EDF, the energy supplier serving Birmingham households, has announced a new Low Standing Charge Trial that will provide eligible customers with a £150 annual discount. The trial, which runs for one year, is designed to help lower-energy users reduce their bills through reduced standing charges.
How the Trial Works
Under the trial, eligible customers will receive a £6.25 monthly discount per fuel on their standing charges. This discount is in addition to savings available through EDF's existing FreePhase tariffs. There are no exit fees for participants. The standing charge discount aims to make energy more affordable for households that use less energy overall.
FreePhase Tariff Details
EDF's FreePhase Dynamic tariff splits the day into three time bands: green (super off-peak, 11pm-6am), amber (off-peak, 6am-4pm and 7pm-11pm), and red (peak, 4-7pm). Rates are updated daily to reflect wholesale electricity prices. Analysis by EDF shows that in the first five months of 2026, customers have already saved an average of £152 through FreePhase, despite volatility in wholesale prices.
Eligibility and Sign-Up
New customers can join the trial through the existing FreePhase online sign-up process and, if eligible, can opt into the trial. Existing FreePhase customers can also request to join. The trial is targeted at lower-energy users, offering additional savings through reduced standing charges.
Industry Context
EDF competes with other major suppliers such as British Gas, OVO, EON Next, Octopus, and Scottish Power. The trial represents a step towards more flexible pricing models that could benefit consumers.
Callum Morgan, Product Design Expert for Smart Tariffs at EDF, said: “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. Combining the trial with our FreePhase product gives customers a real opportunity to make more sizable savings which we hope will make a real difference.”
Impact on Birmingham Households
Birmingham households, many of whom are customers of EDF, stand to benefit directly from this trial. The £150 annual discount could provide significant relief for families struggling with energy costs. The trial also reflects ongoing efforts by energy suppliers and regulators to address affordability concerns.
