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Martin Lewis OVO, E.on, Octopus and British Gas warning over '£300 unfair' charge
Ofgem requires major energy suppliers to offer at least one tariff with lower daily standing charges by January to address consumer complaints and provide more payment options.
Ofgem will require major energy suppliers to offer at least one tariff with lower standing charges, with new options available soon under the regulator's plans.
Campaigners say standing charges are unfair because everyone pays the same rate, hurting consumers and low energy users, and Martin Lewis, personal finance expert and campaigner, has pressed for years to lower them.
Standing charges are daily fixed fees covering supply and network costs, and Ofgem dropped zero standing-charge tariffs to protect high-need consumers and those relying on power for medical reasons.
Martin Lewis warned customers with contracts at OVO, E.on, Octopus and British Gas and called the plans 'disappointing', while Simon Francis described it as a 'small step forward' and ministers urged clear consumer information and choice.
The change comes ahead of a 2% rise when the next price-cap change takes effect on October 1, and Ofgem says the mandate may be short-term during renewable energy transition reforms.