Quick answer: When you move into a new home in Ireland, you need to set up your own gas and electricity accounts. Switching to a cheaper supplier takes about 10–15 minutes online and is free — no engineer visit required for a supplier switch. Deals change frequently and new-customer discounts are common, so comparing regularly can save hundreds of euro per year.
Setting Up Energy at Your New Home
When you move in, the previous occupant's supply contracts end. You need to open your own accounts. Steps to take:
- Find your meter numbers — your MPRN (electricity meter point reference number) and GPRN (gas point reference number) will be on the previous tenant's last bill or on the meter itself
- Take meter readings on the day you move in — this prevents any dispute about usage before your tenancy started
- Contact a supplier of your choice to open an account — you are not locked in to whoever supplied the property previously
- Check for outstanding balances — if the landlord or previous occupant owes money, that is their responsibility, not yours (your account is opened fresh)
For rental properties, it's worth confirming with the landlord whether any utilities are included in the rent before setting up separate contracts.
Why Switching Saves Money
Ireland's energy market is open and competitive. Multiple suppliers offer electricity and gas across most of the country, including:
- Electric Ireland
- Bord Gáis Energy
- SSE Airtricity
- Energia
- Flogas
- Pinergy
- Community Power
Suppliers regularly offer discounted rates to attract new customers — often in the form of a percentage discount off the unit rate for 12 months. Existing customer rates are frequently higher than new-customer rates.
Annual switching between suppliers, or renegotiating with your current provider at renewal, can realistically save €200–€400 per year on a typical household's combined gas and electricity bills. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) accredits comparison sites, including Switcher.ie, for energy switching.
Understanding Your Energy Bill
Key terms that appear on Irish energy bills:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unit rate | Cost per kWh of electricity or gas consumed |
| Standing charge | Fixed daily charge for being connected to the grid |
| PSO Levy | Public Service Obligation levy — supports renewable energy schemes (REFIT, RESS, SRESS); current rate ~€1.46/month (1 Dec 2025 – 30 Sept 2026) |
| VAT | 9% VAT on electricity and gas in Ireland (temporary reduced rate, extended to 31 Dec 2030) |
| Carbon tax | Charged on gas based on CO₂ content (included in unit rate) |
When comparing plans, look at the total annual cost (unit rate × estimated annual usage + standing charge × 365), not just the headline unit rate. A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge.
Your Home's BER and Running Costs
The single biggest factor in your energy bills — bigger than supplier choice — is your home's Building Energy Rating (BER). An A-rated home uses a fraction of the energy of a G-rated one:
- A-rated homes: typically well-insulated, air-tight, often fitted with heat pumps, solar PV, and mechanical ventilation
- G-rated homes: poor insulation, older heating systems, high heat loss — bills can run to several thousand euro per year
If you're buying a property, check the BER certificate. The BER is legally required to be displayed in property listings. A home with a poor BER rating will cost significantly more to heat — factor this into your affordability calculation alongside the mortgage.
SEAI Home Energy Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants to help homeowners improve their BER rating. The following figures reflect the February 2026 uplift (SEAI announcement):
| Upgrade | SEAI Grant |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation | Up to €1,500 (up to €2,500 for eligible first-time buyers) |
| Cavity wall insulation | Up to €1,800 |
| External wall insulation (detached) | Up to €8,000 |
| External wall insulation (semi-detached) | Up to €6,000 |
| External wall insulation (mid-terrace) | Up to €3,500 |
| External wall insulation (apartment) | Up to €3,000 |
| Heat pump installation | Up to €12,500 |
| Solar PV panels | Up to €1,800 |
| Windows | €1,500–€4,000 (varies by dwelling type) |
| External doors | €800 per door (up to 2 doors, max €1,600) |
| Mechanical ventilation (MVHR) | Up to €1,500 |
The One Stop Shop scheme through SEAI offers a coordinated retrofit service for homeowners upgrading multiple elements at once, including a project coordinator and a guaranteed BER improvement. There is no fixed cap on total grant support — grants are applied per measure as above. Always check seai.ie/grants for current amounts.
Improving your BER may also unlock eligibility for a green mortgage with a lower interest rate — see Green Mortgages for details.
Smart Meters and Time-of-Use Tariffs
ESB Networks has passed 2 million smart meter installations (over 80% of eligible homes) as of early 2026, with the rollout continuing into 2026 for three-phase and whole-current meters (ESB Networks). Smart meters measure your electricity usage in 30-minute intervals, enabling:
- Time-of-use tariffs — cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically night-time)
- Night rate plans — popular with households that charge electric vehicles or run appliances overnight
- Dynamic tariffs — being introduced from 2026, allowing real-time pricing
If you have a smart meter installed, ask your supplier about smart rate plans that could reduce your bills by shifting energy-intensive tasks (dishwasher, washing machine, EV charging) to off-peak times.
Common Questions
Q: Can I switch energy supplier at any time, or do I have to wait for my contract to end? You can switch at any time, but if you are within a fixed-term contract there may be an early exit fee. Most standard 12-month promotional plans are fixed-term — check your contract. If you are on a standard variable rate (frequently the case after a promotional period expires), you can switch immediately and free of charge.
Q: What happens to my existing balance when I switch suppliers? Your old supplier will send a final bill based on a closing meter reading. Any credit on your account is refunded; any outstanding balance must be paid before switching. The new supplier activates the same meter via a simple administrative process — no engineer visit is required.
Q: Do I need to tell my landlord I'm switching energy supplier? Tenants are generally free to switch energy suppliers in their name. Some tenancy agreements have provisions around utilities, but the CRU consumer protection rules support tenants' rights to choose their supplier. Check your lease if you are unsure.