Compare Ireland's Cheapest Electricity Providers with Selectra Today!
Call our Selectra agents today for expert and trusted advice on switching electricity providers and make sure that you are getting the cheapest deal on electricity prices. Figures quoted do not include cashback offers and are available for direct debit payment.
For help and expert advice when switching electricity provider, you can call Selectra for free on 📞 01 913 1771 and one of our agents will help you switch in minutes. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) officially encourages energy customers to switch electricity and gas providers every year, with customers who regularly switch being shown to make significant savings of up to €830 on their home electricity bills.
⚡ Switching Energy Provider with Selectra: The Essentials
Selectra brings you everything you need to know about switching energy provider:
Switching energy provider with Selectra can be done with one free phone call.
Have readied your personal details and a recent energy bill to make switching faster.
One of our expert agents will help you compare rates from different providers to find the deal you want.
In less than 15 mins, you will be all set up with your new provider, and you'll be ready to start making savings!
What Information Do I Need To Switch Electricity Provider?
You will generally need to provide the following information to switch electricity in Ireland:
Personal details.
Contact information, like your email address for online plans.
Banking information for Direct Debit plans.
Your MPRN and/or GPRN to locate your meters.
Your Eircode or full address.
What are MPRN and GPRN numbers?MPRN stands for meter point reference number and tells ESB Networks Ireland the exact location of your electricity connection. GPRN stands for 'gas point reference number' and lets Gas Networks identify the point at which you are connected to the gas grid. You can find both numbers on any previous bill for a property, or check out our article on MPRN numbers and GPRN numbers for more options.
How Do I Compare Electricity Providers?
As you can see, all energy suppliers in Ireland list their prices under an EAB (Estimated Annual Bill).
The EAB is a useful tool to easily compare electricity prices and natural gas tariffs and see at a glance which could be the most economical. The EAB is also inclusive of the PSO Levy, carbon tax and VAT.
Bear in mind that just because a provider is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean that they are the right provider for you. You’ll also want to consider the following points:
Customer service reviews-
Citizens who care for the environment may want to know whether the electricity is from a renewable source or not.
Contract length.
Whether the tariff is fixed or variable. A variable tariff means that your gas or electricity price can change at any given time, whereas a fixed tariff will ensure you pay the same price for the length of the contract.
Whether you would prefer a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) contract or a regular credit contract.
The above factors are also how these providers try to differentiate themselves from the competition while comparing electricity prices.
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Does Switching Energy Provider Get You Cheaper Electricity?
Most electricity and gas contracts in Ireland have a 12-month duration. Once this period is over, customers are often placed on the supplier's standard rates.
Standard energy tariffs are often the most expensive prices a company will have.
Switching electricity and gas providers every 12 months will ensure you are consistently charged a discounted unit rate for your gas and electricity and not the more expensive standard rate.
In addition to saving money on your electricity bills, regularly switching provider can also help you:
Avail of cashback offers to new customers.
Choose a better reviewed supplier.
Find a supplier who uses more renewable energy.
Find a supplier who offers a wider range of price plans.
Who Is the Cheapest Electricity Provider in Ireland?
There is no simple answer to this question, as there are various factors that can affect the price of energy for your home. Factors that affect your electricity pricing are:
Your Meter Type Electricity prices vary between a standard 24-hour meter, pay-as-you-go, nightsaver, or smart meters.
Your Geographical Location On top of the type of meter, electricity prices are further split into two categories, urban and rural. Gas prices are often the same regardless of where you live.
Your Gas and Electricity Provider There are over 12 energy suppliers in Ireland you can choose from. Taking the time to compare their prices and customer reviews will save you a lot of headaches in the long term.
Your Energy Tariff Most providers will offer a variety of options to suit people's different energy needs. Make sure you are on the right plan for your home energy usage.
To give you an idea of the price differences you can find, we've placed the current best offers in Ireland in the table below.
⚡ Cheapest Electricity Offer per Supplier
Supplier
Best Offer
Estimated Annual Bill
26% on Standard Electricity
€1,231.11
Fixed Discount
€1,242.72
30% on Standard Electricity
€1,242.72
33% on Standard Electricity
€1,257.40
37% off Electricity
€1,270.59
Fixed Rate Offer
€1,271.62
Average Annual Electricity Bill in Ireland, €1,394.70
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Calculations based on average consumption figures for an urban home with a standard meter. All discounts and cashback have been applied. Last updated: November 2024
Average Electricity and Gas Bill
The average electricity bill in Ireland is €1,374.39 for a 24hr urban standard meter, while the average gas bill is €1,257.75 on a standard meter.
Are There Different Payment Methods When Switching Supplier?
When you switch electricity provider, you can choose from a variety of different payment methods that suit you best.
Often, suppliers offer discounts to customers who opt to sign up to direct debit payments and or e-billing when switching provider.
Direct Debit
Direct debit is the most common payment type for suppliers.
When you receive your bill, a date will be included for when you can expect payment to be deducted from your bank account. You are usually given notice of two weeks before payment is expected.
Direct debit is the most convenient means of payment and on top of that, many suppliers offer their best discounts to customers who choose to pay this way You must provide your supplier with your bank sort code and account number, or your IBAN.
Cash or Cheque
Some suppliers will allow you to pay by cash or cheque at your local bank or post office.
Despite this, these tariffs are usually more expensive and don't come with the same incentives and discounts as choosing to pay by direct debit.
Pre-payment
You can choose to switch to a PAYG tariff, which don't have bi-monthly bills.
You normally purchase your electricity credits online or in shops, as these tariffs operate on a credit system where you top up your meter as you need to.
However, these plans are usually more expensive than normal bill pay tariffs and don't offer the same discounts as direct debit deals.
Can I Still Receive Grants and Credits if I Switch Provider?
Yes, if you’re receiving the fuel allowance or another government grant, contact the department of social protection to let them know you’ve switched provider.
The government's once-off energy credit for 2024 will also be paid if you switch plans. Your old supplier may apply it to your last bill and any remaining credits will be paid directly into your bank account.
Can My Provider Stop Me from Switching Electricity Supplier?
An electricity supplier cannot prevent a switch in Ireland.
However, if your contract has not ended yet, they can charge you an exit fee. Most exit fees in Ireland run to the tune of €50, although it can be double that or more for dual fuel contracts and/or contracts with a duration of more than 12 months.
It is important to note that if you are in debt with your current energy provider, you will still need to pay them for any amounts owed after the change of electricity or gas provider.
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.
How Long Does It Take To Switch Electricity or Gas Providers?
It can take up to 28 days to finalise a change of electricity or gas provider, but keep in mind that your new provider will take care of all the necessary paperwork for you.
The only thing you will need to do is make sure to cancel any Direct Debits you have set up with your previous electricity and/or gas supplier after you receive your final bill.
How Will I Know If My Electricity Switch Has Been Completed?
Upon completion of your gas or electricity switch, you will receive a welcome pack with information about your new tariff from your new energy supplier.
You should also receive a final bill from your previous supplier (make sure to cancel any Direct Debits to your old supplier as soon as you have paid this).
Frequently Asked Questions about Switching Electricity Provider
Can I Switch Electricity Provider if I am Renting?
Yes. As long as the bills are in yor name, you are free to switch and find a cheaper deal. If the bills are not in your name and instead your landord's, you will need to ask them to switch on your behalf as they are the account owner.
Is It Cheaper to Switch to a Dual Fuel Deal or Separate Gas and Electricity Suppliers?
Choosing seperate gas and electricity suppliers can often work out cheaper and it is worth comparing them seperately to see if you can find a good deal. Despite this, the convenience of having one supplier means less hassle should issues arise with both suppliers.
Can I Change My Energy Supplier if I Owe Money?
If you’re in debt with your current supplier you may not be able to switch but it largely depends on how much you owe. If you owe more than €225, a debt flag will be placed on your account and your new supplier may reject the switch. Therefore it is recommened to settle your debts before swiching provider.
Could I Be Cut off During the Switching Process?
No. Your energy supply won’t be affected in any way during the switchover process. Thousands of energy customers are switchd by suppliers every year so there are procedures in place to make sure everything happens seemlessly.
What Is a Standard Contract Length in Ireland?
The standard contract length in Ireland is 12 months.
You can find contracts with a 24-month duration. In this case, you may need to choose between a discount being applied in the first year and paying a higher amount during the second year.
Should I Switch Electricity to a Fixed or Variable Tariff?
Fixed tariffs are normally initially more expensive than variable tariffs, but can provide peace of mind and may work out cheaper in the end due to rate increases during the year. In the current energy market, a fixed tariff could be very appealing, as it would allow you to avoid further expected price increases.
Should I Switch Electricity To Pay as You Go (PAYG)?
There are just four opt-in PAYG providers in Ireland.
PrepayPower (both electricity and gas)
Pinergy (electricity only)
Flogas (gas only)
Electric Ireland (both electricity and gas)
Keep in mind that Pay As You Go electricity and gas can be a much more expensive option, and carefully consider the pros and cons of PAYG before you switch electricity or gas to this payment method.
Learn More About Energy SavingOur energy guide articles contain lots of useful information on saving energy, lowering costs and having a more positive impact on the environment.
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See how European gas prices compare to Ireland and why we are paying more to heat our homes.
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The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.
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