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 compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the lowest 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 Plans
- Offer: 36% discount
- Estimated Annual Bill: €1,245.47
- Unit Rates: Day 26.96c, Peak 30.27c, Night 14.82c
- Standing Charge: €264.75
Electric Ireland Smart Meter Plans
- Offer: 24% discount
- Estimated Annual Bill: €1,256.97
- Unit Rates: Day 28.14c, Peak 30.02c, Night 14.78c
- Standing Charge Urban: €250.76
Bord Gais Smart Meter Plans
- Offer: 32% discount
- Estimated Annual Bill: €1,313.50
- Unit Rates: Day 30.22c, Peak 36.79c, Night 22.31c
- Standing Charge Urban: €244.77
Cheapest Smart Meter Tariffs Comparison
Based on 4,200 kWh, urban smart meter. Updated 10 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 | €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:
- Day: 8am to 11pm
- Peak: 5pm to 7pm
- Night: 11pm to 8am
| Plan Type | Structure | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Time-of-Use | Night (cheap) 11pm-8am, Peak (expensive) 5pm-7pm, Day (mid-price) 8am-11pm excluding Peak | Night usage and workers |
| EV (Night Boost) | Standard Time-of-Use + EV rate (very low) 2am-4/5/6am | Charging electric cars and batteries |
| Weekend Smart Tariff | Standard Time-of-Use with free electricity Saturday/Sunday | Families with high mid-week consumption |
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the lowest 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 compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the lowest rate for your home — completely free.
How Do I Get the Most Savings From My Smart Meter Plan?
| Lifestyle | Consumption Pattern | Ideal Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 9-to-5 Commuter/Empty Nester | Low daytime, higher evenings, consistent night demand | Standard Time-of-Use or EV (Night Boost) |
| Work-from-Home | Higher daytime, peaks morning/evening | Standard Time-of-Use requiring active effort, or 24-hour plan for insights |
| Families with Busy Schedules | High overall usage, significant evening/weekend consumption | Weekend Smart Tariff with free/discounted Saturday/Sunday rates |
| EV Owners | High night-time charging usage | EV-specific plans 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