Beat the Price Increases and Save Money on Electricity in 2025
Don't let rising electricity costs catch you out. Call Selectra today for expert advice on switching providers and finding the cheapest deal on electricity. Prices shown include recently announced price increases and cashback offers.
Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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To compare electricity prices effectively, you need to understand three core components: the unit price, the standing charges, and any additional taxes or levies. It's also vital to take into consideration any introductory discounts or cashback offers.
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The quickest way to cut through the complexity of tariffs is to speak directly to an energy expert. Call Selectra today on 📞(01) 913 1771 for a guided comparison.
⚡ Comparing Electricity Prices: The Essentials
Selectra brings you the essential 3-step methodology for comparing and switching electricity prices:
Step 1 (Data): Find your MPRN and annual kWh consumption on your bill.
Step 2 (Maths): Calculate the Estimated Annual Bill (EAB) for the new tariff.
Step 3 (Terms): Review the contract length, exit fees, and cashback conditions.
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If you are looking to switch electricty providers, we are here to help you compare the market, answer your questions and make the switch with just one free phone call!
The first step is always to gather the necessary figures from your bill.
What Information Do I Need to Compare and Switch?
To make the process of comparing and switching as quick and seamless as possible, ensure you have the following information to hand:
Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN): This is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your connection point to the electricity network. It is always displayed prominently on your electricity bill.
Your Latest Consumption Figures: Knowing your annual kWh usage is key to getting an accurate quote, especially for comparing discounted tariffs.
Your Payment Preference: Most providers offer greater discounts to customers who agree to pay by Direct Debit and/or opt for e-billing (paperless billing).
Details of Your Current Contract: Check your current contract's end date to determine if an exit fee will apply if you switch early.
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Find Your Electricity Tariff Type
When comparing electricity prices, it's important to know the type of tariff you have for your home, as different tariff types might have more than one unit rate:
This information is contained on your electricity bill and is normally on the second page where your supplier provides a breakdown of your electricity consumption.
24 Hour Meter: If you are on a standard 24-hour tariff, you will have just one unit rate on your bill.
Nightsaver or Night Storage: If you are on a nightsaver tariff, you will need to divide between the day and the night unit rates. If you have a night storage rate, you will have a normal day rate (like the 24-hour rate) and a lower night rate.
Smart Meter Tariffs: Smart meters tariffs will have three rates (T1, T2, and T3) usually with the following time frames:
Day rate (8 am to 5 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm)
Night rate (11 pm to 8 am)
Peak rate (5 pm to 7 pm)
Urban or Rural Tariffs?
Depending on where you live in Ireland, you will have either an urban or rural tariff. Your unit rates will be the same, but the standing charges for rural tariffs are higher than urban. On your electricity bill, the letters DG1’ indicate an urban rate designation, whereas ‘DG2’ are rural rates.
Calculate Your Annual Electricity Usage
Once you know what type of tariff you are on, to compare electricity prices, you will then need to calculate your electricity usage.
This figure is the basis for any accurate quote and will help you see precisely how much you will save with a new supplier.
You can find your electricity usage in the following ways:
Check Your Latest Bill: Your electricity consumption will always be on your latest bill.
Check Your Smart Meter: If you have a smart meter, depending on the model, you should be able to see your monthly (or even yearly) consumption.
If you’ve just moved into your property, or you’re on a prepayment meter, you might not know what your annual consumption is.
Here are the current average consumption figures for Ireland:
⚡ Average Usage in Ireland
Meter Type
Times
Average kWh per year
Standard
24 Hour
4,200 kWh
Nightsaver
Day and Night
2,520 kWh : 1,680 kWh
Smart Meter
Day, Night ,Peak
2,520 kWh : 1,260 kWh : 420 kWh
Can I Change My Mind After Switching?
In Ireland, you can cancel a change of electricity or gas provider at any stage within the first fourteen days of requesting the switch. This is known as the cooling-off period and comes without paying an exit fee. Simply contact the supplier you were switching to about your decision.
Step 2: Calculate Your Estimated Annual Bill (EAB)
The EAB Formula: The Key to Accurate Comparison
The Estimated Annual Bill (EAB) is the gold standard for comparing tariffs. It is the only way to accurately compare the total cost of two different plans.
Use this formula as your reference point:
EAB = Unit Rate incl. VAT times kWh Usage + Standing Charge incl. VAT + Taxes/Levies
How Do I Factor in Standing Charges?
Along with charging for the electricity usage, energy companies also charge for having the electricity connected to the grid, which is called the standing charge.
In Ireland, this is usually set as a yearly lump sum that can range from €200 to €300. The standing charge is also part of the fixed costs, along with the PSO levy.
Standing Charge Example Say, for example, you’re an urban electricity customer and your energy company is offering you a standing charge of €217.08 (not including VAT).
To work out how much you’ll pay in fixed costs every month, you’ll need to first add the 9% VAT rate and then divide it by twelve:
This means €19.72 is how much you’ll pay each month on top of your consumption.
EAB Calculation Walkthrough
Your estimated annual bill needs to be worked out by combining everything from above so you get an idea of how much your electricity will cost you throughout a year.
Working out your Estimated Annual Bill To work out your estimated annual bill, you’ll need to have your previous annual consumption ready.
Say for example you used 3,900 kWh throughout the year, and you are using a 24hr urban standard meter, and you are looking to switch electricity providers.
You find an electricity provider willing to offer you the following (excluding VAT):
Unit Rates: 34.00c/kWh Standing Charge: €220 a year
Firstly, we need to first add the 9% VAT onto the rates so we can get a more accurate picture:
Unit Rates: 34.00c/kWh + 9% = 37.06c/kWh Standing Charge: €220 a year + 9% = €239.80
Next, you will need to work out how much you would pay for your electricity with these rates:
Consumption Cost: 37.06c/kWh x 3,900kWh = €1445.34 a year.
You’ll then need to add the fixed costs to your consumption costs to get your EAB:
So over the course of a year, you’ll be paying around €1,685.14 for your electricity. This means that you’ll be paying around €140.43 a month!
Step 3: Review Offers, Terms, and Hidden Costs
Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Tariffs
When you compare electricity prices, providers will typically offer two main types of contracts: fixed or variable rate tariffs.
The choice you make impacts your potential savings and exposure to market risk.
Fixed Rate Tariffs: The unit rate you pay per kWh and the standing charge are guaranteed to remain the same for the duration of your contract (usually 12 months).
Pros: Protection from sudden price increases and certainty in budgeting.
Cons: You won't benefit if market prices fall, and you may face an exit fee if you leave the contract early.
Variable Rate Tariffs: The unit rate and standing charge can go up or down at any time, in line with changes in the wholesale energy market.
Pros: You benefit immediately if market prices drop. Offers the most flexibility to switch.
Cons: Your bills can increase significantly if the market is volatile.
How Do I Compare Dual Fuel Offers?
If your home uses both electricity and natural gas, one of the most effective ways to lower your overall energy expenditure is by securing a dual fuel package—switching both services to the same provider.
Suppliers often offer significantly greater discounts when you bundle both services.
Comparing a dual fuel package requires looking at all the individual components of your energy usage, not just the discounted price:
Total Combined EAB: When comparing dual fuel, you must look at the single, combined EAB provided by the supplier. This figure should represent your estimated yearly cost for both electricity and gas.
The Gas Component: Ensure you know your annual gas consumption in kWh. A dual fuel discount might hide a relatively expensive gas unit rate, which could cost you more if you are a high gas user.
The Discount Structure: Dual fuel offers usually feature a primary discount plus an additional percentage discount for taking the gas service. Always check that the added complexity of the discount still results in a cheaper unit rate than taking the cheapest electricity-only and gas-only deals separately.
Contract Terms: Be aware that a dual fuel contract ties you to the same provider for both utilities. If you later find a much better deal for just your gas, you may incur an exit fee for the electricity portion (and vice-versa) if you break the joint contract.
Remember to Check Unit Prices
A large dual fuel discount percentage can be deceiving. Always use your specific annual consumption figures to calculate the true cost. A small discount on a low-cost unit rate is often cheaper than a large discount on a high-cost unit rate.
How Do I Compare Cashback Offers?
Many Irish electricity providers offer a one-time credit to your account when you sign up for a new plan, referred to as a cashback offer or welcome bonus.
Cashback offers can look very attractive when comparing electricity prices, but they can often hide expensive unit prices. Depending on your individual consumption, a plan with a great cashback deal can sometimes lead to a more expensive annual bill in the long run.
Focus on the Total Cost: Compare the total EAB *after* the cashback has been applied for the first year, but remember to recalculate your EAB for Year 2, when the cashback is no longer available.
Check Contract Length: Some cashback offers may be tied to longer contracts (e.g., 18 or 24 months).
Review the Fine Print: Pay attention to the fine print of the cashback offer for any extra conditions, such as requirements to pay by direct debit.
Step 4: How to Switch Electricity Providers
Once you have used the EAB formula to accurately compare electricity prices and found a suitable plan that meets your needs, the switching process itself is straightforward and quick.
In Ireland, the process typically takes around 10 to 14 working days from application to completion.
Switching Online vs. Switching with an Expert
You have two main methods for initiating a switch, both of which only require the information gathered in Step 1 (MPRN and usage):
Switching Directly Online: You can visit the website of the new provider and follow their sign-up process. This requires you to manually input your details and apply the correct tariff code.
Switching with a Selectra Expert (Recommended): By calling our team, you can instantly compare all available plans with a human expert who handles the entire application process for you. This avoids manual errors and ensures you get the exact discounted rate quoted.
Ready to Switch? Call Selectra Now!
Don't wait! Once you've compared the prices, complete your switch today in minutes. Call us on 📞(01) 913 1771 and our experts will finalize your application with your new supplier.
The Switching Timeline
Your new supplier manages the switch end-to-end, communicating with your old supplier and the network operator. Here is what happens after you submit your application:
Day 1-3 (Application & Confirmation): You submit your switch request. You should receive a welcome pack and contract details from your new supplier.
Day 1-14 (Cooling-Off Period): The mandatory 14-day cooling-off period begins. You can cancel the switch at any time during this period without penalty.
Day 14+ (Final Meter Reading & Switch): The switch is officially completed. A final meter reading is taken and sent to your old supplier for your final bill. Your new supplier's rates are now in effect.
Are There Other Resources for Comparing Electricity Prices?
When facing comparison tools from competitors, the best approach is to be an educated consumer.
We strongly recommend cross-checking your own EAB calculations against trusted resources to ensure you get the best deal:
CRU-Approved Price Comparison Tool: The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is the independent regulator of the energy market. They provide an official, independent comparison tool that consumers can use to verify offers from all regulated suppliers.
Individual Supplier Websites: All suppliers display their current offers and tariffs on their websites, along with estimated annual bills for each tariff.
Selectra.ie Experts: If you are still having issues comparing electricity providers, by calling us here at Selectra.ie, our energy experts can help you compare the market, review complex dual fuel or smart meter tariffs, and find the best deal for you.
Comparing Electricity Prices FAQ's
How Often Should I Compare Electricity Prices?
It's recommended to compare electricity prices every 12 months to ensure that you are continually getting the best value on your electricity tariff.
By changing every 12 months, you can take advantage of the latest discount and cash back offers which are primarily aimed at new customers. After your initial contract, your provider will typically switch you to a more expensive standard rate.
Are There any Fees When Switching Electricity Providers?
There are no fees for changing electricity provider in Ireland.
The only fees that could apply when switching electricity supplier are an exit fee if you are still in contract with your current provider (usually applies if you switch before 12 months), or any outstanding debt you owe.
Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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