How Do I Switch Electricity Provider in Ireland?

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.

Switching electricity provider can save you up to €750 per year off your electricity bill. Switching can be done directly with the provier, either online or by phone. To switch all you need is your MPRN number, a recent meter reading, and your banking details. For help and expert advice when switching electricity provider, you can call Selectra for free on 📞 (01) 913 1771.

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How Do I Switch Electricity Provider?

Switching electricity provider can be done either online or by phone by following this simple process:

To make the switching process as easy and stress free as possible, follow Selectra's switching provider checklist and take the hassle out of switching electricity suppliers:

Understanding Electricity Contracts and Exit Fees

In Ireland, electricity contracts generally fall into two categories, and knowing the difference is vital for saving money.

Contract Types

1. Fixed-Term Contracts: These typically run for 12 months and include the deepest discounts, introductory offers, and cashback deals. The unit rate and standing charge are fixed for the contract duration.
2. Standard/Evergreen Tariffs: When a fixed-term contract ends, the provider will automatically roll your account onto their standard, variable tariff. These are often the most expensive rates and usually do not have a fixed end date or exit fees.

Avoiding the Exit Fee

Most Irish suppliers will charge an exit fee of €50 (per fuel) if you switch away before the agreed fixed-term contract has expired.

• Tip for Smart Switching: Always check the contract end date on your bill. Aim to switch after this date to ensure you benefit from the full discount period and avoid the €50 penalty.
• If you choose to switch while still in contract, you must factor the €50 exit fee into your savings calculation to ensure the new discount is still worthwhile.

What Information Do I Need When Switching Electricity Provider?

You will generally need to provide the following information to switch electricity provider in Ireland:

1. Personal details - This typically includes your full name (as it appears on your current bill or official ID), and in some cases, your date of birth.
2. Contact information - You'll need to provide your current phone number and email address. Email is especially important for online plans, as most communications like welcome packs, bills, and account updates will be sent electronically..
3. Banking information - If you opt for the common and often discounted direct debit payment method, you will need your IBAN and sort code. This allows your new supplier to set up automatic payments for your bills.
4. Your MPRN - This is the unique 11-digit number specific to your electricity meter. It identifies your exact connection point to the electricity network. You can find your MPRN on any recent electricity bill.
5. Your Eircode or full address - Your Eircode is highly recommended as it provides a precise and unique identifier for your property. Alternatively, your full postal address, including any house or apartment name/number, street, town, county, and potentially specific directions if your property is difficult to locate, will be required. This ensures the correct meter and account are associated with your new supply.

How Do I Compare Electricity Providers When Switching?

All electricity provider 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 other costs that make up your final bill including:

• PSO Levy
• Carbon tax
• VAT on electricity

⚡ Cheapest Electricity Offer per Supplier

Supplier	Best Offer	Estimated Annual Bill
	Variable Rate Discount	€1,281.23
	26% off Electricity	€1,282.06
	30% on Standard Electricity	€1,317.20
	29% on Standard Electricity	€1,398.03
	35% off Electricity	€1,406.31
	32% on Standard Electricity	€1,488.76
	No Discount	€1,474.51
	29% off Electricity	€1,559.14
	No Discount	€1,566.28
	No Discount	€1,912.10
	No Discount	€2,220.62
Call Selectra to Switch Energy Supplier Today!  (01) 913 1771 Schedule a Free Call with Selectra! Schedule a Free Call

*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, including recently announced price increases.
Last updated: October 2025

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:

1. Customer service reviews
2. Citizens who care for the environment may want to know whether the electricity is from a renewable source or not.
3. Contract length.
4. 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 ensures you pay the same price for the length of the contract.
5. 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.

Are There Different Payment Methods When Switching Electricity Provider?

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.

How Will I Know If My Electricity Provider 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 final bill.)

It can take up to 28 days to finalise a change of electricity supplier, but keep in mind that your new provider will take care of all the necessary paperwork for you.

How Long Does It Take to Switch Electricity Providers?

The complete process for switching electricity providers usually takes 10 to 28 calendar days from the moment you submit your application.

It's helpful to understand what happens during this period:

1. Application and Validation (Days 1–5): Your new supplier processes your application, validates your details (like your MPRN), and communicates the switch request to the network operator.
2. The Cooling-Off Period (Days 1–14): In Ireland, you are legally entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can cancel the switch without penalty by simply contacting the new supplier.
3. The Switch Day: The final transfer of your account only occurs after the cooling-off period has passed. Your new supplier will notify you of the "effective date" when your new contract officially begins.

It is crucial to know that your electricity supply will never be interrupted during the switchover. You will continue to receive power from the national grid regardless of which provider is managing your billing account.

What to Do With Your Final Bill and Direct Debits

A key step in any successful switch is dealing correctly with your outgoing supplier's final administration.

The Final Meter Reading

To ensure you are correctly billed, your new supplier will work with the network to obtain a final meter reading. This is sometimes estimated, but you may be asked to provide an accurate reading on the day of the switch.

This reading is used by your old supplier to generate your final bill.

Settling Your Final Account

Your old supplier will send you a final electricity bill. You must pay this bill to settle your account.

1. If you owe money: Pay the bill immediately to avoid any debt flags on your MPRN, which could complicate future switches.
2. If you are in credit: Your old supplier must refund you the balance. This is usually processed automatically after the final bill is paid.

Cancelling Your Direct Debit

Do not cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier until your final bill has been paid and your account has either zero balance or you have received a full refund of any credit owed.

Cancelling too early can complicate the final payment process and risk late payment fees.

Does Switching Electricty Provider Help Save Money?

Switching electricity provider every 12 months can help you save money.

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.

By switching provider each year, you will be consistently charged a discounted unit rate for your electricity and not the more expensive standard rate which are often the most expensive rates.

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.
• Reduce the cost of living.

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.