What Are the Bord Gáis Smart Meter Plans?
Bord Gáis provides multiple smart meter options utilising Time-of-Use (ToU) band structures. These plans employ variable unit rates designed to incentivise users to schedule energy-intensive activities during off-peak periods. For a complete breakdown of all current tariffs, see the latest Bord Gáis Energy rates.
Standard Time Bands:
- Day: 8 am – 11 pm (excluding Peak time)
- Night: 11 pm – 8 am
- Peak: 5 pm – 7 pm (weekdays only)
| Plan Name | New Customer Discount | Unit Rates | EAB | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Standard Electricity | 32% | Day: 30.23c | Peak: 36.79c | Night: 22.31c | €1,436 | Average households shifting some usage |
| Smart EV Electricity | 20% | EV rate (2am-5am): 8.45c | €1,614 | Electric vehicle owners charging at night |
| Smart Weekend Electricity | 32% | Night rate all weekend (Fri 11pm - Mon 8am) | €1,614 | Busy households doing laundry/cleaning on weekends |
Unit rates are displayed excluding VAT and include applicable discounts. Estimated Annual Bills (EAB) include 9% VAT, PSO Levy, and all applicable charges. Based on national average consumption of 4,200 kWh. Last updated: March 2026.
Why Choose a Bord Gáis Smart Meter Plan?
- No More Estimated Bills: Your meter sends actual usage data to Bord Gáis, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
- In-depth Insights: Use the “My Bord Gáis” app to track hourly energy spikes
- Support for Solar: Plans facilitate Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments for selling excess solar energy to the grid
Smart EV (Electric Vehicle) Plans
Designed specifically for EV owners, offering a “super-off-peak” charging window. Charging your car between 2 am and 5 am can be significantly cheaper than standard night rates.
Smart Weekender Plans
Bord Gáis offers “Free Saturday” or “Free Sunday” variations. This is ideal if you can concentrate heavy appliance use, like tumble dryers and dishwashers, into a single 24-hour weekend window.
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Do Bord Gáis Smart Meter Plans Have Standing Charges?
A fixed daily standing charge applies. Smart meter standing charges may differ slightly from traditional 24-hour meters.
| Location | Annual Cost (Inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Urban | €244.77 |
| Rural | €307.26 |
How Do Bord Gáis Smart Meter Plans Compare?
When shopping for Bord Gáis smart meter plans, comparing Night and Peak rates against competitors like Electric Ireland and Energia is vital.
| Supplier | Night Rate | Day Rate | Peak Rate | EAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bord Gáis | 22.31c | 30.23c | 36.79c | €1,436 |
| Electric Ireland | 13.62c | 25.91c | 27.65c | €1,199 |
| Energia | 15.98c | 29.07c | 32.64c | €1,327 |
How Do I Switch to a Bord Gáis Smart Plan?
- New Customer Caveat: Due to current industry rules, if you are a new customer to Bord Gáis, you must switch to a ‘non-smart’ (standard) electricity plan first. This switch can take up to 14 days to complete.
- Existing Smart Meter Customer: Once fully registered, you can immediately sign up for any smart meter plan without paying a switching fee, typically through your online account.
- Required Information: Have your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), Eircode, and bank details (for Direct Debit) ready.
- Cooling-Off Period: All switches come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period, allowing you to change your mind without penalty.
- Usage Data: Note that consumption insights in the Bord Gáis App will typically only become available about 30 days after your smart meter is installed and fully connected.
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Our energy experts at Selectra compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the best rate — completely free and with no obligation.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Smart Meter Plan?
- Monitor Your Usage: The single best way to choose the right smart meter plan is to first understand when you use the most electricity. Download half-hourly usage data from the ESB Networks portal.
- Shift Your Usage: Smart tariffs reward users who operate appliances during cheaper Night or Day windows, particularly avoiding the Peak window (5 pm – 7 pm).
- Check for Discounts: The most competitive prices are typically tied to introductory discounts for new customers on a fixed-term contract (e.g., 12 months), and require payment by Direct Debit and Paperless billing.
- Confirm Details: Electricity prices are variable and subject to change. Always confirm the final rates, standing charges, and terms and conditions directly with Bord Gáis or via an accredited comparison website before switching.
For a complete overview of all Bord Gáis Energy plans, including standard and gas tariffs, visit our Bord Gáis Energy guide. You can also read customer reviews to see how others rate their smart meter experience.
How Do I Get the Most From Smart Meter Plans?
- Use Your Data: Smart meters are installed by ESB Networks and send half-hourly data to the network. Use the free ESB Networks portal or your supplier's app (like the ‘My Bord Gáis’ app) to see exactly when you use electricity.
- Attack the Peak: The most significant savings come from avoiding the Peak window (5 pm – 7 pm) on weekdays. During this time, the unit rate can be over 60% higher than the Night rate. Avoid high-draw appliances like tumble dryers, ovens, and dishwashers during these hours.
- Maximise the Night: The Night rate is the ‘sweet spot’ for savings. Use timers to run your washing machine, dishwasher, or batch-charge appliances (or an EV/battery) between 11 pm and 8 am, or during the even cheaper ‘EV Boost’ window (usually 2 am - 5 am) if you are on an EV-specific plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bord Gáis Energy Smart Meter Plans
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