Andy Burnham proposes plan to remove standing charges from gas bills

Andy Burnham has asked ministers to develop a plan to remove fixed daily standing charges from gas bills, which are currently paid even when energy is not used. A research foundation argued this progressive move could save a typical annual bill £27 and help low-income households. Nesta suggested moving these costs to the unit rate, external, which would benefit low gas users but potentially penalize heavy users. Average daily gas standing charges are 29.7p, while electricity charges average 54.8p, and Ofgem is currently running a pilot scheme on low standing charge tariffs.