British energy firms told to offer ‘zero’ standing charge tariff by next winter

Some energy suppliers already offer low- or no-standing charge tariffs. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Energy suppliers will have to offer customers a “zero” standing charge tariff by next winter to address criticism of the daily fees described by the consumer champion Martin Lewis as a “poll tax” on gas and electricity bills.

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, said the zero standing charge option will be offered by suppliers under its quarterly price cap, alongside existing tariffs, as part of an industry shake-up.