Umair Gaines
In Ireland, night rate electricity tariffs offer cheaper rates at night than during the day. The exact times of the night rate vary depending on the supplier and the season, but they typically range from 11 pm or 12 am to 8 or 9 am. To benefit from these cheaper rates, customers need to shift a significant portion of their electricity usage to the night. This can be achieved through smart meters, which offer three rates (day, peak, and night) and encourage energy efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Night Rate Electricity in Ireland | Yuno Energy |
| Annual Bill for Cheapest Night Rate Electricity | €1,231.43 |
| Night Rate Times | 12:00 AM to 9:00 AM (summer), 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM (winter) |
| Night Rate Tariff | Lower cost per unit of electricity at night compared to the normal day rate |
| Minimum Shift in Electricity Usage to Benefit from Night Rate | 27% of average electricity consumption at night |
| Smart Tariff | Lower rates at night and off-peak times, higher rates during the day |
| Peak Rates for Smart Tariff | 5pm to 7pm |
| Day Rates for Smart Tariff | 8am to 5pm, 7pm to 11pm |
| Night Rates for Smart Tariff | 11pm to 8am |
| Night Rate Charges for Electric Ireland NI | 1am to 8am (winter), 2am to 9am (summer) |
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Night rate tariffs
In Ireland, night rate tariffs work by charging a lower cost per unit of electricity at night compared to the normal day rate. The exact difference in unit rates varies between energy suppliers and the specific tariff chosen. Night rate times are typically from 12:00 AM to 9:00 AM during the summer and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM during the winter. However, these times can vary, with some suppliers defining the night rate period as between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM in the winter and 2:00 AM and 9:00 AM in the summer.
To benefit from cheaper night rate electricity, a significant portion of your electricity consumption needs to occur at night. It is estimated that you will need to shift at least 27% of your electricity usage to the night hours to make the most of night rate tariffs. This can be achieved by using high energy consumption appliances, such as storage heaters and immersion heaters, during the night. Additionally, charging electric vehicles at night can result in significant cost savings.
Smart meters are being gradually installed in all houses in Ireland, and they offer an alternative to night rate tariffs. Smart tariffs typically have three rates: a day rate, a peak rate, and a night rate. The peak rate is usually applied between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the day rate applies during the remaining daytime hours, and the night rate is in effect from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Smart tariffs can provide greater flexibility and encourage energy efficiency, but they may not always result in cost savings. To optimise savings with smart tariffs, it is necessary to reduce electricity usage during peak hours and shift some consumption to off-peak times, particularly between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
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Night saver meters
In Ireland, a Night Saver Meter is a device designed to save you money on your electricity bills. It is similar to a regular meter but has two rows of digits instead of one, with one row recording electricity consumption during the day and the other recording consumption at night.
To take advantage of discounted night-time rates, you need to have a night meter installed and be signed up to a "Night Saver" tariff with your electricity supplier. The night rate typically applies between 11 pm and 8 am in the winter months (end of October to end of March) and midnight to 9 am during the rest of the year. The day rate usually applies between 8 am and 5 pm, and 7 pm to 11 pm. The peak rate is in effect during the hours of 5 pm to 7 pm.
By shifting some of your electricity usage to night-time hours, you can make significant savings on your energy bills. For example, using your washing machine before 9 am and running your dishwasher after midnight can help you take advantage of the lower night-time rates. Additionally, using a Night Saver Meter for water heating can result in substantial cost savings.
It is important to note that the lower night-time rates are usually offset by higher daytime unit costs and a larger standing charge. Therefore, a Night Saver Meter is most beneficial for those who can adjust their energy consumption patterns and utilise a significant amount of electricity during the night.
Smart Meters are also being introduced in Ireland, offering similar benefits to Night Saver Meters. Smart Meters use digital technology to provide accurate information on energy usage, enabling consumers to make informed decisions and optimise their electricity consumption. With Smart Meters, you can opt for a "Smart Tariff", which offers lower rates during off-peak hours.
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Smart meters
The environment will benefit from smart meters as they will encourage energy efficiency and support an increase in renewable power on the electricity system. This will help to cut CO2 emissions and reduce Ireland's reliance on fossil fuel imports. The economy will also benefit from smart meters as they will help to efficiently manage energy flow during times of high demand, enhancing competition and improving the consumer experience.
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Smart tariffs
There are different types of smart tariffs available. The standard smart tariff has set prices that change depending on whether it is peak, off-peak, or night-time hours. Peak hours are typically between 5 pm and 7 pm, while night-time hours are usually from 11 pm to 8 am. The dynamic electricity tariff, on the other hand, changes prices every 30 minutes in line with fluctuations in the wholesale electricity market, and is often referred to as "real-time pricing".
To sign up for a smart tariff, individuals must opt-in and provide consent for their energy usage data to be shared with the energy supplier. It is important to note that smart tariffs may not automatically provide cheaper electricity rates overall, as daytime unit rates may be slightly more expensive than standard tariff rates. However, by shifting some electricity usage to off-peak or night-time hours, consumers can take advantage of the lower rates offered during those periods.
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Peak rates
In Ireland, the peak rate for electricity is typically between 5 pm and 7 pm. During these hours, the electricity rates are at their highest. This period is considered peak demand time, when most people are at home and using electrical appliances.
If you have a standard smart tariff, the peak rate will apply during these hours. However, it's important to note that the exact times for peak rates may vary depending on your energy supplier and the specific tariff you have chosen. Different smart meter products and suppliers may have slightly different time bands for their peak rates.
To avoid paying peak rates, it is advisable to shift your electricity usage to other times of the day, such as the day rate period, which is typically from 8 am to 5 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm, or the night rate period, which is usually from 11 pm to 8 am. By adjusting your energy consumption habits, you can take advantage of lower rates during off-peak hours.
Smart meters are being gradually installed in homes across Ireland, and they play a crucial role in helping you understand your energy usage. With a smart meter, you can access accurate information about your energy consumption throughout the day. This empowers you to make informed choices, manage your energy usage more efficiently, and potentially reduce your electricity bills by avoiding peak rates.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the introduction of smart meters and smart tariffs offers more flexibility in electricity pricing. While traditional tariffs have two rates (peak and off-peak), smart tariffs provide three rates: day, peak, and night. This allows you to further optimize your energy usage by taking advantage of the lower rates during specific times of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
A night rate tariff charges a lower cost per unit of electricity at night compared to the normal day rate.
Night rate times are typically from 12:00 AM to 9:00 AM during the summer and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM during the winter.
As of August 2025, the cheapest night rate electricity tariff in Ireland is Yuno Energy, with an annual estimated bill of €1,231.43.
You need to have a night meter installed and sign up for a "Night Saver" tariff with your electricity supplier.
To make the most savings with a night rate tariff, you need to shift over 25-27% of your electricity usage to the night hours.
