A standing charge is a daily fee that everyone pays as part of their energy bill. The cost of a standing charge includes:

• fixed network costs – this is the cost of maintaining the energy networks. 
• costs associated with the volatility of the energy market.
• government policy costs – including the Green Gas levy

These costs apply to every home. They're not linked to the amount of gas or electricity you use, so you'll have to pay the standing charge even when you're not using energy, for example if you're on holiday, or if your gas or electricity supply has been disconnected.