Standing charges whilst gas and electricity switched off?

Gerry1

wrf12345 said:

If the house is always going to be empty in the winter then getting rid of the gas meter might be an option, though it might devalue the property if you ever want to sell (in a decade probably ok as heat pumps will rule).

Not necessarily cost effective.  Some heating will be still required to prevent pipes freezing and to meet insurance requirements.

Electricity costs about four times as much as gas, so the consumption may cost more than the gas standing charge.

In a decade the OP would also have to install a heat pump before selling, and they won't be cheap.

It might be possible to switch to Utilita just before going away and back to an ordinary supplier after returning but that would rule out most fixed tariffs with exit fees.