EDF has launched a new trial that could save eligible customers up to £150 by reducing the controversial standing charge on energy bills. The initiative offers a £6.25 monthly discount per fuel, deducted directly from the standing charge—the fixed daily cost for gas and electricity connections. This is in addition to savings from EDF's FreePhase tariffs, where customers have saved an average of £152 in the first five months of 2025 despite volatile wholesale costs.
No Penalties for Leaving the Trial
Participants can exit the trial without penalties if it does not suit their needs. The move follows mounting pressure on the energy sector and Ofgem to reform standing charges, which now cost the average household over £300 annually before any energy consumption. Campaign groups argue these charges disproportionately affect low-income and low-usage households, including elderly residents and second-property owners.
Industry Support and Criticism
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has long opposed standing charges, noting that complaints about them exceed those about any other billing element. Ofgem announced earlier this year that EDF, along with British Gas, E.ON, and Octopus, would participate in a pilot scheme offering reduced standing charges to around 150,000 eligible households. The regulator expects the trial to cut at least £150 from dual-fuel standing charges, though unit rates may rise to compensate. Lewis warned that such deals fall outside the energy price cap, potentially disadvantaging vulnerable customers who rarely switch suppliers.
EDF's Commitment to Savings
Callum Morgan, Product Design Expert for Smart Tariffs at EDF, stated, 'It is important that we and Ofgem continue to look at ways we can help all of our customers reduce their bills, so we are pleased to offer this trial tariff, focused on helping lower users save.' He added that combining the trial with FreePhase products offers significant savings opportunities.
How FreePhase Tariffs Work
FreePhase Dynamic divides electricity into three pricing tiers: a discounted 'green' overnight rate from 11pm to 6am, a mid-range 'amber' band for most daytime hours, and a higher 'red' peak band from 4pm to 7pm. Prices are updated daily based on wholesale costs, with rates announced in advance so customers can plan usage. For stability, FreePhase Static fixes unit rates for a year, with amber rates up to 10% lower and green rates up to 37% lower than the standard variable tariff.
How to Join the Trial
New customers can register via EDF's FreePhase online system and express interest in the trial, while existing FreePhase customers can also apply. The initiative is expected to pressure other suppliers to follow suit as families continue to face high bills and demand grows for standing charge reform.
