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If you use very little gas and electricity, or have a second home that isn't occupied all year round, your tariff's standing charge means you might be overpaying for energy.
You can cut your energy costs by paying a very low standing charge or even finding a tariff without one, if you know where to look. That's where we come in.
We've analysed hundreds of gas and electricity tariffs to find which ones are cheapest if you use little energy, plus which ones have no standing charge.
Low energy user, second-home owner, or simply looking to save on your energy bills? Compare gas and electricity prices using our independent Which? Switch to find out how much you could save. You can also call us on 0800 410 1149 or 01259 220235.
Most energy tariffs are made up of two parts:
Usually, you'll have separate standing charges and unit rates for gas and electricity. Your total unit rate cost depend on how much energy you use. But you pay the standing charge every day, regardless of whether you use any energy.
So if you use very little energy, or your second home is vacant for large parts of the year, you'll still be paying the standing charge every day. This adds up over the course of a year, and makes up a significant chunk of your bill if you use little energy.
British Gas's standing charge on its standard variable deal is 26.01p per day for both electricity and gas. So you'll pay £190 per year even if you don't use any energy.
British Gas's standing charge isn't the priciest, though - Scottish Power's adds up to £200 per year.
Some energy deals have very low standing charges, and a few have none at all. 'Zero' standing charge, or tariffs which just have a unit rate, can be ideal for low energy users.
The following energy tariffs have no/zero standing charges. Click on the company name to see how it fared in our energy company satisfaction survey:
If you live alone, your home is small or very energy efficient, you may be a low energy user. We've calculated the five cheapest dual-fuel deals for a low energy user:
All of these are at least £192 cheaper, per year, than British Gas's standard tariff.
But if you're a low energy user, Scottish Power's standard tariff is the priciest standard tariff for you among the Big Six energy suppliers. It costs £802 per year on average; £29 more than British Gas.
If you own a second home that's often unoccupied, or spend lots of time away from home, follow our tops tips to keep your home safe, secure and energy efficient.
Read our comprehensive guide to home security for more tips on window and door security, security lights, home CCTV and burglar alarm systems.
Energylinx supplies our energy pricing and tariff data. Prices here are based on a low energy user (using Ofgem averages of 1,900kWh electricity and 8,000kWh gas per year), paying by monthly direct debit and with paperless bills. Prices are averaged across regions in England, Scotland and Wales and are correct on 22 November 2017.
Not a low energy user or second-home owner? Check the top five cheapest energy deals for November to see the best deals for average energy users.