Why am I paying a standing charge when the premises are empty?

Last reviewed 2 September 2026 by Utilities Made Simple · independent, whole-of-market, supplier-paid — how we are paid

What the standing charge covers

Metering, meter reading, network maintenance, and the fixed elements of supplying your site. None of it stops when the building is empty. On a low-usage or empty site it can easily be the majority of the bill, which is why "we barely use anything and the bill is still £40 a month" is such a common question.

Your options

1. Re-contract on a low standing charge. Suppliers offer different balances of standing charge and unit rate. For a near-empty site, the lowest standing charge usually wins even at a higher unit rate. Ask for options priced both ways.
2. Temporary disconnection. The network can de-energise the supply while keeping the connection. There is a charge, and a charge to re-energise, but standing charges largely stop.
3. Full disconnection and meter removal. Cheapest to run, most expensive to reverse, and it will affect the property's value and lettability. Only sensible where the building is being demolished or will not be used for years.

Before you do any of it

Check who is actually liable. If the property is let, the occupier is normally responsible from the date they take occupation, and a change of tenancy should have been registered. If you are being billed for a period after a tenant moved in, that is a liability question rather than a standing charge question — see business energy when moving premises.

Ask an energy specialist

If your question is not answered above, send it to us. A specialist answers personally, normally within one working day. No sales call, no obligation — and if the answer is "your deal is fine", that is what you will get.