What Is the Cooling Off Period in Ireland?
Like in many other countries, when we sign up to a new energy contract in Ireland, we always have a legal time to change our minds if we want to. This is the cooling off period and it’s there so you don’t have to worry about being locked in at the beginning if you find something better. In our cooling off period guide, we’ll walk you through how long it is and what your rights are!
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!
Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
What Is a Cooling Off Period in Ireland?
Whenever you take out an energy or broadband contract, whether you’re switching providers or renewing your contract with your current one, you always have a cooling off period in which you can cancel it without worrying about a penalty. In Ireland, the cooling off period is a legal right for customers and is outlined in the Customer Rights Act.
Where can I learn more about my consumer rights in Ireland? There are lots of things to be aware of as a consumer in terms of rights and protections that you might have to stop businesses taking advantage. The Customer and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the main body in Ireland that deals with customer law and has a large website dedicated to helping the public know their rights.
Check Out Our CCPC Guide!
How Long Is the Cooling Off Period?
In Ireland, the cooling off period is always 14 days from when you sign the contract. What this means is that at any point during the following two weeks, you can call and cancel your energy or broadband contract without having to worry about exit fees. Usually, you will need to wait the full 14 days before you go live with your new company which is why it takes such a long time. After the 14 days are over, you’ll then be bound by the terms of the contract you’ve taken out.
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!
Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
What Is the Cooling Off Period For?
The cooling off period is there to provide consumers with a level of protection when it comes to buying a service for an energy contract. The cooling off period is used in a range of different contracts and services and isn’t limited to only energy and broadband deals.
What Services Have a Cooling Off Period?
Generally speaking, whenever you buy a product or service online in Ireland, you get the cooling off period. This means that for anything you’ve bought online (or not in a physical shop), you can claim a full refund if you change your mind. Here’s a list of some of individual situations with different utility services in Ireland:
- Energy
With energy contracts, you’ll usually sign up to them over the phone or online. In both cases, you will have your 14 day cooling off period in which your former energy provider will contact your new one to process the switch. This usually happens in the last few days of the switch. Although the arrangements are being made in the background, you can still cancel your contract until the day you go live. - Broadband
Similarly to energy, you’ll sign up to broadband over the phone or online. During your 14 day cooling off period, you’ll usually receive your router and a technician will have come round to install it for you. You’ll still not have access to the internet and you’ll still be able to cancel the contract right up until the last day of the two weeks. If you do cancel, you will need to send the router back.
What If I Have a Fixed Contract?
If you have a fixed contract with either your energy or your broadband, you might need to pay a penalty exit fee to leave the contract early. This exit fee is not applicable during the cooling off period so you can cancel the contract without worry after signing up if you decide not to continue the next day. This adds a lot of security for customers who are still comparing different providers and might change their minds.
What Isn’t Included in the Cooling Off Period?
There are a few products that aren’t included in the cooling off period. For example, if you have bought something at a physical shop, you’ll often have different rules when it comes to changing your mind. Here’s a list of the products and services that don’t have cooling off periods:
- Bespoke items
- Tailored goods
- Non-returnable items due to health or hygiene factors
- Leisure services like hotel reservations, car rentals, or concert passes
- Travel services for passengers including buses, trains, or flights
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!
Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
How Do I Cancel During the Cooling Off Period?
If you want to cancel your contract during your cooling off period, you should make a note of the date that you signed up so you don’t fall into the trap of forgetting to cancel. If you want to cancel, you will need to make sure you follow the cancellation conditions that are in contract and make sure you confirm your cancellation in writing. If you cancel during the cooling off period, you won’t receive a bill.
Can I call to cancel during my cooling off period? With most energy and broadband providers, a phone call is sufficient for cancelling your deal. All you need to do to cancel is call the provider and tell them that you would like to cancel the contract and they will do it for you. You don’t need to provide a reason for your cancellation.
What If the Seller Doesn’t Inform Me of the Cooling Off Period?
If the seller doesn’t inform you of the cooling off period, the right for you to cancel is automatically extended to 12 months from when you purchased the product or service. If they do inform you during that 12 month period, then you have a cooling off period from the date they let you know. A company not telling you about the cooling off period is rare and they can let you know either over the phone, in an email or in the contract, so double check to make sure.
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!
Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!
Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
Can I Skip the Cooling Off Period?
Especially if you’re with a company you don’t like or wanting to get started with your internet provider as quickly as possible, it can be frustrating to have to wait 14 days before you get up and running. Since two weeks is a long time, it can be tempting to want to waive the cooling off period so you can start right away.
Do I Have the Right to Waiver My Cooling Off Period?
According to the Consumer Rights Act 2022, any waiver for the cooling off period is invalid and can’t be enforced legally. The cooling off period is a legal consumer right and cannot be skipped. What’s more, you aren’t able to sign anything that may seem to ‘override’ your right to a cooling off period so if a company offers you such a waiver, it’s illegal.
Is Waiving the Cooling Off Period Necessary?
When it comes to energy or broadband, you will usually get up and running before the cooling off period comes to an end. Generally speaking, when it comes to broadband, you’ll go live and be able to use your broadband within 5 to 7 working days of signing the contract. During this time, you can still cancel the contract without penalty until the 14 days are up.
Find out more about our offers from energy, broadband and waste collection providers!
