — a fixed amount that covers the cost of supplying energy to your property, regardless of usage. In contrast, energy tariffs without standing charge remove that daily fee, meaning you only pay for each kilowatt-hour consumed. However, the unit rates on these plans are typically higher.
Zero standing charge tariffs aren't always the best option for everyone. If your property is in constant use — such as a family home or office — you may end up paying more due to higher unit costs. But if you’re rarely using energy, they could be a smart money-saver.
Best suited for:
The term no standing charge energy simply refers to an energy plan where you're not charged a fixed fee daily. While you avoid that flat cost, you should check the per-unit rate closely. These tariffs can look appealing but may result in higher bills if your usage exceeds a certain threshold.
A no standing charge tariff is an energy plan where you don’t pay a daily fixed fee to stay connected to the energy grid. Instead, you’re only billed for actual usage.
While not every provider offers these plans, a few no standing charge electricity suppliers have started to gain traction. Suppliers like Ebico, Green Energy UK, and E.ON Next have previously trialled or offered tariffs without standing charges — especially for smart meter customers or specific regional offerings.
It’s important to note that availability can vary by postcode and meter type. Always use a comparison tool to confirm the latest deals.
Energy tariffs without standing charge can be cheaper — but only under specific conditions. For instance, if your monthly usage is under 100 kWh, you might see noticeable savings. But if you're a high-energy household, those higher per-unit costs could make your bill more expensive overall.
Ask yourself:
For business owners, especially SMEs, finding the cheapest standing charge for business electricity can make a huge difference. Business tariffs tend to be more complex, but some providers offer lowest standing charge business electricity options tailored for small premises or home-based workspaces.
If you're shopping for energy plans, here are a few steps to locate the lowest standing charge or no standing charge energy options:
That depends on your energy habits. If you're in a property that doesn’t need constant energy — or you’re focused on cutting costs wherever possible — then switching to a no standing charge tariff could be a smart move. However, make sure you're not trading one type of expense for another.
As always, a bit of research and a good energy comparison tool will go a long way in finding the best match.
Standing charges might seem like a small fee, but over a year they add up — especially if you don’t use much energy to begin with. No standing charge tariffs offer an alternative that puts control back in your hands. Whether you’re a budget-conscious small household or a seasonal business, these flexible plans might be exactly what you need. Just remember: always compare total costs, not just the headline rate.
Ready to explore no standing charge energy suppliers and take control of your energy spending? Use a comparison website today to see what deals are available in your area, or contact your provider to discuss switching to a plan that suits your usage better.
