A standing charge is a fixed daily amount you have to pay for energy, no matter how much you use.The charge covers the costs your energy supplier takes on in order to get you your gas and electricity. Think of it like a line rental, but for your energy rather than your phone.
Do all energy suppliers have a standing charge?
Energy regulator Ofgem ruled that energy tariffs no longer need include a standing charge following recommendations by the Competition and Markets Authority back in 2016. However, the vast majority of energy suppliers continue to add them as part of the overall energy cost.
What is the standing charge for British Gas?
10p 80p per day for gas standing charges. 5p 60p per day for electricity standing charges.
Standing charges for British gas and electricity suppliers.
| Provider | Gas standing charge | Electricity standing charge |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas | 27.34p per day | 24.35p per day |
Who has the cheapest standing charge for gas?
Cheapest Standing Charge Gas Tariffs
| Supplier | Tariff | Standing Charge (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| ScottishPower | Fixed Price February 2023 FM2 | 0.19 pence |
| ScottishPower | Fixed Price January 2024 YE2 | 0.19 pence |
| ScottishPower | Green Fixed February 2024 EM2 | 0.21 pence |
| So Energy | So Fennel One Year – Green | 0.25 pence |
When did British Gas start charging a standing charge?
Your standing charge began when you were appointed as our customer, on 10th September, so we will therefore retrospectively add a standing charge from the date you were appointed to us by Ofgem. You will see this charge appear on your first bill if sent after the 10th November.
Do you pay gas and electric on an empty property?
Some appliances might be plugged in and running in the background, or left on standby. And even if nothing is plugged in, you’ll still pay the daily standing charge for keeping your gas and electricity supplies connected to the network.
Who benefits from a no standing charge tariff?
What are the advantages of a no standing charge tariff? The biggest advantage to a zero standing charge energy tariff is that you’ll only have to pay for the energy you use in other words, you won’t be charged during those times you’re not using any gas or electricity in your property.
Do I have to pay standing charges on an empty property British Gas?
If you take over responsibility for a property that’s empty and isn’t using any gas and/or electricity, you might not need to pay a standing charge.
Does British Gas smart meter include standing charge?
We apply the standing charge on a daily basis, which means that even if you’re not at home and not using any gas or electricity, you’ll still pay a small daily fee.
Is it better to have a lower standing charge or unit rate?
As a rule of thumb, providers carrying a lower standing charge (typically, the smaller firms) usually hit customers with a slightly higher rate for their energy, while those with higher standing charges generally offer a lower rate.But if your usage is low, then you’ll want a tariff with a cheaper standing charge.
Do I have to pay standing charge?
Yes, standing charges are also included with prepayment energy tariffs where you pay for your energy in advance by topping up your meter with credit. These charges must still be paid even if you don’t have any credit on your meter. So, when you next top up, you’ll have to pay back all the standing charges you owe.
Does smart meter reading include standing charge?
Do smart meters show standing charges? Yes. If you have a smart meter, your standing charge (if any) will appear on your smart energy monitor display whether you’re using electricity that day or not. The monitor works together with your smart meter to show your energy usage daily, weekly and monthly.
How much is the standing charge on a prepayment meter?
The amount of the standing charge depends on where you live and what tariff and supplier you have. It’s usually around 28p a day.
Who is the cheapest energy provider in UK?
Top 10 cheapest energy tariffs
| Rank | Supplier | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spark Energy | Fixed |
| 2 | Utility Warehouse | Variable |
| 3 | ScottishPower | Fixed |
| 4 | ScottishPower | Fixed |
Who owns British Gas now?
CentricaBritish Gas
Why do British Gas want to change my meter?
We asked British Gas what households should look out for. It told told us that for gas meters, because of the safety element involved, the time for replacing the meter comes via a risk-based decision, such as the meter model and installation date, and these are not published.
Do you have to pay standing charges on an empty property?
If you take over possession of a property that’s empty and has a gas and electricity supply but isn’t using any energy, you may be able to have the standing charge waived. Doing so will be easier than cancelling the supply, as it won’t require the property be reconnected when it is again occupied.
Who pays for gas and electricity between tenants?
The tenant is usually responsible for bills such as gas, electricity and water, as well as council tax and the TV licence. Details of bills to be paid for by the tenant will be listed in the tenancy agreement.
What is a standing cost?
A standing charge is a fixed cost that remains the same regardless of the amount of energy you consume. A standing charge is used to cover the costs that your energy provider incurs supplying you gas and electricity, for things such as: Keeping your house connected to the UK energy network.
Why have standing charges increased so much?
Some tariffs have much higher standing charges like 40p per day, but low unit costs, this suits people with very high power consumptions because they get their units more cheaply. If you are a low power consumer, eg a holiday home, you will need a low standing charge and high unit costs.
How do I get through to British Gas?
Calling British Gas. Call 0333 202 9532 to contact customer service. Calling this number will connect you to a British Gas customer service representative that can direct you to the right department. This is a quick way to speak to a customer service representative over the phone.
Contents