Which Provider Offers the Lowest Standing Charge?

 Why do some electricity providers charge you just for standing still?

It’s not a trick question. Whether you use zero kilowatt-hours or a thousand, you’re likely paying a daily “standing charge” just for being connected to the grid. For many Aussie households and small businesses, this fee flies under the radar — until the bill arrives.

But which provider actually offers the lowest standing charge in Australia right now? Let’s pull back the curtain.

What is a Standing Charge on Your Electricity Bill?

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee that covers the cost of maintaining your electricity connection. Think poles, wires, meter reading, and admin — the infrastructure that keeps the power flowing to your premises, even if your lights are off.

You’ll find it listed as a daily rate (e.g. 85c/day), separate from the usage rate (charged per kWh). It’s a guaranteed income stream for energy retailers — which makes it ripe for consumer scrutiny.

Why Should You Care About Standing Charges?

Because even if you slash your usage, you’ll still pay the standing charge. Over a year, a difference of just 20 cents per day can add up to over $70. For renters, solar owners, or anyone with low electricity usage, that’s a big deal.

It also affects:

  • Holiday homes or empty rentals

  • Off-grid enthusiasts still on the system as backup

  • Small businesses with seasonal peaks

And here’s the kicker: it’s often harder to compare standing charges than usage rates, especially across states.

Who Offers the Lowest Standing Charge in Australia?

Let’s get to the good stuff. While rates change frequently and can vary by postcode, distributor, and tariff type, current comparisons show:

ProviderTypical Standing Charge (Daily)StateNotes
OVO Energy~83c/dayVICAmong the lowest in metro Victoria
ReAmped Energy~82c/dayNSW & QLDLow base rates but no-frills service
Energy Locals~85c/dayVIC, NSWOffers carbon offsets, stable pricing
GloBird Energy~89c/dayVIC, SA, QLDCompetitive overall, higher usage rate
Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia90c–$1.10/dayNationalHigher standing fees, but loyalty perks

Note: Always check your exact postcode. Electricity plans can change weekly, and standing charges may differ depending on whether you're on a single rate, time-of-use, or demand tariff.

Canstar Blue maintains an updated comparison by provider and location.

Why Are Standing Charges Increasing?

Good question. The rise is driven by:

  • Network costs passed down from distributors

  • Retailer hedging against wholesale price swings

  • Administrative bloat — yep, billing systems aren’t cheap

And while competition has driven usage rates down in some areas, standing charges have quietly crept up — often with less transparency.

Can You Avoid Standing Charges Altogether?

Not easily, unless you:

  • Go fully off-grid (solar + batteries)

  • Disconnect your meter entirely

  • Use a time-limited embedded network (e.g. apartment blocks)

But for most people, standing charges are a given. That’s why minimising them — or at least understanding what you’re paying for — matters.

Tips for Finding a Plan with a Low Standing Charge

Here’s what to look for:

  • Filter by daily supply charge on comparison sites

  • Use your actual usage data (from a recent bill) to calculate real-world impact

  • Check for sneaky exit fees or bill smoothing clauses

  • Don’t assume green plans cost more – some have lower fixed fees

And if you're managing multiple sites or want expert help navigating tricky business tariffs, many are turning to electricity brokers to cut through the noise.

How Much Do Standing Charges Vary by State?

State-level regulations and network providers heavily influence pricing. Here’s a rough range as of late 2025:

  • Victoria: 80c–95c/day

  • NSW: 85c–$1.05/day

  • Queensland: 85c–$1.00/day

  • South Australia: 90c–$1.10/day

  • Tasmania: Typically bundled into usage

  • WA: Regulated market, charges set by Synergy

Are Low Standing Charges Always Better?

Not necessarily. A plan with a super-low standing charge might come with:

  • Higher usage rates

  • Limited payment flexibility

  • No rewards or bill smoothing

  • No app or smart monitoring tools

It’s all about balance. If you’re a low user (e.g. solo apartment dwellers, solar households), lower standing charges help. If you’ve got a high-usage household, you might benefit more from a cheaper per-kWh rate — even if the daily fee is higher.

What Do the Experts Say?

Energy experts and consumer advocates agree: transparency around standing charges needs to improve. There’s a push for:

  • Mandatory disclosure of annualised fees

  • Clearer comparisons on government-run comparison sites

  • Encouraging innovation in flexible billing models

And as Australians become more energy-savvy — thanks to smart meters and real-time monitoring — the days of “set and forget” pricing are numbered.

TL;DR: Which Provider Has the Lowest Standing Charge?

At the time of writing:

  • ReAmped Energy and OVO Energy consistently offer some of the lowest standing charges (around 82–83c/day)

  • Comparison matters more than loyalty — don’t assume your existing provider is competitive

  • Use your actual usage to work out the true cost of a plan

  • Look at both standing and usage charges to get the full picture

FAQ

Is a lower standing charge always the best deal?
Not always. If your usage is high, a plan with a low per-kWh rate might save you more over time.

Can I negotiate my standing charge?
No — it’s set by the retailer per plan. But switching plans or providers is your best bet.

Do business energy plans have different standing charges?
Yes. They often vary more widely and can be negotiated through brokers or aggregators.

Standing charges may not be the sexiest part of your power bill, but they could be the most important line item you’re ignoring. Whether you're a cautious homeowner or running a lean operation, understanding how this fixed fee stacks up could save you hundreds each year.

And if you're weighing up different options, including tailored advice for commercial or multi-site setups, some electricity brokers can help uncover the hidden value.

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