Understanding No Standing Charge Tariffs
How zero daily fees work in the 2026 energy market
No standing charge tariffs eliminate the fixed daily fee that energy suppliers charge for maintaining your connection to the national grid. Instead of paying a daily rate regardless of consumption, your costs become purely usage-based.
Traditional Tariffs
- Daily standing charge (50–65p electricity)
- Lower unit rates per kWh
- Pay even with zero consumption
- Better for average to high usage
Zero Standing Charge
- £0 daily standing charge
- Higher unit rates per kWh
- Pay only for what you use
- Better for very low usage
Who Benefits Most in 2026?
Identifying the ideal candidates for zero-standing-charge tariffs
Ideal Candidates
- Single occupants in studio/1-bed flats
- Second homes & holiday lets (seasonal use)
- Properties vacant for 3+ months annually
- Minimal usage rental properties
- Low-income, low-consumption households
Poor Candidates
- Families with children (high consumption)
- Electric heating households
- EV charging at home
- Home offices with high equipment use
- Average UK energy consumption (2,900kWh+)
2026 Cost Comparison Analysis
Real-world pricing across different household types
| Household Type | Standard Tariff | No Standing Charge | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Very Low Usage
Studio flat, single occupant, minimal appliances
|
£1,050 | £920 | Save £130 |
|
Low Usage
1-bed flat, working professional, moderate use
|
£1,250 | £1,180 | Save £70 |
|
Average Usage
3-bed house, family of 4, standard consumption
|
£1,850 | £2,050 | Extra £200 |
|
High Usage
4-bed house, electric heating, EV charging
|
£2,400 | £2,750 | Extra £350 |
Personal Savings Calculator
Estimate if zero standing charge saves you money
Adjust Your Usage Profile
Slide to match your annual consumption patterns
2026 Expert Verdict
Professional recommendation based on current market analysis
Recommended For
Properties with annual electricity consumption below 1,800 kWh or extended vacancy periods. Ideal for second homes, low-occupancy flats, and seasonal properties where standing charges accumulate without benefit.
Not Recommended For
Households exceeding 2,500 kWh annual electricity usage. Families, EV owners, electric heating homes, and average consumers will pay significantly more due to elevated unit rates outweighing standing charge savings.