Energy

How to compare gas & electricity prices in Ireland

Switching to a cheaper gas and electricity deal could save you hundreds of euros. Here’s how to compare energy suppliers, find the cheapest supplier and switch to a new plan that costs less.

Why compare energy suppliers and prices?

If you haven’t changed your energy provider in the last 12 months, there’s a good chance you could save money by switching.

Many electricity and gas suppliers offer discounts to new customers for the first year, but when this discount period ends, you’ll pay the standard rate, which is often higher.

It doesn’t pay to be loyal to your energy supplier, so it’s worth comparing plans and switching to a better deal when your contract ends.

How much could you save?

The average electricity customer could save up to €431 a year by switching from a standard tariff to the cheapest deal on the market, and the average gas customer can currently save up to €255 by switching to the cheapest deal.

If you’ve not switched for over a year, you’ll be out of the discounted period and paying more than you need. You’ll save even more by switching if you have a dual fuel tariff for your gas and electricity.

Switch and save up to €679 on your energy bills

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving

What are the cheapest electricity prices in Ireland?

Here are the five cheapest electricity prices based on the national average, which according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), is 4,200 kW/h of electricity per year.

Supplier Plan Name Annual Cost
Flogas Fixed Rate Electricity 1yr (DD & eBill) €1,332
Energia Home Electricity 31% (DD & eBill) €1,340
Yuno Energy 1 Year Fixed Electricity (Card Bill & eBill) €1,362
SSE Airtricity 1 Year Fixed Electricity (DD & eBill) €1,380
Bord Gáis Energy Online Exclusive Electricity Discount 24% (DD & eBill) €1,388

Switch and save on your energy bills

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving

What are the cheapest gas prices in Ireland?

Here are the five cheapest gas prices based on the national average, which according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), is 11,000 kW/h of gas per year.

Supplier Plan Name Annual Cost
Flogas Fixed Rate Gas 1yr (DD & eBill) €1,210
Bord Gáis Energy Online Exclusive Gas Discount - 20% (DD & eBill) €1,220
SSE Airtricity 1 Year Gas 20% (DD & eBill) €1,264
SSE Airtricity 1 Year Gas 16% (DD & Post) €1,314
Energia Gas Offer 10% discount (DD & eBill) €1,361

Switch and save on your energy bills

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving

What is a dual fuel plan?

A dual fuel tariff or dual fuel bundle means you get your electricity and gas from the same energy supplier.

These plans are typically cheaper and more convenient because it’s one supplier and one bill. Plus, you’ll only need to contact one energy supplier if something goes wrong.

dual fuel prices

Are dual fuel plans cheaper?

You may get a discount for signing up for gas and electricity together. At the moment, if you have both gas and electricity, you could save up to €679 by switching.

However, dual fuel tariffs are not always the cheapest plans. Sometimes discounts on single gas and electricity tariffs may work out cheaper than a dual fuel tariff.

It’s worth comparing both dual fuel and standalone gas and electricity deals to see which works best for you.

What are the cheapest dual fuel plans in Ireland?

Here are the cheapest dual fuel plans based on the national average consumption of gas and electricity. According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the average Irish household uses 11,000 kW/h of gas and 4,200 kW/h of electricity per year.

Supplier Plan Name Annual Price
Flogas Fixed Rate Dual Fuel 1yr (DD & eBill) €2,542
SSE Airtricity 1 Year Fixed Dual Fuel (DD & eBill) €2,583
Energia Home Dual Fuel 26/26% (DD & eBill) €2,583
Bord Gáis Energy Online Exclusive Dual Fuel Discount - 24% Electricity & 20% Gas Gas (DD & eBill) €2,608
Electric Ireland EnergySaver 24% Dual Fuel (DD & eBill) €2,659

Switch and save on your energy bills

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving

These tables can only give you an idea of the best gas and electricity prices for the average user. If you want to find a plan that’s best for your circumstances and usage, check out our energy price comparison to get an estimate based on your own consumption.

How to get the best gas & electricity prices

The best way to ensure you’re getting the cheapest gas and electricity price is to switch suppliers whenever you revert to a standard tariff because the discount will only last for the fixed term of your plan.

Before making the switch, shop around and compare energy deals tailored to your region and energy consumption using our energy comparison tool.

With just a few details from you, we’ll select the cheapest energy suppliers and show how much you could save and provide any extra tariff information.

Simply complete the short form to start saving on your energy bills. Tell us about your current energy plan, supplier, tariff, and energy use, and we’ll do the rest.

You can compare

  • the Estimated Annual Bill (EAB) for each plan
  • the amount you’ll save by switching

Other features to compare

You can also compare several other plan features, such as:

  • Methods of payment & billing: Direct Debit, prepay or pay on receipt. You can also opt for paper or online bills.
  • Contract length & exit fees: Check out the plan length and early termination fees
  • Rewards and benefits: Compare welcome offers, incentives or rewards
  • Rate type: See whether the plan is a variable or fixed rate deal
  • Green credentials: Check if the supplier provides renewable energy

How do you choose between offers?

The right energy plan for you depends on your household size and the amount of power you use. For example, If you live in:

  • a large household with high usage a big discount will work best because it significantly reduces your bills over the discount period.
  • a small household with a lower-than-average use you may find a smaller discount that offers cashback or a welcome bonus upfront is better value.

Our guide What is the average gas and electricity bill in Ireland? can help you to work out whether you’re a low, medium or high energy user.

Is switching your supplier difficult?

Switching energy supplier is simple and straightforward. We help with the process so it’s easier to start saving on your energy bills. All you need to do is:

  1. Tell us about your current energy usage, tariff and supplier
  2. We’ll compare the cheapest energy deals on the market
  3. You choose the plan that’s right for you
  4. We’ll help you switch

Our complete guide to gas and electricity helps you make sense of the energy market, find the best energy prices and save money.

electric light bulbs

How to switch your energy supplier

Find a better deal by comparing energy suppliers and tariffs using our gas and electricity comparison tool. It takes less than 10 minutes to find a cheaper plan and Switcher.ie will manage the whole switching process for you.

Enter your details into our gas and electricity comparison tool and we’ll show you:

  • All available electricity plans
  • Estimated annual bill for each plan
  • Annual savings you could make
  • Contract length
  • Additional plan information

Learn more about switching your gas or electricity supplier

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How else can you cut energy bills?

Aside from switching, the next best way to cut down the cost of your gas and electricity bills is to:

  • Reduce your energy consumption: Our top energy saving tips guide is full of helpful ideas to help you conserve energy in the home.
  • Make improvements to your house: Check out how to make your home more energy-efficient in our energy saving article.
  • Get help with your energy bills: If you are struggling to pay your bills and want to find out about help available, visit our page What help can I get to pay my energy bill?

Comparing energy plans FAQs

What is a fixed-term contract?

Most energy plans in Ireland are fixed-term contracts for either 12 or 24 months. Suppliers usually offer an introductory discount for the same time as the fixed term.

When your contract ends, you can revert to their standard tariff or switch to another supplier.

If you leave your contract early you’ll normally have to pay an early exit fee of between €50 and €100.

Should I trust Switcher.ie to compare gas & electricity deals?

Yes, Switcher.ie is accredited by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which means we are endorsed as an independent, impartial and accurate source of information for energy customers.

How do I know when my discounted tariff is ending?

If you switched more than 12 months ago, you may have reverted to the standard rate.

Check your bill or online account to find the name of your current tariff. If you’re still not sure, you can always contact your supplier to find out.

Energy suppliers should provide you with 30 days’ notice before their discount ends and an annual prompt if you’ve been on the same tariff for three years or more.

How long will it take if I switch my energy supplier?

It usually takes 7-14 days for your switch to be carried out.

The exact time it takes for your switch to be completed depends on the supplier, however, it shouldn’t take any longer than 28 days.

What information do I need to switch suppliers?

To switch your energy supplier you simply need:

  1. Your most recent gas or electricity bill
  2. Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)
  3. Current meter readings

What is the average gas and electricity bill in Ireland?

According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the average Irish household uses 11,000 kW/h of gas and 4,200 kW/h of electricity per year.

The average annual electricity bill for a customer on a standard tariff would be €1,763, while a gas customer on a standard tariff would pay €1,466.

So, if you live in a three-bedroom house your electricity usage is likely to be similar to the national average, but if you live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, electricity costs will be less.

Switch and save up to €679 on your energy bills

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving