Compare Electricity Prices and Plans in Ireland

Understanding what you currently pay

An electricity bill in Ireland is made up of several parts, not just a single price per unit. Knowing what each part is makes it far easier to judge whether a new offer is actually better than what you have now.

• Unit rate. The price charged for each kWh (unit) of electricity you use. This is usually the figure suppliers advertise, and it can vary by time of day on a smart or time of use tariff.
• Standing charge. A fixed daily or annual charge for being connected to the network and having a supply, charged regardless of how much electricity you use. This is rarely covered by a discount.
• PSO levy. A non discretionary charge set by the CRU that appears on every domestic electricity bill in Ireland. The amount is reviewed periodically and is the same across suppliers, so it is not something you can shop around on.
• Discretionary discounts. A percentage or fixed amount a supplier applies, often for a limited period, sometimes conditional on paying by direct debit, choosing paperless billing or also taking gas from the same supplier. Our guide to dual fuel electricity and gas plans explains how to compare that kind of offer.
• Estimated annual cost. Unit rate, standing charge and your actual usage combined into a single yearly figure. This is the number that lets you compare two plans properly, not the unit rate or discount in isolation.

For a fuller breakdown of how each of these charges is calculated, including VAT and actual versus estimated meter readings, see our guide to electricity unit rates, standing charges and discounts explained.

To turn your own unit rate, standing charge and usage into a yearly figure, use the Electricity Bill Calculator below.

For how to read your own usage pattern against a time of use structure, which activities can realistically move to a cheaper period, and what to check before switching tariff type, see our guide to smart meters and time of use tariffs explained.

What makes one electricity plan different from another

Beyond the unit rate and standing charge, several other terms affect whether a plan genuinely suits your household.

• Fixed or variable pricing. A fixed plan holds your unit rate and standing charge for a set period, giving certainty but sometimes at the cost of missing a market wide price fall. A variable plan can move with the market in either direction, usually with notice.
• Contract duration. How long you are being asked to commit for, commonly presented in months. Check this against when any introductory discount ends.
• Exit fees. Some fixed term plans charge a fee for leaving before the term ends. Check whether one applies and how much it is before signing, particularly if you may move home or switch again during the term.
• Payment method and billing. Direct debit is often required to access a plan's advertised discount. Billing frequency and whether bills are based on actual meter readings or estimates can also differ between suppliers.
• Smart or standard tariff structure. Whether the plan charges a single rate or varies by time of day, and whether your meter type is eligible for it.
• Renewable or green electricity claims. Where a supplier markets a plan as renewable or green, ask what this specifically refers to, since claims and the evidence behind them can vary between suppliers and are worth checking rather than taking at face value.

For a worked example showing how these factors combine into a single comparable figure, see our guide to how to compare electricity plans using your annual usage.

How the comparison callback works

If you would like help comparing electricity plans, you can request a callback using the form below. Your details are passed to our comparison partner, Selectra, so a member of its comparison team can contact you to talk through your current plan and the options available.

• What affects the options. The options you hear about depend on your circumstances, such as your meter type and how much electricity you use, and on the plans available through Selectra's comparison service. They may not include every supplier or every plan available in Ireland.
• No commitment. Requesting a callback does not commit you to switching. You can decide not to go ahead.
• Have a recent bill to hand. It makes the call easier, and the list with the form below covers the rest.

For more information about how the comparison service works, see Our Partnerships.

Request a callback →

What happens when you switch electricity supplier

• No interruption to supply. Switching is an administrative change of billing supplier, not a physical change to your meter or connection.
• A cooling off period applies. After signing up to a new contract, you generally have a period during which you can cancel without penalty. The exact length can depend on how the contract was agreed, so confirm the specific terms and timeframe with your new supplier or check current guidance from the CRU or Citizens Information.
• A final reading and closing bill. Your outgoing supplier issues a final bill based on a meter reading, which may be an actual or estimated reading depending on your meter type.
• Suppliers follow CRU rules. All electricity suppliers in Ireland operate under rules set by the CRU covering billing, complaints and how switching itself is handled.