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Ask An Expert: ENERGY

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Lowest standing charges?

Voyager2002
Voyager2002 Forumite Posts: 15,142
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edited 28 August at 12:36PM in Ask An Expert: Energy (Aug)
My home is well-insulated and I can bear a little cold. Is there any provider with low standing charges so that I can save money by using less energy?

(I pay for gas and electricity by monthly direct debit.)
4
4 votes

Ask An Expert: Answered · Last Updated

Hi Voyager2002,

As GingerTim says, right now, unfortunately, there aren’t any tariffs with zero or particularly low standing charges due to the energy crisis. We’ll continue to monitor the market and will let people know when these tariffs, and other cheaper tariffs, become available again.

This question and answer came about during the MSE Forum 'Ask An Expert' event on 11 August 2022. It won't be updated so may no longer be correct at time of reading. This info does not constitute financial advice: always do your own research on top to make sure it's right for your circumstances.

Comments

  • GingerTim
    GingerTim Forumite Posts: 1,782
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    There are none. Utilita were until recently offering a zero standing charge tariff, with the first unit or so being much more expensive. But they aren't accepting switches at the moment.
  • MSE_Andrew
    MSE_Andrew MSE Staff Posts: 173
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    Hi Voyager2002, 

    As GingerTim says, right now, unfortunately, there aren’t any tariffs with zero or particularly low standing charges due to the energy crisis. We’ll continue to monitor the market and will let people know when these tariffs, and other cheaper tariffs, become available again.

  • GingerTim
    GingerTim Forumite Posts: 1,782
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    edited 12 August 2022 at 4:38AM
    To be frank, I don't expect zero standing charge tariffs to return for years, if ever.
  • moneypoppett
    moneypoppett Forumite Posts: 1
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    Newbie
    Can anyone guide me on what happens if we simply cancel our gas and electricity contract for 9 months while our home is empty and re-contract again - to keep costs down? Standing charges are very expensive. Thanks
  • knightstyle
    knightstyle Forumite Posts: 6,924
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    moneypoppett  you need to ask your current provider. Depending on the reason some may/used to  offer reduced fixed charges.
    It is very expensive to have them cut off and reconnected.
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