Requirement to offer lower standing charge tariffs
Memo
Requirement to offer lower standing charge tariffs | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Requirement to offer lower standing charge tariffs Publication type: Consultation Publication date: 24 September 2025 Closed date: 23 October 2025 Status: Closed (awaiting decision) Topic: Energy pricing rules Subtopic: Standing charges Print this page Related links Lower or zero standing charge tariffs: technical working paper Standing charges energy price cap variant: next steps Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn We want your feedback on introducing new rules stating that energy suppliers must offer their customers at least one lower standing charge tariff option. Consultation description In February 2025, we considered introducing a zero standing charge variant within the energy price cap. We also undertook domestic consumer research and an online behavioural experiment . This was to understand consumers’ attitudes towards standing charges. Through this, we identified that they wanted more control over how they pay for their energy costs. We are now proposing a different approach to the ‘zero standing charge price cap variant’. Under this new proposal, energy suppliers are required to offer customers at least one tariff with lower standing charges in all regions in England, Scotland and Wales. This approach should give more flexibility to allow suppliers to recover their costs while providing consumers with more choice. We would make this a requirement under the Standard licence conditions. They would also need to clearly explain what the tariff rates and charges are to their customers so they can make informed decisions. Who should respond We would like to hear from: energy suppliers energy consumers and the public consumer groups charities industry groups network companies How to respond Complete our online consultation by 22 October 2025. If you have any questions, email standingcharges@ofgem.gov.uk . Feedback Yes No Was this page useful? Please submit your feedback below Submit feedback Leave this field blank Print this page Related links Lower or zero standing charge tariffs: technical working paper Standing charges energy price cap variant: next steps Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close