Irish electricity prices are high, but a lot of your bill is within your control. Here’s the order that actually saves money — biggest wins first.
Short answer
Start by switching supplier (often a few hundred euro a year), pick a tariff that matches your usage, then stack up low-cost efficiency wins. Bigger structural savings come from insulation and solar.
1. Switch supplier — the biggest quick win
Suppliers give their best rates to new customers, so loyalty costs you. If you’re out of contract, you’re probably on a standard rate. Compare deals on a CRU-accredited comparison site, look at the estimated annual bill for your usage (not just the discount), and switch. Full walkthrough: how to switch electricity supplier.
2. Match your tariff to your life
- Flat rate — simplest; best if you mostly use power in peak evening hours.
- Smart / day-night — cheaper off-peak. Great if you can shift appliances, EV charging or a heat pump to those hours.
- A smart meter unlocks these tariffs and is needed to be paid for solar you export — see solar panels.
3. Low-cost efficiency wins
- Turn the thermostat down a degree; use timers and zoning.
- Draught-proof doors, windows and the letterbox.
- Switch to LED bulbs; run appliances on eco or off-peak.
- Service the boiler; bleed radiators; use a lower wash temperature.
4. The big structural savings
When you’re ready to spend to save, the real levers are:
- Insulation — cuts heat loss and heating costs, part-funded by SEAI grants.
- Solar panels — generate your own daytime electricity.
- Heat pump — efficient heating in a well-insulated home.
Tip
Do the free and cheap things this week, and put the switching reminder in your calendar for when your discount ends. That habit alone keeps you off the expensive standard rates for good.
Note
This is general information, not financial advice. Prices and tariffs change often — compare current deals on a CRU-accredited site before switching.