The “Spring Forward” Logistics
The primary goal aligns waking hours with natural sunlight. Smartphones, laptops, and smart meters update automatically.
Manual adjustments needed for:
- Microwave and oven clocks
- Car dashboards
- Carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors (recommended check)
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Impact on NightSaver and Smart Tariffs
| Time Period | Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|
| Winter (GMT) | 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM |
| Summer (IST) | 12:00 AM (midnight) to 9:00 AM |
Maximising Natural “Solar Gain”
- Delay artificial lighting use in evenings
- Keep curtains open to allow passive solar gain
- Reduce gas boiler load during early evening
- Consider home insulation if heat loss continues
The EU Debate and the Border
The EU Parliament voted to scrap seasonal clock changes in 2019, but the proposal remains stalled. Ireland's government is hesitant about creating a time discrepancy with Northern Ireland, dependent on UK policy alignment.
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.
Review Your Energy Plan for the Brighter Months
Spring is an ideal time for a “spring clean” of your utility bills. Many consumers on “Standard” rates are paying significantly more than discounted new customer plans.
| Supplier | Plan Type | Key Features | Selectra Score | Est. Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecopower | Standard, 24hr | 29% discount, 12-month contract, 100% green energy | C | €1,390 |
| Energia | Standard, 24hr | 36% discount, 12-month contract, 100% green energy | B | €1,430 |
| Bord Gáis Energy | Standard, 24hr | 32% discount, 12-month contract, variable rate | B | €1,451 |
| Electric Ireland | Standard, 24hr | 18% discount, €60 cashback, 12-month contract | C | €1,467 |
| Community Power | Standard, 24hr | 12-month contract, variable rate | C | €1,467 |
| Flogas | Standard, 24hr | 28% discount, 12-month contract, variable rate | D | €1,493 |
| Yuno Energy | Standard, 24hr | 12-month contract, €100 cashback, variable rate | C | €1,554 |
Estimates based on average consumption (4,200 kWh) for urban homes with fixed meters. All new customer discounts applied.
Frequently Asked Questions About the clocks going forward
The clocks go forward on Sunday, 29 March 2026, at 01:00 AM.
Yes. In winter (GMT), off-peak hours are 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. In summer (IST), they shift to 12:00 AM to 9:00 AM.