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Quick answer
The gas standing charge is a fixed daily amount on your bill that you pay whether or not you use any gas. It covers the costs of the gas network, meter, supplier operating costs and certain government schemes. Under Ofgem’s October to December 2026 price cap, the average gas standing charge for Direct Debit customers is 29.68p per day, a little over £108 a year. It is charged on top of the unit rate for the gas you use.
Key takeaways
- The standing charge is a daily fixed cost; the unit rate is what you pay per kWh used.
- The October 2026 average gas standing charge is 29.68p per day under the cap.
- It applies every day you have a live gas supply, including summer.
- Some tariffs have lower standing charges and higher unit rates, or the reverse.
- Dropping gas entirely removes the standing charge but means changing how you heat and cook.
What the standing charge pays for
Ofgem sets the maximum standing charge within the cap. It covers costs such as maintaining the gas network, metering, supplier operating costs and some policy costs. These costs do not change much with how much gas you use, which is why they are charged daily.
How it shows on your bill
Your bill shows the number of days in the billing period multiplied by the daily standing charge, then separately the kWh used multiplied by the unit rate. A low-use month still includes about 30 days of standing charges.
Low users feel it most
For homes that use very little gas, such as a small flat with only a gas hob, the standing charge can be a large share of the bill. That is why some households with only gas cooking consider disconnecting gas. For homes with a gas boiler, the standing charge is a smaller share of winter bills.
Should you disconnect gas?
If your boiler provides heating and hot water, disconnecting gas means replacing it with an alternative such as a heat pump or electric heating, which is a major decision. If you have electric heating and use gas only for cooking, removing the gas supply saves the standing charge, but disconnection must be done properly. Capping must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and meter removal is arranged through your supplier.
Can you reduce the standing charge?
- Compare tariffs; some low-standing-charge tariffs exist.
- Check you are not paying for two meters or a supply you no longer use.
- Check regional differences; standing charges vary by area.
Whatever tariff you are on, a well-maintained boiler uses less gas per unit of heat; an annual boiler service keeps combustion and efficiency where they should be.
Book with Gasmaster
Want to get the most heat from every kWh you pay for? Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating, Gas Safe registered (220932), services boilers across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Biddulph. Book an annual boiler service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the gas standing charge if I use no gas?
Yes, as long as your gas supply is live and you have an account.
Why is the standing charge different for electricity?
Electricity and gas networks have different costs. Electricity standing charges are typically higher.
Can a landlord pass on the standing charge?
If bills are in the tenant’s name, the tenant pays the standing charge as part of their bill.
Sources
- Ofgem, October to December 2026 energy price cap (ofgem.gov.uk)
- Ofgem, standing charges explained (ofgem.gov.uk)
- Citizens Advice, energy bills guidance (citizensadvice.org.uk)
Related services
Abdul runs Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating and has worked on boilers, heating and gas appliances across Stoke-on-Trent since 2005. He is Gas Safe registered (reg. 220932), and these articles come from his day to day work in homes and businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
