What Are Bord Gais's Smart Meter Plans?

While Bord Gáis' discounted EAB is generally competitive for a standard plan, other suppliers may offer significantly lower Night rates, which can drastically reduce the cost for households that use energy heavily overnight (e.g., running heat pumps, storage heaters, or a battery).

How Do I Switch to a Bord Gáis Smart Plan?

The switching process is straightforward, but there is a crucial step for new customers wishing to avail of a smart meter tariff.

1. 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.
2. Existing Smart Meter Customer: Once you are a fully registered Bord Gáis customer, you can immediately sign up for any of their smart meter plans (Time-of-Use, EV, Weekender, etc.) without paying a switching fee. This can usually be done directly through your online account.
3. Required Information: Have your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), your Eircode, and your bank details (for Direct Debit) ready.
4. Cooling-Off Period: All switches come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period, allowing you to change your mind without penalty.
5. 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.

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. You can often download your half-hourly usage data from the ESB Networks portal.
• Shift Your Usage: Smart tariffs reward users who can run appliances during the cheaper Night or Day windows, especially for those who can avoid the expensive 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. Be aware of the rates you will revert to once the initial discount expires.
• 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.

How Do I Get The Most from Smart Meter Plans?

Moving to a smart tariff is only financially rewarding if you adjust your behaviour to match the pricing structure.

• 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. This insight is essential for choosing the *best* tariff.
• 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 using high-draw appliances like tumble dryers, ovens, dishwashers, and electric showers during these two 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.
• The 'No Return' Rule: Once your meter is configured to operate on a smart, Time-of-Use tariff (MCC12 or MCC16), you cannot revert to the older, standard 24-hour meter configuration (MCC01). While suppliers can still offer you a flat rate on a smart meter, you lose the option to go back to a traditional billing structure.