What Are Electric Ireland's Pay As You Go Rates?

What Are Electric Ireland’s Pay As You Go Rates?

By Cormac Breen | Updated 17 April 2026 | 6 min read

Electric Ireland offers two PAYG price plans: SPAYG Electricity and SPAYG Nightsaver. Compare rates, emergency credit, friendly credit hours, and how PAYG compares to standard billing. For a complete overview of all Electric Ireland plans, see our Electric Ireland guide.

What Are the Electric Ireland PAYG Rates?

SPAYG Nightsaver Hours:

Winter day hours: 8am to 11pm / Night hours: 11pm to 8am
Summer day hours: 9am to Midnight / Night hours: Midnight to 9am

Unit rates are displayed excluding VAT and include applicable discounts. Standing charges and Estimated Annual Bills (EAB) include 9% VAT, PSO Levy, and all applicable charges. Based on average consumption of 4,200 kWh.

Additional PAYG Charges: An annual Pay As You Go Service Charge of €131.45 applies beyond the standing charge.

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Our energy experts at Selectra can help you secure a great rate — completely free and with no obligation.

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This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

Online: Visit Electric Ireland’s website and locate the “Switch” or “Sign Up” section for Smart Meter Price Plans
Phone: Call Electric Ireland’s sales line at 1800 30 50 90 (Mon–Fri 9am to 5pm)

Required information:

Personal details and address
MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)
Current meter reading
Bank details

How Do the Electric Ireland PAYG Rates Compare?

Electric Ireland currently has the second-cheapest Pay As You Go tariff on the market.

How Do the Electric Ireland PAYG Rates Compare
Supplier	Best Offer	Price per Year
Pinergy	Standard, 24hr	€2,392
PrepayPower	Standard, 24hr	€2,556

Is Electric Ireland Pay As You Go Expensive?

While Electric Ireland offers competitive PAYG rates, pay-as-you-go electricity is generally much more expensive than standard electricity prices. You can compare all unit rates and standing charges on our Electric Ireland rates page.

Cost Comparison: Electric Ireland standard electricity rate: €1,618/year vs PAYG plan at €1,846/year — over €600 more expensive annually.

Compare Energy Plans and Save Today!

Our energy experts at Selectra can help you secure a great rate — completely free and with no obligation.

Ad - Selectra Service

This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

How Does the Electric Ireland Emergency Credit Work?

When credit falls below €3, Electric Ireland provides €20 emergency credit.

To activate emergency credit:

Press ‘A’ then ‘B’ on your Smarter PAYG meter when prompted
Press accept on your In Home Monitor

Emergency credit used will be deducted from your next top-up. If ignored, power will shut off when meter reaches zero.

Does Electric Ireland Pay As You Go Have Friendly Credit?

Friendly credit prevents disconnection during specific times:

Monday–Thursday: 5pm to 9am (late March–December) / 4pm to 8am (late December–late March)
Weekends: Friday 5pm through Monday 9am
Holidays: 1st March, 17th March, 24th–26th December, 31st December

Bank holidays are NOT credit friendly days; disconnection will occur if both credit and emergency credit are exhausted.

What Is the Electric Ireland Pay As You Go Phone Number?

What Is the Electric Ireland Pay As You Go Phone Number comparison table
Contact Method	Details	Availability
Phone	1800 30 50 90	Mon–Fri 9am to 5pm
Customer Service	1800 372 372	Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5:30pm
Email	[email protected]	24/7
Post	Electric Ireland, PO Box 841, South City Delivery Office, Cork T12C825	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Ireland pay as you go

Options include: online via Electric Ireland website/app, text top-up service, or in-store at any Payzone outlet using your top-up card. For Smart PAYG meters, credit is automatically sent to your meter.

If credit falls below €3, you receive €20 emergency credit. After using this, if credit remains exhausted outside friendly hours, electricity supply disconnects until you top up the meter.

Yes, you can generally switch from PAYG to standard billed electricity if circumstances change. Contact Electric Ireland customer service to discuss options and initiate the switch.