Beat the Price Increases and Save Money on Electricity in 2026
Don't let rising electricity costs catch you out. Call Selectra today for expert advice on switching providers and finding the cheapest deal on electricity. Any cashback offers are not included.
29% discount
35% discount
Home Electricity 36%
Having compared both providers across all tariff types, Selectra found that Electric Ireland is cheaper than SSE Airtricity. When comparing online reviews and customer experiences, SSE Airtricity has received better reviews than Electric Ireland with an average score of 3.92 / 5. Compare Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity, their rates and reviews at Selectra and find out which energy supplier is better! If you are looking to compare electricity prices in Ireland, you can call 📞(01) 913 1771
Electric Ireland is a major Irish energy supplier, providing electricity and gas to around 1.1 million homes and businesses. As part of the ESB Group, it operates nationwide and is publicly owned. The company is also active in sustainability initiatives.
SSE Airtricity supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Ireland. The company is based in Dublin and is part of the SSE plc group. SSE Airtricity also offers sustainable energy solutions such as solar panel and EV charger installation.
The table below compares the main features of Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity
| Supplier | Electric Ireland | SSE Airtricity |
|---|---|---|
| Offers | Electricity and Gas | Electricity and Gas |
| Cheapest Electricity Rate (24hr meter)* |
122.25€ per month 1,467.00€ per year |
131.50€ per month 1,578.00€ per year |
| Cheapest Electricity Rate (smart meter)* |
112.58€ per month 1,351.00€ per year |
123.58€ per month 1,483.00€ per year |
| Cheapest Electricity Rate (day/night meter)* |
115.25€ per month 1,383.00€ per year |
124.42€ per month 1,493.00€ per year |
| Cheapest Gas Rate* |
107.25€ per month 1,287.00€ per year |
107.17€ per month 1,286.00€ per year |
| Cheapest Dual Fuel Rate* |
205.33€ per month 2,464.00€ per year |
230.75€ per month 2,769.00€ per year |
| Average Review** | There is no known rating for Electric Ireland. | There is no known rating for SSE Airtricity. |
*The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 4.200 kWh.
For gas, the monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 11.000 kWh. For dual fuel offers, the monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 4.200 kWh for electricity and 11.000 kWh for gas.
**The average review rating is calculated based on reviews from Selectra, Trustpilot and Google (when available).
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When comparing energy suppliers, it is important to take several aspects into account.
While of course, it is important to know how much is charged for a kWh of electricity or gas, but it is also recommended to look at other additional costs and services including:
Selectra's Advice
Choosing between Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity depends on your personal preferences with both suppliers being well-known in Ireland. Selectra recommends to always compare providers rates along with the other factors mentioned above to make sure you are getting the best price.
Compare all electricity and gas offers from Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below.
Compare the electricity rates for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below. Prices are calculated based on the kWh prices for a 24hr meter.
| Offer | Unit rate | Standing charge | Offer details | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Standard, 24hr |
Urban: 0.2614 € / kWh Rural: 0.2614 € / kWh |
Urban: 230.06 € / Year Rural: 288.97 € / Year |
|
 |
 Standard, 24hr |
Urban: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural: 0.2829 € / kWh |
Urban: 241.78 € / Year Rural: 303.5 € / Year |
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The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an annual average consumption of 4.200 kWh.
Read more about the Selectra Score.
Compare the electricity rates for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below. Prices are calculated based on the kWh prices for a smart meter.
| Offer | Unit rate | Standing charge | Offer details | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Electricity |
Urban Day: 0.2853 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2853 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1499 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1499 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.3044 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.3044 € / kWh |
Urban: 230.06 € / Year Rural: 288.97 € / Year |
|
 |
|
Smart 24 |
Urban Day: 0.2498 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2498 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.2498 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.2498 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.2498 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.2498 € / kWh |
Urban: 230.06 € / Year Rural: 288.97 € / Year |
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 |
|
Smart Electricity |
Urban Day: 0.2994 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2994 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1924 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1924 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.3354 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.3354 € / kWh |
Urban: 241.78 € / Year Rural: 303.5 € / Year |
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|
Smart Everyday |
Urban Day: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2829 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.2829 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.2829 € / kWh |
Urban: 242.07 € / Year Rural: 303.86 € / Year |
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|
The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 0 kWh (day), 0 kWh (peak) and 0 kWh (night).
Read more about the Selectra Score.
Compare day/night electricity rates for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below. Prices are calculated based on the kWh prices for a day/night meter.
| Offer | Unit rate | Standing charge | Offer details | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NightSaver |
Urban Day: 0.2791 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2791 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1377 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1377 € / kWh |
Urban: 301.45 € / Year Rural: 367.41 € / Year |
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NightSaver |
Urban Day: 0.2867 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2867 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1834 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1834 € / kWh |
Urban: 310.61 € / Year Rural: 366.09 € / Year |
|
|
The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 0 kWh (day) and 0 kWh (night).
Read more about the Selectra Score.
Comapare gas rates for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below.
| Offer | Unit rate | Standing charge | Offer details | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Gas |
0.08352 € / kWh | 139.72 € / Year |
|
|
|
Standard Gas |
0.08333 € / kWh | 143.08 € / Year |
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|
The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 11.000 kWh.
Read more about the Selectra Score.
Compare dual fuel rates for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity in the overview below.
| Offer | Unit rate | Standing charge | Offer details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Dual Fuel |
Urban Day: 0.2582 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2582 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1357 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1357 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.2754 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.2754 € / kWh Gas: 0.0779 € / kWh |
Urban: 230.06 € / Year Rural: 288.97 € / Year Gas: 137.35 € / Year |
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|
Smart Dual 24 |
Urban Day: 0.2373 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2373 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.2373 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.2373 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.2373 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.2373 € / kWh Gas: 0.079 € / kWh |
Urban: 230.06 € / Year Rural: 288.97 € / Year Gas: 137.35 € / Year |
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Smart Dual Day Night Peak |
Urban Day: 0.2994 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2994 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.1924 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.1924 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.3354 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.3354 € / kWh Gas: 0.08352 € / kWh |
Urban: 242.07 € / Year Rural: 303.86 € / Year Gas: 139.72 € / Year |
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Smart Dual Everyday |
Urban Day: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Day: 0.2829 € / kWh Urban Night: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Night: 0.2829 € / kWh Urban Peak: 0.2829 € / kWh Rural Peak: 0.2829 € / kWh Gas: 0.08352 € / kWh |
Urban: 242.07 € / Year Rural: 303.86 € / Year Gas: 139.72 € / Year |
|
The monthly and annual costs are calculated based on an average consumption of 4.200 kWh for electricity and 11.000 kWh for gas.
Read more about the Selectra Score.
Who Is the Cheapest Electricity Provider in Ireland?
Electric Ireland offers a comprehensive range of services to approximately 1.1 million customers, including electricity, gas, dual-fuel tariffs, and smart meter plans, backed by the reliability of the ESB infrastructure. The provider is committed to sustainability through its Net Zero product line, featuring solar installation, building retrofitting, and microgeneration support, and regularly promotes discounts, loyalty programmes, and innovative offers, such as feed-in tariffs for microgeneration and EV-focused tariffs. Additionally, Electric Ireland customers benefit from various customer support channels, enduring discounts after introductory periods, and access to rewards through partnerships like SuperValu Real Rewards.
However, Electric Ireland faces recurring criticism for high prices and customer service issues, with reported long wait times and difficulties in resolving queries, as reflected in consistently low ratings on platforms like Trustpilot and Google (average 1.5/5). Despite efforts to reduce complaints, the provider’s share of customer contacts remains slightly higher than its market share, and its standard gas tariffs are rated lower (score: D). While a wide array of tariffs and service options exist, potential customers may be deterred by these negative reviews and concerns over value for money.
SSE Airtricity stands out for delivering 100% renewable electricity and gas, with a broad range of plans for both residential and commercial customers. The company is well-regarded for its commitment to sustainability, offering additional services such as solar panel and EV charger installations, as well as competitive introductory discounts and welcome credits. As a large and established provider, it benefits from substantial infrastructure and extensive experience in the energy sector.
However, SSE Airtricity is often criticised for perceived high prices and fluctuating rates, which may affect its competitiveness compared to other suppliers. Some customers have reported long wait times or difficulties resolving issues, reflecting common challenges associated with large energy firms. Customer ratings are mixed, with strong scores on some platforms but notably low ratings on others, suggesting inconsistency in service experiences.
Tired of Using Online Comparison Websites When Switching Electricity Provider?
Call us at Selectra and speak to one of our switching experts who will help you find the best deal on electricity and gas!
Tired of Online Comparison Websites When Switching Electricity Provider?
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free call as soon as we're open!
There are various online platforms where customers can leave reviews about their energy suppliers.
Below you'll find an overview of customer reviews for Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity.
Reviews for Electric Ireland
The average score that Electric Ireland has received from customers is 1.50/ 5 (based on 1095 reviews on 3 platforms).
Trustpilot
Selectra
Reviews for SSE Airtricity
The average score that SSE Airtricity has received from customers is 3.92/ 5 (based on 2121 reviews on 3 platforms).
Trustpilot
Selectra
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