Standing charge calculator
Your standing charge is a fixed daily amount added to your energy bill whether you use any gas or electricity or not. This calculator shows you exactly how much your standing charges cost per year and what proportion of your total bill they represent.
Find this on your bill or statement
Enter 0 if electricity only
Your standing charge costs
Electricity standing charge per year: £208.74/year
Gas standing charge per year: £106.00/year
Total standing charges per year: £314.74/year
You pay this amount regardless of how much energy you use.
Your usage costs
Electricity usage cost: £704.97
Gas usage cost: £842.95
Total usage cost: £1,547.92
Bill breakdown
Fixed standing charges: 17% of your total bill
Variable usage charges: 83% of your total bill
Of your estimated annual bill of £1,862.66, approximately £314.74/year (17%) is fixed standing charge costs that you pay regardless of your usage. Only £1,547.92/year varies with how much energy you consume.
What is a standing charge?
A standing charge is a fixed daily amount your energy supplier charges for maintaining your connection to the gas and electricity networks. It covers infrastructure costs including the pipes and wires to your property, metering, and supplier administration costs. It is separate from the unit rate you pay for each kWh of energy you consume.
Can I get a tariff with no standing charge?
Some tariffs offer a zero or reduced standing charge in exchange for a higher unit rate. Whether this saves money depends on your usage level. Low-usage households may benefit from a zero standing charge tariff; higher-usage households may find a standard tariff with a normal standing charge and lower unit rate works out cheaper overall.
Why do standing charges vary by region?
Standing charges reflect local network costs which vary across the 14 UK distribution network regions. Some regions have higher infrastructure maintenance costs than others. Use our price cap rates by region tool to see the standing charges that apply in your area, or read our guide to unit rates and standing charges.
Compare tariffs including standing charge options
Standing charges vary by supplier and tariff. Compare live deals at your postcode to see how unit rates and standing charges combine for your usage.