Updated: January 2026 Ofgem Regulated

UK Energy Standing Charges 2026: The Complete Guide

An energy standing charge is the fixed daily cost you pay for gas and electricity regardless of how much energy you use. In 2026, standing charges make up a significant proportion of the average UK energy bill.

45-65p
Electricity Daily
30-45p
Gas Daily
30-50%
Of Total Bill*

*For some households, standing charges account for 30–50% of the total bill

Standing Charges Cover:

  • Maintaining the energy network
  • Metering and billing costs
  • Supplier operating costs
  • Government schemes and levies

You pay standing charges every day, even if you use zero energy.

Why Standing Charges Matter More Than Ever

Most Impacted Households

Standing charges make up a significant proportion of bills for:

  • Low-usage households
  • Flats and apartments
  • Single-occupancy homes
  • Prepayment customers

Regional Variations

Standing charges differ because of:

  • Local network costs
  • Distribution infrastructure
  • Regional demand
  • Legacy pricing zones

Key Fact:

Two households using identical energy can pay different standing charges.

Annual Cost Impact

Based on typical daily charges:

Electricity (45-65p daily): £165–£240 per year
Gas (30-45p daily): £110–£165 per year

This is before using any energy.

Electricity vs Gas Standing Charges

Electricity Standing Charges

  • Higher than gas (45-65p per day)
  • Reflect grid maintenance and renewable integration
  • Particularly impactful for low electricity users

Gas Standing Charges

  • Slightly lower than electricity (30-45p per day)
  • Still significant, especially for low gas usage homes
  • Comparing both together is critical for total cost

Standing Charges on Different Tariffs

Variable Tariffs

  • Standing charges set under the Ofgem price cap
  • Usually not the cheapest overall
  • Charges can change when the price cap changes

Fixed Tariffs

  • Standing charges can be lower or higher than the cap
  • Some have lower unit rates but higher standing charges
  • Can be poor value for low users
  • Often include exit fees

Low Standing Charge Tariffs

These exist but often with trade-offs:

  • Higher unit rates
  • Longer contract terms
  • Exit fees

Good for very low-usage homes, second homes, or vacant properties.

Common Myths About Standing Charges

"Standing charges are the same everywhere"

False. They vary widely by region, postcode, and even between different parts of the same city.

"Lower standing charge always means cheaper energy"

Not necessarily. Suppliers may offset with higher unit rates. Always compare total annual cost.

"The price cap keeps standing charges low"

Misleading. The cap limits them but does not make them cheap. Standing charges under the cap can still be high.

Special Meter Considerations

Prepayment Meters

  • Often face higher standing charges
  • Fewer tariff options available
  • In some regions, prepayment standing charges are among the highest
  • Comparing is especially important for prepay households

Economy 7 Meters

  • Usually has one standing charge
  • Higher electricity standing charges than standard meters
  • Savings depend on how much electricity you use overnight
  • Not always cheaper for low-usage households

Can You Avoid Standing Charges?

Almost never. Options are extremely limited:

  • Zero standing charge tariffs are rare
  • They usually come with very high unit rates
  • For most households, minimizing standing charges — not eliminating them — is the realistic goal

Compare Energy Standing Charges Properly

To compare accurately, you need to enter your postcode and input realistic annual usage. Compare standing charges, unit rates, and total annual cost while checking contract length and exit fees.

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