Are Standing Charges Going Up in 2026?

Standing charges are a fixed daily cost included in most UK electricity and gas tariffs. These charges help cover the cost of maintaining the energy supply network and the infrastructure that delivers power to homes.

Alongside this daily charge, households also pay unit prices for the energy they use. Energy consumption is measured in kilowatt hour (kWh), which is the standard unit of energy used in electricity and gas billing.

In recent years, standing charges have become a major topic of discussion as households try to manage rising energy costs and the wider cost of living. Many consumers have noticed that the daily charge on their electricity bills or gas bill has increased even when their energy use has stayed the same.

In 2026, standing charges are continuing to evolve as regulators adjust tariffs and suppliers respond to changes in wholesale markets and infrastructure costs.

Understanding how these charges work can help households evaluate tariffs more effectively when they review their energy bills or compare energy prices between suppliers.

You can compare energy prices to see how standing charges vary between suppliers.

What Are Standing Charges on Energy Bills?

A standing charge is a fixed daily charge applied to most electricity and gas tariffs in the UK.

This cost applies every day a property remains connected to the energy supply network. Even if no energy is used, the charge will still appear on the bill.

The standing charge helps fund the UK’s energy infrastructure, including electricity cables, gas pipelines, substations and meter systems.

Costs typically covered by standing charges

Because these costs apply to every connected property, they are recovered through a daily charge rather than through the unit rate.

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How Much Are Standing Charges in 2026?

Standing charges vary depending on the supplier, tariff type and region.

The energy regulator Ofgem sets the maximum amount suppliers can charge under the energy price cap for default tariffs.

Under the April price cap for 2026, average standing charges for households paying by direct debit are approximately:

Average standing charges under the 2026 price cap

These figures are based on Typical Domestic Consumption Values, which estimate the average energy use of a typical household.

Standing charges can vary slightly depending on whether the property is located in England, Scotland, or Wales, as energy network costs differ across regions.

How Much Energy Does a Typical Household Use?

The latest energy price cap calculations use Ofgem’s Typical Domestic Consumption Values to estimate energy use for an average household.

These values help determine the maximum amount suppliers can charge under the price cap.

Typical domestic consumption values used by Ofgem

Actual usage may vary depending on household size, heating systems and insulation.

Households with higher energy use may consume significantly more than these values, while a low energy user may use far less.

It may help to compare energy deals before choosing a tariff.

Have Standing Charges Increased in Recent Years?

Yes. Standing charges rose significantly during the energy crisis between 2021 and 2024.

Several factors contributed to this increase, including rising infrastructure costs and changes in the energy market.

One important factor was the collapse of multiple energy suppliers. When suppliers fail, the cost of transferring customers to new providers can be redistributed across the market.

This means remaining suppliers sometimes need to recover these costs through tariffs, which can result in additional increases in standing charges.

Example of standing charge changes over time

Electricity standing charges have remained relatively high, while gas standing charges have decreased slightly compared with earlier caps.

How Standing Charges Affect Electricity Bills and Gas Bills

Standing charges form part of the overall cost shown on both electricity bills and gas bills.

For example, if a household pays a standing charge of 57p per day for electricity, the yearly cost would exceed £200 even before energy consumption is included.

The total bill also depends on the unit prices for electricity or gas. These prices determine how much households pay for each unit of electricity or gas they consume.

Because tariffs combine the standing charge and the unit rate, the cheapest option will depend on the household’s energy use and chosen payment type.

Standing charges differ by supplier, so it can be useful to compare energy tariffs.

How the Energy Price Cap Is Calculated

The energy regulator Ofgem sets the maximum amount suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs through the energy price cap.

The latest energy price cap reflects several factors including wholesale energy costs, green levies, network maintenance and supplier operating costs.

The price cap is reviewed four times per year, usually in:

• January
• April
• July
• October

Each update introduces a new price cap, which may affect both standing charges and unit prices.

Changes to the cap can also influence gas prices, particularly when global markets are affected by events such as the war in Ukraine.

Do Different Suppliers Offer Different Tariffs?

Yes. Energy suppliers offer a range of available tariffs designed for different household needs.

These can include:

• fixed tariff deals
• variable tariffs linked to the price cap
• tariffs with lower standing charges

Large suppliers such as British Gas and Octopus Energy often offer several options depending on the customer’s payment type, including direct debit, cheque, or online payments.

Customers can usually view tariffs through an online app or supplier website after entering their postcode.

Many households now also use a smart meter, which automatically sends meter readings to the supplier and provides more accurate billing.

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Are Suppliers Introducing Low Standing Charge Tariffs?

Yes. In response to concerns about high standing charges, regulators have encouraged suppliers to introduce tariffs with different pricing structures.

These tariffs may reduce the standing charge but increase the daily unit rate for energy consumption.

Example tariff structures

These tariffs may suit certain households, particularly those that use less energy or only occupy the property for part of the year.

However, households with higher usage may find that higher unit rates increase their overall energy bill.

How Government Policies Affect Standing Charges

Some elements of standing charges help fund government support schemes designed to assist vulnerable households and improve energy efficiency.

Examples include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme and other initiatives that support insulation improvements and renewable energy development.

These programmes are part of broader policy changes designed to improve energy efficiency and support the transition to cleaner energy.

What Could Happen to Standing Charges Next?

Standing charges may continue to change depending on market conditions and regulatory decisions.

Energy analysts regularly publish energy price cap predictions to estimate how the next price cap might affect household energy costs.

These price cap predictions consider wholesale energy prices, network costs and wider economic pressures linked to the cost of living.

Although forecasts vary, future standing charges will likely depend on long-term energy policy and infrastructure investment.

Some households choose to compare energy suppliers before switching.

How Households Can Manage Standing Charge Costs

Standing charges cannot usually be removed entirely, but households can take steps to manage their overall energy costs.

Review tariffs regularly

Energy prices change frequently, so reviewing tariffs periodically may help identify better deals.

Compare tariff structures

Some tariffs offer lower standing charges but higher unit rates.

Monitor energy consumption

Tracking energy usage helps determine which tariff structure provides the best value.

Compare suppliers before switching

Looking at multiple suppliers can make it easier to identify competitive deals.

Households reviewing their energy costs may benefit from taking the time to compare energy prices and see how different tariffs combine standing charges and unit rates.

Correct as of 16 March 2026

FAQs about Standing Charges in 2026