How do dynamic electricity tariffs work?
Dynamic electricity tariffs are now available in Ireland. Find out how they work, how they compare to standard plans, and whether you could save with real-time pricing.
What are dynamic electricity tariffs?
A Dynamic Electricity Tariff (DETs) is a new type of Time-Of-Use (ToU) smart plan with prices that fluctuate hourly or half-hourly, to reflect real-time electricity costs on the wholesale market.
Similar to other ToU plans, the cost of your electricity will change depending on when you use it; for example, it may be cheaper overnight or during times of low demand, but more expensive during peak evening hours.
Unlike standard ToU tariffs, which have set energy costs for specific periods e.g. ‘Day’, ‘Night’ and ‘Peak’, Dynamic Tariffs:
This allows you to use energy when it is cheaper, renewable-based and more plentiful, and so save on your bills.
To avail of a dynamic tariff, you’ll need a smart meter that can track your electricity usage in half-hourly intervals.
Are dynamic tariffs available in Ireland?
Yes, dynamic electricity tariffs launched in Ireland in 2026 and are now available from some suppliers.
Dynamic tariffs are currently available from:
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) required larger electricity suppliers to offer a standard dynamic price contract from 1 June 2026.
Other suppliers may also launch dynamic tariffs, so it’s worth checking the latest available electricity plans before switching.
Why are they being introduced?
Ireland is aiming to generate 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, so smarter, more flexible pricing can help support a lower-carbon electricity system.
By encouraging customers to use electricity when renewable generation is high and demand is lower, dynamic tariffs can help reduce strain on the grid and support more efficient use of renewable energy.
Other countries, including the UK, Sweden and parts of the US, already offer dynamic pricing models to help customers cut costs and reduce their environmental impact.
How does dynamic pricing work?
Dynamic tariffs use day-ahead pricing. This means suppliers publish the dynamic electricity prices for each half-hour period in advance, so you can see when electricity is expected to be cheaper or more expensive.
For example:
The rate you pay for each half hour is based on the published dynamic price for that time slot, plus any base unit rate, standing charge, VAT and PSO levy that apply to your plan.
Knowing when you use electricity can help you decide whether a dynamic tariff suits you.
Smart meter customers can also download their usage data and use it when comparing plans to get more personalised cost estimates.
How are dynamic electricity rates calculated?
Although wholesale prices can drop very low, sometimes to zero, your bill will still have fixed costs, so you will still pay something even if the dynamic tariff falls to zero.
Under a dynamic electricity tariff, your bill has three parts, two of which are fixed, and one of which is the dynamic price that tracks the wholesale price of electricity.
It will include:
Depending on the plan, the dynamic unit rate may be added to a base unit rate, with VAT, standing charges and the PSO levy also included on your bill.
What could the unit rate look like?
The day-ahead dynamic price is usually only one part of the tariff. You may also need to add the supplier’s base unit rate, plus VAT, standing charge and PSO levy. For example,
Actual dynamic tariff structures vary by supplier, so it’s important to check how the dynamic rate is added to your bill.
For example, some plans use a fixed base unit rate, while others combine dynamic pricing with time-of-use rates:
Bord Gáis Energy
Smart Dynamic tariff
Bord Gáis Energy’s Smart Dynamic tariff has a fixed base unit rate plus a dynamic unit rate that changes every half hour.
- Fixed base unit rate applies to each kWh used
- Dynamic unit rate is based on day-ahead prices
- Dynamic unit rate is capped at 50c/kWh
- Day-ahead chart shows the dynamic rate, not the full unit rate
Yuno Energy
Dynamic time-of-use tariff
Yuno Energy’s dynamic tariff combines time-of-use base rates with a dynamic unit rate that changes every half hour.
- Day, night and peak base rates apply
- Dynamic unit rate is added on top
- Dynamic unit rate is capped at 50c/kWh
- More complex than a flat base-rate dynamic plan
Will dynamic rates be capped?
Yes. The CRU requires standard dynamic price contracts to include a price cap to protect customers from extreme wholesale price spikes.
The current cap is 50c/kWh for the dynamic unit rate. However, this cap applies to the dynamic part of the tariff, not necessarily the full unit rate you pay after the supplier’s base unit rate, standing charge, VAT and PSO levy are added.
Although rates are capped, if you don’t shift your energy use to cheaper periods, your bill could still end up higher than before.
Could you still end up paying more?
Yes. A dynamic tariff could cost more than a standard or fixed time-of-use plan if you use most of your electricity during expensive periods, or if wholesale prices stay high during your billing period.
Households with less control over their energy use, for example large families that need to use appliances in the evening, may find flat-rate or standard smart plans more suitable.
If you can run appliances during cheaper periods, charge your EV overnight, or use timers and smart plugs to automate usage, you may be able to save money.
Adding solar panels or home batteries can boost your savings even further. You’ll find more information in our comprehensive guides on solar panels, solar batteries, and heat pumps.
How much can you save?
Dynamic electricity tariffs are new in Ireland, so it’s too early to say how much households could typically save by switching. However, calculations show households could save up to €484 a year by switching to the cheapest available Time-of-Use tariff.
Research by The European Consumer Organisation reveals households in other EU countries saved up to 38% on annual electricity bills by switching to a dynamic tariff, depending on how and when they use energy.
The EU data shows:
Electricity tariff types explained
From standard tariffs to fully dynamic pricing, each option offers different levels of flexibility and potential savings.
Here’s a quick comparison of the main tariff types:
| Tariff type | Price structure | Overall price fluctuations | Flexibility | Savings potential | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tariff | Fixed rate per kWh, all day | Few times a year | Low, no incentive to shift use | Limited | Washing clothes costs the same at 3pm or 3am | |
| Time-of-Use (ToU) | Set day/night/weekend rates | Few times a year | Moderate, must shift use to off-peak | Moderate to high | Run dishwasher at night to save | |
| Dynamic tariff | Base unit rate plus a half-hourly dynamic rate based on day-ahead wholesale prices | Half-hourly/daily | High, must adjust use based on price | Potentially high, but less predictable | Delay EV charging until prices drop |
Some dynamic plans may also include Time-of-Use base rates. For example, Yuno Energy’s dynamic tariff has day, night and peak base rates, with a dynamic unit rate added on top. This means both the time period and the half-hourly dynamic price can affect how much you pay.
Our smart plan guide also compares the different types of ToU, standard and dynamic smart plans, while you can read our guide on how to switch energy plans to find out more about switching.
Which suppliers offer dynamic electricity tariffs?
Dynamic electricity tariffs are now available from:
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) required electricity suppliers with more than 200,000 customers to offer a standard dynamic price contract from 1 June 2026.
These suppliers include:
Other suppliers can offer dynamic tariffs if they choose, but are not obligated to right now.
For more information on smart plans, read our comprehensive smart plan guide and find out how to switch to one that best fits your lifestyle.
Are dynamic tariffs worth it?
Dynamic tariffs may suit households that are comfortable checking prices, using smart meter data and shifting electricity use to cheaper periods.
They may not suit households that need predictable bills, use most electricity during expensive peak times, or cannot easily move appliance use to cheaper periods.
To get the most out of dynamic tariffs, you’ll need to stay engaged by checking prices, setting alerts and understanding when it’s cheapest to use electricity.
Here’s a quick look at the main benefits and potential drawbacks of dynamic pricing.
Pros
Cons
So when should you consider a dynamic electricity plan?
Dynamic tariffs aren’t for everyone, but they can offer savings if your lifestyle or technology setup fits.
A dynamic tariff might be:
A smart choice
If you’re ready to make the most of cheaper electricity with a bit of flexibility.
- You have a smart meter and are comfortable tracking usage.
- You own an EV, use a heat pump or have smart home devices.
- You can automate energy usage or shift it to cheaper periods.
- You can check day-ahead prices and set alerts.
- You can upload your smart meter data to compare plans more accurately.
Not right for you
If you prefer stability in your energy bills or your usage patterns are harder to shift.
- You need predictable monthly bills.
- You use most electricity during peak times.
- You don’t have time to monitor prices or adjust usage.
- Your household routine makes it difficult to shift appliance use.
- You rely heavily on electricity for essential or medical needs.
Comparing dynamic tariffs
Because the unit rate changes every half hour, dynamic electricity tariffs can be harder to compare than standard or Time-of-Use plans.
Because dynamic tariffs also depend on when you use electricity, understanding your usage pattern is important.
If you have a smart meter, you can download your electricity usage data from ESB Networks and upload it when comparing plans on Switcher.ie.
This allows us to estimate costs based on your real usage, helping you see whether a dynamic or time-of-use tariff could work for your household.
When comparing dynamic tariffs, check:
Switch and save on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Use your smart meter data before choosing a dynamic tariff
Dynamic electricity tariffs work best if you can shift your usage to cheaper periods, so understanding your energy habits is important before switching.
If you have a smart meter, you can download your electricity usage data from ESB Networks and upload it when comparing plans on Switcher.ie.
The file shows your half-hourly electricity usage, allowing us to estimate costs based on your real consumption rather than national averages.
This can help you decide whether a dynamic tariff, a time-of-use plan, or a standard tariff is likely to work best for your home.
Smart homes and dynamic tariffs
Smart homes - houses fitted with smart, WiFi-enabled devices - are a natural fit for dynamic electricity and Time-of-Use tariffs, as they allow you to automate your energy use around cheaper electricity prices.
With devices like smart plugs, appliances, thermostats and EV chargers, you can schedule usage around cheaper periods, often without needing to check prices manually every day.
Some more advanced smart appliances or apps can automatically respond to day-ahead price signals, helping you reduce costs without constant monitoring.
For example, a washing machine can delay its cycle until prices drop, or an electric vehicle charger can automatically top up during hours of excess renewable supply when rates are lowest.
Read our guide on how to build a smart home for tips on smart appliances, automation and how to future-proof your home.
Top tips to make dynamic tariffs work for you
If you’re thinking of switching to a dynamic electricity tariff, here are some practical ways to get the most out of it and avoid higher bills:
- Check prices daily: Use your supplier’s app, portal, website or alerts to stay informed about day-ahead rates.
- Set price alerts: If your supplier offers alerts, use them to avoid expensive half-hour periods.
- Shift your usage: Run high-energy appliances like EV chargers, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines or tumble dryers during cheaper periods.
- Automate where possible: Use smart plugs, timers or a full smart home system to automatically shift usage based on price signals.
- Check what the price includes: Some day-ahead prices may exclude VAT, base unit rates, standing charges and the PSO levy.
- Compare suppliers carefully: Check standing charges, fixed unit rates and how each supplier applies dynamic pricing.
- Use your smart meter data when comparing plans: If you have a smart meter, you can download your electricity usage file from ESB Networks and upload it when comparing plans on Switcher.ie to estimate costs based on your real usage.
- Review your bills: Keep an eye on your monthly usage and costs to make sure the tariff is still working for your lifestyle.
With a little planning and the right technology, dynamic tariffs could lead to savings, especially for households with flexible routines or smart home setups.
