Who Is the Cheapest Pay As You Go Electricity Provider?
As of March 2026, the cheapest PAYG electricity provider is PrepayPower for €1,829.91 a year.
Is Pay As You Go Electricity More Expensive?
In general, pay as you go electricity is much more expensive than standard electricity price plans. The most expensive PAYG plan is €777 more expensive than the cheapest standard plan.
| Feature | PAYG Meter | Standard Credit Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Pre-pay before use | Post-pay (monthly/bi-monthly) |
| Average Cost | Higher (separate PAYG service charge) | Lower (competitive discounts) |
| Discounts | Limited to no offers | Sign-up, dual-fuel, online offers |
| Disconnection Risk | Risk if credit runs out | No immediate cut-off |
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Which Suppliers Offer Pay As You Go Electricity?
There are currently just three PAYG electricity suppliers in Ireland:
- Electric Ireland
- Pinergy
- PrepayPower
Of the three, only PrepayPower offer a PAYG gas plan.
Should I Switch to Pay As You Go Electricity?
Pros
- Reduce energy usage and budget more easily
- No meter readings needed
- No large bi-monthly bills
- Access to emergency credit
- More manageable debt repayment
Cons
- Higher standing charges and extra PAYG service charge
- Hard to switch back after debt
- Manual code entry for updates
- Moving between homes is complicated
- Not available if household members depend on electrically powered medical equipment
Alternatives to Pay As You Go Electricity
- Nightsaver Tariffs: Significantly cheaper night-time rates (typically 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.).
- Level Payment Plans: Equal monthly payments removing bill shock.
- Smart Meter Time of Use Tariffs: Three rates (peak, off-peak, day) allowing savings by avoiding peak-time usage.
How Do I Top Up My Pay As You Go Electricity Meter?
- Via SMS
- Your energy supplier's app
- Your provider's online portal
- At any Payzone point
The minimum top-up amount is €10, and the maximum is €100. To get a meter reading, press number nine on the keypad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pay As You Go Electricity
Yes, pay as you go electricity is generally much more expensive. The most expensive PAYG plan costs €777 more per year than the cheapest standard plan. PAYG plans also have higher standing charges and a separate PAYG service charge with limited discount opportunities.
There are currently three PAYG electricity suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Pinergy, and PrepayPower. Of these, only PrepayPower also offers a PAYG gas plan.
You can top up via SMS, your energy supplier's app, your provider's online portal, or at any Payzone point. The minimum top-up is €10 and the maximum is €100. Press number nine on the keypad to get a meter reading.
Nightsaver tariffs offer cheaper night-time rates, level payment plans provide equal monthly payments, and smart meter time-of-use tariffs offer three rates (peak, off-peak, day) allowing savings by avoiding peak times.
As of March 2026, PrepayPower is the cheapest PAYG electricity provider at €1,829.91 per year. However, this is still significantly more expensive than the cheapest standard electricity plans available on the market.