Check a billUnit rateStanding chargeComparison
Unit rate vs standing charge: the simplest comparison
These are the two charges people confuse most often. Unit rate is the variable price for each kWh you use. Standing charge is the fixed daily cost. If you separate them properly, most bill arguments become much simpler.
Side-by-side view
| Charge | What it is | Typical formula | Main mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate | Variable price for energy used | kWh × p/kWh | Comparing it directly to the total bill |
| Standing charge | Fixed daily cost | p/day × days billed | Forgetting it still applies in low-usage periods |
Related guides
Why this matters in disputes
If you tell a supplier only that “the bill is too high”, it has to guess whether you mean usage, tariff, standing charge, payment plan or something else. If you say “the unit-rate maths looks right but the standing-charge subtotal or billed days do not,” your complaint becomes far more actionable.
Official and reference sources
Frequently asked questions
Can standing charge be higher than the usage cost?
Yes, in low-usage periods it can make up a large share of the total.
If the unit rate matches my tariff, is the bill definitely right?
No. The reading, billed days and standing charge still matter.
Which should I check first?
Usually the kWh and unit rate first, then standing charge and billed days.