Beat the Price Increases and Save Money on Electricity in 2026
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As we move further into 2026, many Irish households are asking the same question: will our electricity bills finally return to pre-crisis levels? After a rollercoaster few years in the energy market, the outlook for 2026 is a mixed bag of stabilising wholesale costs and rising regulatory charges.
At Selectra, we’ve analysed the latest data from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), EirGrid, and the top Irish suppliers to bring you this comprehensive forecast for the year ahead.
Here is everything you need to know about electricity prices in Ireland for 2026.
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Entering the first quarter of 2026, Ireland remains one of the most expensive countries in Europe for domestic electricity. While wholesale gas prices have stabilised significantly since the 2022-2024 crisis, retail prices have been slow to follow suit.
| Metric | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| National Average Unit Rate | 36.34c per kWh |
| Average Annual Bill (Standard 24hr) | €1,817.12 |
| Cheapest Unit Rate | 28.80c (Community Power) |
| Cheapest Annual Bill | €1,299.52 (Yuno Energy) |
Note: Estimates are based on a standard, 24-hour urban meter with average annual consumption of 4,200 kWh.
Despite wholesale energy costs levelling off, several "hidden" factors are pushing bills upward.
The CRU has mandated a massive €18.9 billion overhaul of the national grid to handle offshore wind expansion and rising demand from data centres.
While essential for preventing blackouts and reaching climate goals, these costs are passed through as "Network Charges." Residential customers can expect these fixed costs to add between €29 and €101 per year to their bills, regardless of how much energy they save.
The government’s plan to reach a carbon tax of €100 per tonne by 2030 continues. On May 1, 2026, the tax on gas and solid fuels increases to €71 per tonne. While this doesn't hit electricity-only users, Dual Fuel customers will see an estimated €20–€30 increase on their annual gas portion.
In a significant move for the cost of living, Budget 2026 confirmed that the 9% reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas will remain in place until December 31, 2030. This provides much-needed long-term stability for Irish households.
By June 1, 2026, the "Big Five" suppliers (Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy, SSE Airtricity, Energia, and PrePayPower/Yuno) must offer Dynamic Price Plans. These tariffs track the EirGrid wholesale spot market, with rates changing every 30 minutes.
| Feature | Standard Smart Plan | Dynamic Price Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Price Logic | Fixed day/night/peak rates. | Changes every 30 minutes. |
| Savings Potential | Moderate (approx. 10–15%). | High (up to 40% if automated). |
| Risk Level | Low; prices are predictable. | Higher; open to wholesale spikes. |
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy has been reduced for the 2025/26 period. As of February 2026, it sits at €1.46 per month (approx. €1.59 inc. VAT). This helps slightly offset the rise in network charges.
The answer is yes and no.
You will likely see the fixed portion of your bill (standing charges) increase due to grid investments.
However, the unit rate you pay is expected to remain stable or even decrease slightly as the Celtic Interconnector comes online, providing direct access to cheaper French nuclear and solar energy.
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