Bord Gáis Energy is one of Ireland's largest gas and electricity suppliers. Our thorough provider review examines everything related to Bord Gáis unit rates, login, contact, boiler service, customer reviews, and much more. Read on to find all the help you need with your account or determine whether the provider is the best option for your home energy needs.
Bord Gáis price cuts from 9th November 2023 Bord Gáis has announced it will be cutting its prices by up to 15.5% in response to the easing energy crisis. The cuts will be effective from 9th November 2023.
What Are the Bord Gáis Rates and Tariffs?
Below, we break down the standard Bord Gáis unit rates. We also compare the supplier’s best tariffs in the following categories:
Note that all rates displayed are inclusive of VAT, including the most recent Bord Gáis price increase, and based on average yearly consumption values (4,200 kWh electricity and 11,000 kWh gas) for an urban home with a 24-hour meter.
What Are the Bord Gáis Electricity and Gas Prices?
Bord Gáis has great range of different offers for customers to choose from. At moment, Bord Gáis is offering their standard tariffs along with special green tariffs all with a 12 month discount for either 10% or 8%, depending on whether you get a dual fuel deal or not. Check out Electric Ireland’s current prices below.
🔥 Gas Tariffs
Gas Tariff
Last updated: 05/09/2023
EAB calculated based on average gas usage (11,000 kWh) with VAT and Carbon Tax included.
🛠️ Electricity Only Tariffs
Urban Meter
Urban 24hr Urban Nightsaver Urban Night Storage
Rural Meter
Rural 24hr Rural Nightsaver Rural Night Storage
Last updated: 05/09/2023
EAB calculated based on average electricity usage (4,200 kWh) with VAT and PSO Levy included.
Urban Meter
Urban 24hr Urban Nightsaver Urban Night Storage
Rural Meter
Rural 24hr Rural Nightsaver Rural Night Storage
Last updated: 05/09/2023
EAB calculated based on average electricity usage (4,200 kWh) with VAT and PSO Levy included.
✌️ Dual Fuel Tariffs
Urban Meter
Urban 24hr Urban Nightsaver Urban Night Storage
Rural Meter
Rural 24hr Rural Nightsaver Rural Night Storage
Last updated: 12/09/2023
EAB calculated based on average electricity usage (4,200 kWh) + average gas usage (11,000 kWh) with VAT, PSO Levy included and Carbon Tax included.
Urban Meter
Urban 24hr Urban Nightsaver Urban Night Storage
Rural Meter
Rural 24hr Rural Nightsaver Rural Night Storage
Last updated: 12/09/2023
EAB calculated based on average electricity usage (4,200 kWh) + average gas usage (11,000 kWh) with VAT, PSO Levy included and Carbon Tax included.
The provider does offer discounted electricity rates. The best Bord Gáis electricity rates offers includes a 10% discount that is applied to the unit rate. For the average urban home with a 24-hour meter, this would cost an estimated €2,046 annually. That’s about €370 cheaper per year than the standard offer. To receive the full discount, customers must pay via direct debit and sign up for paperless billing.
Below, you can see how the cheapest Bord Gáis electricity rates compare to the most competitive plans from other electric companies in Ireland.
| Supplier | Best Offer | Estimated Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Flogas | No Discount | €1,758.51 |
| Energia | 10% on all tarriffs | €1,792.82 |
| SSE Airtricity | 15% on Electricity | €1,861.96 |
| Yuno Energy | Fixed Discount | €1,862.45 |
| Waterpower | No Discount | €1,865.44 |
| Community Power | No Discount | €1,937.87 |
| Bord Gáis | 15% on all tarriffs | €2,001.47 |
| Electric Ireland | 5.5% or 8.5% on DF | €2,020.43 |
| Ecopower | No Discount | €2,116.77 |
| Pinergy | No Discount | €2,184.85 |
| PrepayPower | No Discount | €2,245.24 |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Calculations based on average consumption figures for an urban home with a 24-hour standard meter unless specified. All discounts and cashback have been applied. This also includes the PSO Levy at €0.00.
Last updated: 03/10/2023.
If energy savings are what you are after and not the lowest price, you should consider the infamous Bord Gáis hive active heating plan. By signing up on the hive electricity tariff, you receive this great tool to help save on your heating and hot water system. Those on a different work schedule may want to compare Bord Gáis night rates with some of the more competitive nightsaver rates in Ireland in the table below.
| Supplier | Best Offer | Estimated Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Flogas | No Discount | €1,541.52 |
| SSE Airtricity | 20% Discount | €1,650.92 |
| Community Power | No Discount | €1,683.79 |
| Waterpower | No Discount | €1,701.77 |
| Energia | 10% Discount | €1,705.81 |
*Prices include VAT, standing charges, levies, and provider discounts. All tariffs are based on Urban standing charges.
Last updated: 03/10/2023.
What Are the Bord Gáis Gas Rates?
As with electricity, the company also offers discounts on gas. The best discount includes 10% off the standard gas unit rate. With a projected annual spend of €€1,754, this would save the average urban home around €175 per year compared to the standard gas prices.
What Are the Bord Gáis Dual Fuel Rates?
If you have both a gas and an electricity supply, the best deal with the provider is its dual fuel offer. The full discount includes 10% off the standard electricity unit rate and 10% off the standard gas unit rate. Customers must pay via direct debit and sign up for online billing to take advantage of the full discount.
| Supplier | Best offer | Price per year |
|---|---|---|
| Energia | 10% Electricity discount
10% Gas discount |
€3,212.55 |
| Flogas | No Discount |
€3,224.66 |
| SSE Airtricity | 20% Electricity discount
20% Gas discount |
€3,383.63 |
| Electric Ireland | 8.5% Electricity discount
8.5% Gas discount |
€3,738.38 |
| Bord Gáis | 15% Electricity discount
15% Gas discount |
€3,895.82 |
| Iberdrola | Has stopped trading | No longer available |
| Panda Power | Has stopped trading | No longer available |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only. All discounts and cashback have been applied to the price. Calculations based on average consumption figures for an urban home with a 24-hour standard meter.
Last updated: 03/10/2023
What Were the Bord Gáis Price Increases for 2022 Like?
Bord Gáis' latest increase came in October 2022 where Bord Gáis electricity customers saw a 34% rise in their bills and Bord Gáis gas customers saw a 39% increase. So far in 2023, there haven't been any other price hikes since then and in fact some energy providers are decreasing their rates with the improvements in the European gas market.
What Have the Past Bord Gáis Price Increases Been Like?
As of April 15, 2022, a historical price increase took effect that saw Bord Gáis customers receive a 39% increase in their gas prices and 27% in electricity. This is shortly after the government announced a €200 credit to fight the escalating energy prices in Ireland.
Let's not forget that in 2021 alone, there were three separate Bord Gáis price increases. One on 24 October 2021 of 11%, an 11.6% increase in August, and an 8% increase in April of 2021. The result of all four price hikes is a rise of more than €660 on the yearly average energy bill.
Who's To Blame for the Bord Gáis Price Increase?
Back in November 2021, Bord Gáis Energy Managing Director Dave Kirwan blamed surging wholesale energy costs for the price increase. “We do our very best to keep our prices as low as possible for our customers. Unfortunately, this price increase is necessary to offset the unprecedented rise in wholesale energy costs this year,” stated Sayers.
Regarding this upcoming price hike, Kirwin stated the following:
...the persistence of high demand on gas worldwide, reduced supplies, low storage volumes, geo-political issues and late winter conditions.
This, together with the expectation that costs will remain both high and volatile for some time, means we are forced to increase our prices.
Customers should take the time to compare prices between gas and electricity suppliers as there are large differences among the supplier's rates. You may also want to have a look at our tips on how to beat the high cost of living as well.
Bord Gáis Pay As You Go: How Does It Work?
The company offers Pay As You Go options for both electricity and gas. Their PAYG electricity offer is quite limited as you still have to physically go top up your card to put in your meter. This isn't as appealing, especially when you compare this to Electric Ireland's snazzy meter which can be topped up in several different ways, including online from the comfort of your sofa.
There are a multitude of items one needs to understand to use the Pay as you go option. We break down the information in the following sections below.
How do I sign-up for a PAYG plan?
In order to opt into the Bord Gáis PAYG schemes, you’ll need to get the relevant PAYG meters installed. Unless you’re in arrears or can prove financial hardship, you’ll need to pay for the meter and installation. Although their website covers absolutely everything but the kitchen sink, there is very little information on their PAYG meter and installation charges.
Is pay as you go gas more expensive? As a rule of thumb, pay as you go plans are the most expensive way to pay for your electricity and gas.
Have a look at the comparison table of Ireland's best electricity pay-as-you-go plans below and see how these prices compare to contract plans with discounts.
| Supplier | Best offer | Price per year |
|---|---|---|
| Pinergy | Standard | €2,184.85 |
| PrepayPower | Standard | €2,245.24 |
| Electric Ireland | Smarter Prepay Electricity | €2,251.84 |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Calculations based on average consumption figures for an urban home with a 24-hour standard meter. All discounts and cashback have been applied.
Last updated: 03/10/2023
How do I top up with Bord Gáis energy?
For Bord Gáis PAYG gas cards, you’ll need to put your card in the associated meter before topping it up. You can top up your gas card at your nearest Payzone or any An Post Office. Once your card is topped up, stick it into your meter (gold chip side always facing towards the display), press the red button, and wait for the “busy” display to change. You can then take your card out and your meter will have been topped up.
For both Bord Gáis electricity and gas, the minimum top-up amount is €10, the maximum is €100, and your card can hold a maximum balance of €300. Please make sure to hold onto your receipt in case you have any issues with topping up.
Can you top up your Bord Gais meter Online? As we mentioned earlier in this 'how to top up' section, unfortunately not. You can only top up your electricity and gas with the use of your top-up cards.
Where does your top-up credit go?
When you top up, it’s not quite as simple as your credit only going towards paying the exact amount you use. It’s allocated to:
- Standing charges.
- Your electricity or gas units.
- If you have an electricity PAYG meter, the PSO charge.
- Any money you already owed them from previous bills.
- Pay off any emergency credit you may have used.
What is a PSO charge?PSO stands for Public Service Obligation and is a levy charged to all electricity customers in Ireland to subsidise and support renewable and native energy generation.
How does the Bord Gáis emergency credit work?
On both electricity and gas prepaid meters, you have up to €5 of emergency credit should your money run out and you’re unable to top up in time. Try to avoid having to resort to the emergency credit option as it kicks you off the standard tariff until the amount is repaid. This can lead to accumulating debt which is probably exactly what you were trying to avoid when you chose a PAYG meter.
If your emergency credit runs out on your electricity meter and getting cut off is looming, you will not be immediately cut off in the following situations:
- After 5 pm in the summer or 4 pm for the rest of the year. Your supply won't be cut off until the following day at 9 am (or 10 am if it’s summertime).
- On Fridays after 5 pm in the summer or 4 pm for the rest of the year. Your supply won't be cut off until the following Monday at 9 am (or at 10 am during the summer).
- If it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day. Your supply won't be cut off until the following day (unless it’s also one of the holidays above).
Keep your meter topped up!Try to keep credit on your meters at all times in order to avoid debt building up from emergency credit and standing charges. In particular, if you’re going away, top up more than what you think will be needed, just in case. At least that way you can come home after spending all your money on beer, and maybe not have to buy credit for a while!
What can I do about lost or damaged Bord Gáis top-up cards?
If you lose one of your electricity cards, contact the Bord Gáis customer service team as soon as possible to replace it (you may be charged a nominal amount to replace it). Always keep your electricity cards separate to reduce the possibility of losing both of them. As the company has to post the card out and you can’t just run out and pick up a new card, you could get into real difficulties in the time between losing both cards and getting new ones.
Has Bord Gáis become too expensive? Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes! Sorry, we're closed right now! We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
Bord Gáis Reviews: Are They Any Good?
We examine the two main review websites of Trustpilot and Google to see what customers think of their services.
| Reviewer | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | ⭐⭐ | Complaints about high prices and rude customer service. |
| ⭐ | Reviews related to a bad customer service experience. |
How Are the Bord Gáis Reviews on Trustpilot?
On Trustpilot, Bord Gáis Energy is rated "Poor" with 1.6 out of five stars. Only 10% of customers who left a review on the site gave the provider an excellent rating, while 86% rated the supplier as either poor or bad.
By reading through the reviews, we found that customers reported having had issues with billing and customer services. Complaints brought up included the following:
- Receiving estimated bills and meter readings not being applied.
- High prices and using a higher conversion factor.
- Long wait times to get through only to not have issues resolved.
Here is a sample quote from a moderate review.
None of the energy regulators seem great in Ireland but these seem to be the better of the lot. Although in saying that I was on the phone line today for an hour long waiting and then the call suddenly dropped! Not impressed that they do not have a free phone number for customers - that should be mandatory for any energy providers! But in fairness when I have spoken to people in the company they have given me accurate information.
How Are the Bord Gáis Reviews on Google?
Reviews for Bord Gáis Energy are not any more positive on Google. The provider averages a rating of 1.4 out of five stars. The comments revolve around the same issues customers mention on Trustpilot: high prices and appalling customer service.
A truly appalling service. I did eventually get through by phone to a human being and only took three times so perhaps I was lucky. Even then I found it made no difference. I may have to get onto Energy Regulator.
In September 2020, the Irish Times reported that Bord Gáis customer service had the second-highest number of complaints, accounting for 22% of the complaints investigated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) for 2019.
Electric Ireland had the highest number of complaints with 39% and SSE Airtricity had the third-highest amount with 12%. Other electric companies in Ireland like Panda Power also have their share of issues when it comes to customer complaints and reviews. It's always worth comparing different suppliers to get a sense of which provider has the best customer service. Electricity and gas providers like Energia do manage to obtain positive customer reviews.
Has Bord Gáis become too expensive? Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes! Sorry, we're closed right now! We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
How Do I Pay My Bord Gáis Bill?
In keeping with their focus on ease of access to their services, there are a variety of ways to pay both their electricity and gas bills. You can pay:
- By Cash or Card
You can pay part or all of your bill at any Payzone, PostPoint outlet, or any Post Office. - By Cheque
Make the cheque out to Bord Gáis Energy and send it, along with a filled-out bank giro credit transfer slip (attached to the bottom of your gas bill), to their address. - By Direct Debit
If you have an online account you can sort this out online, otherwise, give them a call or for gas, print and fill out a direct debit mandate form, and send it to them via the Freepost address on the form. - Online
If you’ve already registered with Bord Gáis online you can log in to your account and arrange to pay. If you haven’t registered yet, there is a Pay Now option which there is no need to register for. - By Telephone
The supplier operates a 24-hour telephone payment service, just grab your debit or credit card and call them.
The company is pretty flexible if you have any genuine issue paying your bill and will discuss a payment plan with you that’s tailored to your earnings, or alternatively, fit a PAYG meter.
Their accounts department can also speak with other agencies such as financial advisers, charities, or state agencies on your behalf. It’s best to contact Bord Gáis customer service as soon as you realise there’s an issue to avoid any escalation or interest on unpaid bills.
What Is Level Pay with Bord Gáis?
Level pay is a new initiative from Bord Gáis. Rather than pay a different amount each month for your electricity and gas, your payments remain the same over a 12 month period. The company estimates your yearly usage and then divides the annual cost into 12 even payments, making it easier for you to manage your monthly budget.
Are There Bord Gáis Rewards?
Regardless of how you pay for your bill, you will want to learn more about the well-known Bord Gáis rewards programme. Existing customers can sign-up and accumulate points for each euro spent which can later be exchanged for a variety of rewards.
Do I Need a Security Deposit To Sign Up with Bord Gáis?
When signing up, if your credit history is a little shaky, or any of the following cases apply to you, you’ll have to provide a security deposit of up to €300 within 14 days of signing up, or risk your supply being cut off:
- If you’re a tenant signing up for the first time who has NOT previously been with Bord Gáis Energy for 14 months or more, you’ll need to pay a €200 deposit if you choose to set up Direct Debit, or €300 without Direct Debit.
- If you’re a homeowner who is signing up and you don’t want to set up Direct Debit, you’ll need to pay a €300 security deposit.
Your security deposit will be returned to you when you close your account, as long as you’ve paid your final bill and any outstanding amounts. If you pay by Direct Debit, the deposit will be refunded to your account, otherwise, you’ll receive a cheque, and it will take up to ten days to process refunding the deposit.
You do NOT need to pay a security deposit in the following cases:
- Good Credit History
You’ve been with the company for more than 14 months previously and have a good credit history. - Homeowner
You’re a homeowner and are signing up and paying by Direct Debit (they’ll track you down in that house you own pretty fast if you miss a payment!). - Level Pay
You are signing up for the Level Pay option (Direct Debit is mandatory).
Is There Bord Gáis Boiler Service?
Not only is Bord Gáis a gas and electricity supplier, but they all also offer excellent boiler maintenance and repair services. We have created a full and comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about Bord Gáis boiler service plans.
How Do I Contact Bord Gáis Energy?
The main Bord Gáis customer service number is 01 611 0101, open Weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm, and 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday. To avoid being passed around from one department to the next or being on hold indefinitely, we suggest you visit our dedicated Bord Gáis contact page to quickly find the phone number for the department of your query.
Existing customers can also visit our Bord Gáis login page to contact the energy supplier via their personal online account. You will also find in the login guide details about the Bord Gáis app and much more!
About Bord Gáis and FAQs
| Fuel types: Electricity, gas, and dual fuel | Competitive energy prices |
| Customers: 630,000 total | Offers PAYG |
| Electricity sources: Gas and renewables | Poor customer reviews |
Bord Gáis offers electricity, gas, and dual-fuel options for consumers. The CRU’s 2020 annual report on electricity and gas retail markets shows that the provider has 17.5% of the domestic electricity market share and 42.8% of the domestic gas market share. It provides energy to over 630,000 residential and business customers.
Here is a brief timeline for the provider:
- 1976 - The company is launched as Bord Gáis Éireann — Ireland's original state-owned gas supplier.
- 2000 - The company is forced to split its supply business from its transmission and distribution operations. This was all done to encourage market competition and dismantle the existing gas monopoly.
- 2001 - The supply arm is rebranded as Bord Gáis Energy. The network division is also rebranded as Gas Networks Ireland.
- 2009 - The provider adds electricity to its offerings portfolio.
- 2014 - The company is sold to the global group Centrica plc.
What's the Bord Gáis Energy Fuel Mix?
Gas was and is the mainstay of the company's service for customers. So it's no surprise to see such a high percentage of it in their fuel mix, 63.8%, compared to the all-island average of 35.8%, as per the most recent CRU fuel mix disclosure.
The company had a slight increase in the percentage of renewable energy in its fuel mix from 31.1% in 2019 to 34.6% in 2020. This is still much lower than the all-island average of 57.9%. Let's hope that they continue to increase their use of renewable resources over the coming years.
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
Last Updated: 02/03/2023
Has Bord Gáis become too expensive? Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes! Sorry, we're closed right now! We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
Bord Gáis Ireland FAQs
Who owns Bord Gáis?
Centrica plc purchased Bord Gáis Ireland in 2014 and still owns it today. It is a British multinational company operating out of Windsor, Berkshire in the UK. The sale process began in 2012, following the EU and IMF bailout and some scary times for everyone during the financial crisis. Conditions were set out requiring the sale of state-owned assets, meaning that the customer supply arm of Bord Gáis Energy had no option but to be sold.
Are Bord Gáis and Electric Ireland the same?
No, Bord Gáis and Electric Ireland are two different energy companies in Ireland. Wondering which one would be better for your home? Have a look at all the electricity and gas providers in Ireland.
How do I submit a Bord Gáis meter reading?
ESB networks take your Bord Gáis meter readings (they do meter readings for all energy suppliers in Ireland) four times a year. As the provider issues their electricity customers with bi-monthly bills, this means that four bills will be based on the ESB readings (if you were at home when they called), while two will be estimated. If you were out when ESB called by or you don’t like the sound of those two estimated bills, it might be worth your while (depending on your cash flow situation and the actual reading) to submit a reading yourself.
You can submit a meter reading via the Bord Gáis app, email it in, or submit it online. If you prefer, you can also call the Bord Gáis customer service team to provide your meter reading. Be sure to only give the black digits on the reading count, not the red ones. We recommend submitting a reading yourself if you miss an ESB reading, so you can improve your bill accuracy and avoid nasty surprises down the line.
How do I switch to Bord Gáis Energy?
Switching your electricity to Bord Gáis is relatively painless. You just need your MPRN and your bank details if you’re planning on setting up a Direct Debit (or you can set it up later — however, this will affect your security deposit).
You can switch online, arrange a callback or call them directly.
If you've applied to switch to Bord Gáis Energy but you want to stop the switching process, you can cancel your contract with this online form if it's been less than 14 days since you signed up. The supplier will confirm this in writing. If it’s been more than 14 days, you’ll need to contact the Bord Gáis customer service department directly. You may have to pay an exit fee (we don’t recommend doing this unless your potential 12-month savings from a different offer are greater than the exit fee).
If you’re receiving an electricity allowance as part of the Household Benefits Package you’ll still get it, but instead of it coming off your bill, it’ll be paid to you directly. You’ll need to contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to sort out payment.
Has Bord Gáis become too expensive? Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes! Sorry, we're closed right now! We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!
How can I switch your gas supply?
If you already have a gas meter installed at your house, as with electricity, you can easily switch to Bord Gáis gas by using their online option or by giving them a call. You’ll need to tell them:
- Your meter reading.
- Your name and current address.
- Your old address.
If your meter is locked, contact the provider to arrange an appointment to unlock it.
If you don’t have a gas meter, the provider will liaise with Gas Networks Ireland to get one installed. A Registered Gas Installer (RGI) needs to install your meter and then you can contact Bord Gáis with:
- Your name, address, and GPRN.
- The installer RGI code.
- Your old address.
If there is no gas supply at your property, you can contact Gas Networks Ireland and see about arranging a gas supply.
How can you move house with Bord Gáis?
If you are an existing customer, you can ask the provider to take your tariff with you to your new home. You can contact them over the phone or online to do so. If you are moving into a house where Bord Gáis is the supplier, you are under no obligation to stay with the company. In fact, when you first move is when you have the most freedom to compare the market and choose an energy provider of your choice. Call our agents and find the best deal for your home!
Read more about Bord Gáis
Bord Gáis Boiler Service: Is It Worth It in 2023?
Bord Gáis Contact Number: How Do I Contact Bord Gáis?
Bord Gáis Rewards: What's on Offer in 2023?
Bord Gáis Energy Login: Register, & Troubleshoot