What Is the Best Smart Meter Plan in Ireland?
Selecting the optimal plan depends on multiple factors including plan type, unit pricing, standing charges, consumption patterns, EV ownership, and rate preference (variable vs. fixed).
Selection Criteria:
- Type of smart meter plan
- Price per unit
- Standing charges
- Individual consumption habits
- Electric vehicle ownership
- Variable or fixed rate preference
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra can help you secure a great rate for your home - completely free.
Who Has the Cheapest Smart Meter Plan?
Estimating cheapest providers is difficult because smart meter plans accommodate varying consumption patterns across households.
Energia Smart Meter
Electric Ireland Smart Meter
Bord Gáis Smart Meter
Cheapest Smart Meter Tariffs Comparison
Based on 4,200 kWh, urban smart meter. Updated 30 Apr 2026.
Are There Smart Meter Gas Plans?
Currently, only electricity smart meter plans exist. Gas plans remain standard-rate only. However, smart electricity can combine with standard gas through dual fuel arrangements.
Do Smart Meter Plans Have Standing Charges?
Yes. Smart meter plans include standing charges varying by supplier, typically ranging from €220 to €350 annually depending on urban/rural location.
| Supplier | Urban | Rural |
|---|---|---|
|
Bord Gais
|
€218.54 | €274.34 |
|
Energia
|
€236.61 | €300.90 |
|
Electric Ireland
|
€250.76 | €314.94 |
Yuno Energy
|
€235.77 | €296.40 |
Flogas
|
€237.20 | €289.32 |
SSE Airtricity
|
€240.98 | €302.49 |
Ecopower Supply
|
€302.37 | €334.19 |
Community Power
|
€238.71 | €278.50 |
Waterpower
|
€258.60 | €334.19 |
Prepay Power
|
€342.67 | €447.82 |
Pinergy
|
€283.47 | €283.47 |
What Different Types of Smart Meter Plans Are There?
Smart meter plans offer three unit rates for different times, termed Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs:
Smart Meter Rate Periods — 24-Hour Overview
Exact time periods may vary by provider. Check your plan details for confirmation.
Standard Time-of-Use
Night (cheap) 11pm–8am, Peak (expensive) 5pm–7pm, Day (mid-price) for remaining hours.
Best for: Night-time usage & commuters
EV Night Boost
Standard ToU rates plus an ultra-low EV rate (as low as 5c/kWh) between 2am–5am.
Best for: Electric vehicle owners
Weekend Smart Tariff
Standard ToU with free or discounted electricity on Saturdays and Sundays.
Best for: Families with high weekend usage
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra can help you secure a great rate for your home - completely free.
Are There Smart Meter Plans for EV Drivers?
Multiple providers offer smart meter plans with special night rates for EV charging, featuring very low rates specifically designed for home vehicle charging.
| Supplier | Plan Name | EV Rate (per kWh) | EV Rate Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pinergy
|
Lifestyle EV Drive Time | 5.45c | 2am-5am |
|
SSE Airtricity
|
Smart EV Charge | 8.57c | 2am-5am |
|
Bord Gais
|
Smart EV Electricity | 9.30c | 2am-5am |
|
Electric Ireland
|
Home Electric+ Night Boost | 10.51c | 2am-4am |
|
Energia
|
Smart Drive | 11.03c | 2am-6am |
Are Smart Meter Plans More Expensive Than Standard Meter Plans?
In theory, smart meter plans can be cheaper by rewarding off-peak consumption shifts. However, without effort to utilise off-peak hours, costs may increase. Smart meter plans on average run cheaper than standard plans, though this reflects average consumption patterns rather than actual savings potential.
| Provider | 24hr Plan | Smart Plan |
|---|---|---|
|
Electric Ireland
|
€1,337.43 | €1,221.92 |
|
Bord Gais
|
€1,326.80 | €1,313.50 |
|
Energia
|
€1,555.54 | €1,275.52 |
Smart Meter Plan: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Savings Potential: Cheaper off-peak rates enable bill reduction
- Detailed Usage Insight: Smart meter data identifies high-consumption appliances
- Environmental benefit through consumption awareness
Disadvantages
- Requires habit changes to realise savings
- Peak rates can be very expensive
- Consumption patterns must shift to off-peak times
Standard Meter Plan: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Single rate simplifies budgeting
- No peak rate cost risks
- Predictable pricing structure
Disadvantages
- Limited cost control mechanisms
- No cheaper off-peak alternative
- EV owners face expensive nighttime charging costs
How Do I Compare Smart Meter Plans?
Self-Assessment Questions:
- When does your household use most electricity?
- Which appliances consume significant energy?
- How many residents? When are they home?
- Washing machine and tumble dryer usage frequency?
- Home heating source? Immersion heater present?
- Electric vehicle charging needs?
- Can consumption habits change?
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra can help you secure a great rate for your home - completely free.
How Do I Get the Most Savings From My Smart Meter Plan?
9-to-5 Commuter / Empty Nester
Low daytime usage, higher evenings, consistent night demand.
Ideal plan: Standard Time-of-Use or EV Night Boost
Work-From-Home
Higher daytime usage, peaks in morning and evening.
Ideal plan: Standard ToU (requires effort) or 24hr plan
Families With Busy Schedules
High overall usage, significant evening and weekend consumption.
Ideal plan: Weekend Smart Tariff
EV Owners
High night-time charging usage for electric vehicles.
Ideal plan: EV-specific with ultra-low early morning rates
Money-Saving Tips
- Download ESB usage data identifying consumption patterns for targeted changes
- Run dishwashers and washing machines during night hours
- Charge electric vehicles overnight
- Minimise high-consumption appliances (ovens, showers, cookers) during peak hours
- Invest in energy-saving gadgets and smart thermostats
- Utilise home improvement grants reducing overall consumption