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Standing Charges: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Energy Prices
7/23/2025
Mike Morris

đź’ˇ What are Standing Charges on Your Business Energy Bill?

If you’ve ever looked at your energy bill and thought, “What’s this daily charge even for?” — you’re not alone.
At Ecosave Gas and Power, we believe in cutting through the jargon and helping UK businesses understand exactly what they’re paying for — and how to pay less!

Let’s talk about standing charges — what they are, why they exist, and how they affect your bottom line.


📌 What Is a Standing Charge?

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay just for being connected to the energy network. It’s there whether you use 1 kWh or 10,000.

Think of it like a line rental for your gas and electricity — it keeps the supply flowing to your premises.

But here’s the thing: not all standing charges are created equal.
And that’s where the savings opportunity lies.


đź§ľ What Does the Standing Charge Actually Cover?

Your standing charge helps cover:

  • đź”§ Metering & Infrastructure
    The cost of installing, maintaining, and upgrading your energy meters and the network that powers your business.

  • 📞 Operational Overheads
    Billing, customer service, account management — everything your supplier does to keep your energy account running.

  • 🔌 Network Distribution Fees
    Payments to the companies that maintain the UK’s gas and electricity networks — so energy gets from the source to your site.

  • 🌍 Environmental Levies
    Contributions to government schemes that support renewable energy and energy efficiency.


⚖️ Why It Matters to Your Business

Some suppliers offer low unit rates but high standing charges. Others flip the script.
The right deal depends on how your business uses energy.

  • If you’re a high-usage business, a lower unit rate might save you more.
  • If your usage is low or seasonal, a lower standing charge could be the smarter move.

That’s why we don’t just compare prices — we compare strategies.


âś… How Ecosave Gas and Power Helps You Save

We’re not just here to sell you a tariff. We’re here to help you:

  • Understand what you’re really paying for
  • Compare business energy tariffs across the UK market
  • Find the right balance between standing charges and unit rates
  • Cut costs without compromising on service or sustainability

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Costs?

Let’s talk. Whether you’re running a small office or a large industrial site, we’ll help you make smarter, more cost-effective energy decisions.

👉 Get a Free Business Energy Quote
👉 Speak to an Energy Expert Today