Petition · past parliament
Ban Standing Charges on utility bills they only benefit high energy/carbon users
Rejected
12 signatures
What the petition asks
Ban Standing Charges on Gas/Electricity/Water bills that charge users a set daily fee, even when they consume nothing or very little.
The standing charge places a disproportionate cost of running the utility networks on LOW carbon LOW energy users. This also discourages energy and carbon savings.
The standing charge places a disproportionate cost of running the utility networks on LOW carbon LOW energy users. This also discourages energy and carbon savings.
On the same British Gas electricity tariff a LOW energy user will pay 32 % MORE per unit than a HIGH user, based on 5 vs 20 kWh/day. (37p/unit vs 28p/unit inc. standing charges, SVR April 2022 BG Tariff)
A ban on standing charges would lower bills for those who save energy, and make all tariffs easily and directly comparable.
The network cost should be priced into the unit rate. High energy users should pay proportionately more than low energy users. With standing charges this is NOT the case.
A ban on standing charges would lower bills for those who save energy, and make all tariffs easily and directly comparable.
The network cost should be priced into the unit rate. High energy users should pay proportionately more than low energy users. With standing charges this is NOT the case.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
We can't accept your petition because the UK Government and Parliament aren't responsible for the issue you raise. This is a matter for utility providers.
You can find out more about standing charges for energy here: https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/what-are-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
And you can find out more about standing charges for water here: https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-bill/metering/
You can find out more about standing charges for energy here: https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/what-are-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
And you can find out more about standing charges for water here: https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-bill/metering/
Timeline
| 1 Mar 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 7 Mar 2022 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
12
Status
Rejected
Rejected
7 Mar 2022
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.