Energy standing charges are a fixed daily fee that energy suppliers charge their customers, regardless of how much energy they use. This means that even if you go on holiday or reduce your energy consumption, you still have to pay the same amount every day. These charges can be as high as £365 per year and are often hidden in the small print of contracts.

It is unfair for consumers to be charged for something they have no control over. Energy standing charges disproportionately affect low-income households who may struggle to pay them. In fact, a report by Citizens Advice found that these charges can account for up to 20% of some people's energy bills.

Furthermore, these charges do not incentivize energy suppliers to encourage their customers to reduce their energy consumption or switch to renewable sources. Instead, they provide a guaranteed income stream for suppliers regardless of how much or little their customers use.

We call on the government and energy regulators to abolish unfair energy standing charges and instead introduce fairer pricing structures that reflect actual usage and incentivize consumers and suppliers alike towards more sustainable practices.

Sources:
- Citizens Advice report: "Standing in the Way"
- Ofgem website: "Energy tariffs explained"