standing charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of utilities or services to refer to a fixed fee that is charged regardless of usage. Example: "The monthly bill includes a standing charge for the electricity supply, which is applied even if no power is consumed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They have a zero standing charge so every kilowatt-hour you save counts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Subscribers will pay a higher standing charge to their normal cellular operator and a premium on MSS calls.

The Economist

Three key changes that SSE has announced from today are a new standing charge, a single unit price and a method for SSE customers to compare its tariffs.

Independent

The commission suggests that it could be introduced then in a less stringent form, by including, for example, a standing charge for emergency capacity.

The Economist

"Some of my neighbours have the same problem, but although the standing charge is supposed to cover repairs to meters, it hasn't been fixed," he says.

The Guardian - Money

A standing charge that Mr Obama feels the need to apologise for American greatness and a complex spat about the murder of America's ambassador to Libya have both felt slightly forced.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It also ensures that standing charges, such as property taxes, are paid.

The Economist

But 60% of this figure is made up by standing charges, most of which is the cost of financing and depreciating the original purchase.

The Guardian

Typically, banks aren't offering businesses who switch much in the way of interest, however there are significant differences on standing charges and those incurred when making transactions.

The Guardian

But it left standing charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money against Mr. DeLay and his co-defendants, John Colyandro, former director of Texans for a Republican Majority, and Jim Ellis, former director of Americans for a Republican Majority.

The New York Times

Outlining a series of post-Budget measures to promote enterprise and competition, he said he had asked Callum McCarthy, the energy regulator, to examine standing charges for electricity which varied widely by region and method of payment and amounted to around 13percentnt of a typical bill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing utility bills, clarify if the "standing charge" is included in advertised prices or listed separately to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "standing charge" covers usage; it's a fixed cost regardless of consumption. Clearly differentiate it from variable charges based on actual use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing charge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in sentences relating to billing, costs, and utilities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standing charge" is a common noun phrase that refers to a fixed fee applied to utility bills, irrespective of consumption. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatically correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "fixed charge" and "base charge" exist, "standing charge" is widely understood and accepted. To enhance clarity, it's best to distinguish it from usage-based fees when explaining billing structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixed charge

Emphasizes the unchanging nature of the charge, focusing on its set amount.

base charge

Highlights the charge as the foundation or minimum cost, before usage fees.

fixed fee

A general term indicating a set amount of money for a service, irrespective of usage.

service charge

This term implies a fee for providing a service, often fixed but can sometimes be variable.

minimum charge

This indicates the lowest possible amount that will be charged, regardless of actual usage.

connection fee

Focuses on the cost associated with establishing a service connection.

access fee

Highlights the cost of gaining access to a particular service or utility.

flat rate

A single, unchanging price for a service, although it might not always be a recurring charge.

basic rate

Denotes the fundamental cost of a service, before any additional features or usage are factored in.

recurring charge

This suggests a charge that happens regularly, though it may not always be a fixed amount.

FAQs

What does "standing charge" mean in a utility bill?

A "standing charge" is a fixed fee that you pay regularly (e.g., daily, monthly) for a utility service, regardless of how much you use. It covers the cost of maintaining the connection to your property.

How does a "standing charge" affect my energy bill?

The "standing charge" contributes to the overall cost of your bill, even if your energy consumption is low. Some suppliers offer tariffs with no standing charge but may have higher unit rates.

What are some alternatives to "standing charge"?

You can use alternatives like "fixed charge", "base charge", or "fixed fee" depending on the context.

Why do energy companies have a "standing charge"?

Energy companies include a "standing charge" to cover the costs of maintaining the infrastructure, such as pipes and wires, and providing customer service, regardless of how much energy you use.