Switching To Cheapest Electricity In Ireland: Who's The Best?

what is the cheapest electricity company in ireland

Energy bills are a significant expense for Irish households, which pay the highest electricity rates in the EU before tax. The average electricity bill in Ireland is €1,556.49 for a 24-hour urban standard meter. The cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland as of March 2025 is Bord Gais Energy, whose standard 24-hour rate costs an estimated €1,257.40 per year. However, the cheapest option for you will depend on factors like your usage, current deal, and location. This article will explore how to find the cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland and provide tips on reducing your energy bills.

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Cheapest electricity suppliers in Ireland

The cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland depends on a variety of factors, including usage, your current deal, and where you live. However, as of March 2025, the cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland is Bord Gais Energy, whose standard, 24-hour rate deal costs an estimated €1,257.40 per year. The average electricity bill in Ireland is €1,556.49 for a 24-hour urban standard meter.

Electricity suppliers in Ireland are now offering time-of-use tariffs to homeowners with smart meters, which can help reduce costs. Smart meters are being installed across Ireland, with no charge for the installation. They provide accurate readings and enable electricity suppliers to offer a greater choice of plans and services, as well as improving sustainability.

Dual fuel tariffs, where you get your electricity and gas from the same provider, can also be cheaper and more convenient, as you'll only need to deal with one supplier and one bill. The cheapest dual fuel offer as of March 2025 is from Yuno Energy, for €2,432.71 a year on a fixed-rate plan.

It's worth noting that if you haven't changed your energy provider in the last 12 months, you could potentially save money by switching. Many electricity and gas suppliers offer discounts to new customers, and the average electricity customer could save up to €482 a year by switching to the cheapest deal on the market.

To find the best deal for your specific circumstances, you can use online tools that compare energy suppliers and tariffs. These tools will ask for details about your current energy usage, tariff, and supplier, and then help you switch to a new supplier.

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Cheapest dual fuel deals

As of March 2025, the cheapest dual fuel offer in Ireland is from Yuno Energy, which costs €2,432.71 per year on a fixed-rate plan. Dual fuel offers can save you money by bundling your electricity and gas into one package. You may also get a discount when you sign up for gas and electricity together. However, dual fuel tariffs are not always the cheapest option. Sometimes, discounts on single gas and electricity tariffs may work out cheaper than a dual fuel tariff. It is worth comparing both dual fuel and standalone deals to see which is the best option for you.

The average electricity customer could save up to €482 a year by switching from a standard tariff to the cheapest deal on the market, and the average gas customer can currently save up to €306 by switching to the cheapest deal. You can save even more by switching if you have a dual fuel tariff for your gas and electricity.

There are 11 licensed electricity suppliers in Ireland, and 6 licensed gas suppliers. The electricity and gas markets in Ireland are very competitive, with eight suppliers providing dual fuel deals. Each energy supplier in Ireland provides a choice of tariffs, so it is important to shop around for the best deal. You can compare the cheapest energy deals on the market and switch suppliers in just a few minutes.

Your electricity consumption depends on a number of factors, including the number of people in your household and the appliances you use. To calculate your savings for each of the available tariffs, you need to know how much electricity is consumed in your home. You can tell suppliers this in kWh or €, and for best results, you should tell them your annual consumption in kWh.

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Cheapest smart meter deals

As of March 2025, Energia has the cheapest smart electricity in Ireland for €1,150.03 a year on an Urban meter. Smart meters are being rolled out across Ireland by ESB Networks, with over 1.8 million installed as of September 2024. The installation of a smart meter is free of charge and will help you gain insight into your energy usage, allowing you to take steps to reduce your energy bills.

Smart meters use wireless cellular connections to send your energy usage data to your energy provider and to a display monitor in your home. This means you will no longer need to submit meter readings or have someone come to read your meter. Your smart meter will collect data on your electricity use every 30 minutes, removing the need for estimated meter readings.

There are a number of smart meter plans available, depending on your energy usage habits and requirements. Electric Ireland offers a 24-hour plan with a flat rate, ideal if you work from home during the day. This plan includes a super-low Night Boost rate from 2 am-4 am, perfect for those who can adjust their energy consumption.

If you are able to shift your energy use outside of peak hours, Energia's Smart Data plan provides insights and savings. Their 2-band and 4-band Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive plans offer a cheaper and longer night charging window, a greener choice for EV owners.

To calculate your savings for each of the available tariffs, you will need to know your annual consumption in kWh. However, if you are unsure, an estimate can be calculated based on the national average consumption figure published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

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Cheapest nightsaver plans

As of March 2025, Bord Gais Energy has the cheapest nightsaver deal in Ireland for €1,188.96 a year on an Urban meter. NightSaver tariffs split your consumption into a day and night rate, giving you the opportunity to make savings by shifting some of your electricity consumption to cheaper nighttime rates. A unit of night rate electricity is cheaper than a standard 24-hour rate unit rate, but any potential savings you make with a night saver tariff will depend on how much electricity you use at night.

To get a Night Saver Meter installed for free, simply call your electricity supplier and they will arrange for ESB Networks to install one for you. It is important to note that you will only get cheaper electricity bills with a Night Saver Meter if you use a significant amount of electricity at night. If you have storage heaters, you should consider signing up for a night rate electricity plan, or vice versa.

In Ireland, a night rate electricity meter is a type of meter that helps you track your electricity consumption during the nighttime versus daytime. A NightSaver meter is a special meter that has two dials. The first dial records the number of electricity units used during the day, and the second dial records the number of units used at night. Customers on the NightSaver tariff are charged a discounted rate for electricity used at night.

If you are unsure who supplies your electricity, you should contact ESB Networks on 1850 372 757.

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How to compare electricity prices

Comparing electricity prices can help you find the best deal and save you hundreds of euros. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to compare electricity prices in Ireland:

Know Your Current Usage and Tariff:

Start by gathering information about your current energy usage and tariff. You can find this information on your energy bills or by contacting your current supplier. Understanding your current usage will help you make accurate comparisons.

Understand the Energy Market:

The energy market in Ireland has 11 licensed electricity suppliers, each offering different plans and tariffs. Familiarize yourself with the options available, including standard, variable, and fixed-rate plans, as well as dual fuel bundles that combine electricity and gas from the same supplier.

Compare Prices and Suppliers:

Use online comparison tools, such as Switcher.ie or Uswitch, to compare prices and suppliers. These tools will ask for your usage details and preferences, then provide you with a list of deals and their estimated annual costs. You can filter results by various factors, including plan type (dual fuel or electricity-only), rate type (fixed or variable), and payment method.

Consider Smart Meters:

Smart meters are being rolled out across Ireland and offer several benefits. They record frequent consumption data, provide accurate meter readings, and enable suppliers to offer a greater choice of plans. Smart meters can help you understand your energy usage better and may lead to more sustainable and cost-effective choices.

Evaluate Discounts and Introductory Offers:

Many electricity suppliers offer discounts and introductory offers to new customers. While these can provide significant savings in the first year, be mindful that the standard rate after the discount period may be higher. Consider the long-term costs and don't be afraid to switch suppliers to take advantage of these offers.

Understand Your Payment Options:

Consider your preferred payment method, such as direct debit or prepayment. Prepayment tariffs, where you buy energy in advance and top it up via your meter, can be more expensive than credit meter options.

Think About Green Energy Plans:

If sustainability is important to you, explore green energy plans that promote the use of clean, renewable energy. Some suppliers offer plans tailored to electric vehicle owners or those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Check for Additional Charges:

When comparing prices, pay attention to additional charges such as standing charges, VAT, and levies. These can vary between suppliers and impact your overall costs.

Review Customer Service and Switching Process:

Consider the customer service and switching process offered by each supplier. Choose a supplier that provides clear information, supports you through the switching process, and offers a cooling-off period in case you change your mind.

Remember, the cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland can vary depending on your usage, location, and other factors. By following these steps and staying informed, you can make significant savings on your energy bills.

Frequently asked questions

As of March 2025, the cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland is Bord Gais Energy, whose standard, 24-hour rate deal costs an estimated €1,257.40 per year.

You can switch electricity providers by contacting your desired company. Many electricity suppliers offer discounts to new customers for the first year. You can also use a price comparison website, such as Uswitch or Switcher.ie, to find the cheapest provider for you and facilitate the switch.

The average electricity customer could save up to €482 a year by switching from a standard tariff to the cheapest deal on the market.

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