Charities and energy providers have criticised plans to change the way standing charges on bills are paid.All households pay the fixed daily charges covering the costs of connecting to a gas and electricity supply.

British energy regulator Ofgem on Thursday proposed that all energy suppliers offer tariffs with low or no standing charges, allowing consumers to pay these costs as part of their unit rate, to give them more flexibility in managing energy bills.

Ofgem has announced plans to introduce low or no standing charge energy tariffs, aiming to provide customers with greater control over how they pay for electricity and gas. The proposal is currently under consultation,

The proposal is set for implementation by winter 2025/2026, with a consultation launched to explore practical applications.

Standing charges are set by energy suppliers and rack up daily, regardless of how much energy you use that day.