How to switch electricity & gas in Ireland
Switching to a cheaper electricity or gas plan is quick and easy and could save you hundreds of euro. We show you how to switch energy suppliers and find a better deal in Ireland, step by step.
5 steps to switch energy supplier
- Gather your information Find your MPRN/GPRN and latest bill
- Compare energy prices Use a comparison tool to find the best deal
- Choose your new plan: Select the supplier and tariff that suits you
- Complete the switch: Your new supplier handles everything
- Pay your final bill: Settle up with your old supplier
| 10 minutes to compare | 14 days for switch to complete | No interruption to your supply |
Why should you switch energy supplier?
If you haven’t changed your energy provider in over a year, it’s likely you’ll save money when you switch.
Most gas and electricity suppliers offer big discounts to new customers for the first 12 months. However, when this discount period ends, you’ll pay the standard rate, which is often much higher.
Switching is easy, and a customer moving from a standard tariff to a cheaper deal could save up to €833 - which can be especially helpful during colder winter months.
How much could you save?
Based on Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) figures, average Irish households could save:
In addition to discounts, some suppliers also offer other incentives to new customers, such as welcome credit or vouchers.
Learn more in our guide What is the average gas and electricity bill in Ireland?
Switch and save up to €833 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
What information do you need ready to switch?
Before you start comparing prices, gather these details. Having them ready makes the switching process much faster.
1. Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)
Your MPRN is your unique electricity meter identifier - an 11-digit number starting with “10”.
Where to find it:
- On your electricity bill (usually near the top or in the account details section)
- Look for “MPRN” or “Meter Point Reference Number”
- Example format: 10012345678
2. Your Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN)
Your GPRN is your unique gas meter identifier - a 7-digit number.
Where to find it:
- On your gas bill (separate from your electricity bill if you have dual fuel)
- Look for “GPRN” or “Gas Point Reference Number”
- Example format: 1234567
3. Your current meter reading
You’ll need your latest meter reading to get accurate price comparisons.
How to read your meter:
- Standard meter: Write down all the numbers from left to right (ignore any numbers in red)
- Digital meter: Press the display button until you see “kWh” or “IMP” reading
- Smart meter: Check your in-home display or download data from ESB Networks
4. Your current tariff name
Check your latest bill or online account to find:
- Your current supplier name
- Your tariff or plan name (e.g., “Home Electric+ 24 Hour”)
- Whether you’re on a discounted rate or standard rate
Not sure? Contact your current supplier - they’re required to tell you.
5. Your bank details
Most of the cheapest deals require Direct Debit payment, so have your bank details to hand, including your:
- IBAN number
- BIC/Swift code
How to make the switch
Use Switcher.ie’s free, impartial comparison tool to compare electricity and gas prices from Ireland’s top energy suppliers.
Simply follow these steps and we’ll guide you through the switch, so it’s easy to start saving on your energy bills.
Step 1: Compare energy prices
Complete our online form, and we will find the cheapest supplier for your needs.
Start by indicating whether you want to compare electricity, gas, or dual fuel.
You’ll need to provide the name of your current supplier and their tariff, as well as your estimated annual usage. You will also need to specify your supply region and payment methods.
Our comparison tool will show you:
Step 2: Choose your new plan
Don’t just pick the cheapest option, read the Plan Info carefully and also check reviews and customer service ratings.
When comparing plans, consider:
- Price: Check the potential savings and estimated annual cost
- Exit fees: Typically €50 per fuel if you leave early, but can be more
- Payment methods: Direct Debit usually gets you the best discount
- Billing: Online billing sometimes offers additional discounts
- Meter type: Make sure the plan matches your meter (standard or smart)
Step 3: Provide your details
Once you’ve chosen your plan, you’ll need to provide some further information. Ensure your details match exactly those on your current energy account.
- Your name and contact details
- Your current address (where the supply is)
- Your MPRN/GPRN
- A current meter reading
- Your bank details
- Information for the special needs register (if required)
Step 4: Your new supplier takes over
Once you’ve completed the online form and authorised the switch.
- Your new supplier confirms your application (usually within 2-3 days)
- They contact your old supplier to arrange the switch
- You don’t need to do anything else, your new supplier handles it all
- You’ll receive updates by email
You won’t need to:
Will there be an interruption to the power supply?
No. All energy suppliers use the same ESB Networks infrastructure and Gas Networks Ireland pipes to deliver energy to your home.
When you switch:
This is guaranteed by CRU regulations - switching suppliers cannot interrupt your supply.
Your switching timeline
The period of time it takes to complete your switch will depend on both suppliers, but here’s a rough guide to timings:
- Day 1: You submit your switch application
- Day 2-3: New supplier confirms and contacts old supplier
- Day 7-10: Switch is being processed
- Day 14: Switch completes (you may get a welcome email)
- Day 15-30: Final bill arrives from old supplier
Total time: Typically 14 days, but may take up to 28 days, depending on your current and new energy supplier.
What happens after you switch?
Both suppliers will be in touch by email, text or letter to update you on progress.
From your new supplier:
- Welcome pack with your new plan details
- Information about setting up your online account
- Details about your Direct Debit collection date
- Your first bill (usually after your first month)
From your old supplier:
- A final bill covering the period up to your switch date
- This will include any remaining balance or credit on your account
- You must pay this final bill to close your account
When should you cancel your old Direct Debit?
After your switch, you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier, which you’ll need to pay to close your account.
Only cancel your DIrect Debit after you’ve paid your final bill from your old supplier, as you may still owe them for energy used up to the switch date.
Do you need to contact your supplier?
No, once your new supplier receives and confirms your application, they’ll handle the switch with your old supplier, so you don’t need to contact them.
The only time you may need to contact your old supplier is:
- To confirm your final bill amount
- To query any charges on your final bill
- To update them about any new bank details (if needed for the final payment)
What if you change your mind after switching?
Under consumer protection laws, you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
If you change your mind during this time:
- Contact your new supplier as soon as possible
- They’ll cancel the switch free of charge
- You’ll stay with your current supplier
After the 14-day cooling-off period, you’ll need to wait until your contract term ends (usually 12 months) or pay an early exit fee to switch again.
When is the best time to switch energy supplier?
The best time to switch is when you’re nearing the end of your discounted plan or, if you’re on a standard plan, as soon as you find a more affordable tariff.
Plans normally last 12 months so set a calendar reminder for 11 months after switching, so you’re ready to compare again before your discount expires.
You should switch if:
Check before you switch if:
Can you switch if you’re in debt to your supplier?
If there are arrears on your account of over €225, your old supplier will notify your new supplier by placing a debt flag on your account.
If this happens, your new supplier may reject your switch or ask you to clear the debt before switching. Some suppliers may accept you, but require a deposit
Try to settle any debt before switching to avoid complications.
What are exit fees?
Exit fees (also called early termination fees) are charges you pay if you leave your energy contract before it ends.
Under Irish regulations, suppliers cannot charge an exit fee if you switch in the final 49 days of your fixed-term contract.
Typical exit fee charges:
- €50 to €100 per fuel (so up to €200 total for dual fuel customers)
- Applied when you leave before your 12-month term is up
- Designed to discourage switching mid-contract
When you don’t pay exit fees:
- Your 12-month contract term has ended
- You’re on a standard (non-discounted) rate
- You’re moving house
- Your supplier significantly increases prices (check your contract terms)
What exit fee does each supplier charge?
| Supplier | Exit fee (single fuel) | Exit fee (dual fuel) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bord Gais Energy | €50-€100 | Up to €200 | |
| Electric Ireland | €50 | €100 | |
| Energia | €100 | €200 | |
| Flogas | €50 | €100 | |
| SSE Airtricity | €50-€100 | Up to €200 | |
| Pinergy | €11.25 pm for remaining term | - | |
| PrepayPower | Meter removal plus other charges | ||
| Yuno Energy | €100 | €200 |
Is it worth paying an exit fee to switch?
It depends on the potential savings you’d make by switching supplier. If your savings outweigh the exit fees, it’s worth considering a switch.
Here’s an example:
- Potential annual saving: €600
- Time left on contract: 6 months
- Exit fee charge: €100
- 6-month saving = €300
- €300 - €100 = €200 net saving
What if your supplier increases prices?
Most energy tariffs in Ireland are ‘variable tariffs’, meaning that fuel prices can rise or fall during the contract.
If your supplier has made a significant price hike, and you’re still in contract, it might work out cheaper to pay the exit fee and switch to a cheaper plan.
If you decide to make the switch, factor the exit fee into any calculations you make when you’re comparing plans.
Who is the cheapest gas and electricity provider?
The cheapest energy supplier changes frequently, so using an energy comparison to find the best gas or electricity deal for your needs makes sense.
The cheapest energy prices often include introductory discounts and may require direct debit and e-billing. These discounts typically last for a fixed period (e.g., 12 months), after which you will revert to the standard rate.
Other factors to take into account are:
- Household usage: The size of your family and/or property
- Type of meter: for instance, whether you have a standard, smart or Nightsaver/Time of Use meter
- Time of use: The time of day you use most energy could mean certain tariffs may be cheaper
Switch and save up to €833 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Switching to a smart meter plan
If you’re thinking of switching to a smart plan, you’ll need a smart meter.
Smart meter plans offer discounted energy at certain times of the day and night, but electricity can be more expensive during ‘peak’ hours.
Consider a smart meter plan if you:
Before switching to a smart tariff
Once you switch to a smart plan, you cannot revert to a standard plan, so review your current energy usage and consider the pros and cons of smart plans and time-of-use tariffs (ToUs) before making the move.
- Monitor your current usage carefully via your smart meter display or mobile app
- Ask your current energy supplier to share any insights, or download your smart meter data from ESB Networks
- Research the different types of smart meter plans available. For example, some time-of-use tariffs are tailored toward EV users, while others offer free energy at weekends or evenings
- Start with a 24-hour smart plan (same rate all day) before committing to a time-of-use tariff
- Use our comparison table to compare discounted smart meter plans
Remember, once you move to a smart plan, you can’t switch back to a standard plan.
It’s important to regularly monitor your smart meter while you’re on a smart plan, to keep track of usage patterns and bill changes.
Switching your supplier when renting
Switching your supplier when you’re in rented accommodation depends on various factors, but it’s possible.
Can you switch as a tenant?
Yes, you can switch if:
No, you won’t be able to switch if:
What if you have a prepayment meter?
It’s more difficult to switch if your landlord has a prepayment meter installed. These protect the landlord against unpaid energy bills or arrears linked to the property, but may result in higher bills for you.
If you don’t want a PAYG meter, talk to your landlord and see if they’ll let you have the prepayment meter removed by the supplier. Please note that a charge may apply for this service.
Read our guide Your guide to Pay As You Go energy in Ireland to learn more about switching suppliers when you have a PAYG meter.
Commonly asked questions about switching
Could I end up paying twice for my energy use?
No, when the switching date is agreed, your old supplier will stop charging you the day your new supplier takes over.
You won’t be billed twice but remember to cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier if you have one set up.
Is there a limit to how many times I can switch?
No, you can change suppliers as often as you like, but your old supplier may charge for cancellation or early termination if you leave during the minimum term.
Will I still get fuel allowance when I switch?
Yes. Your fuel allowance continues when you switch.
What to do:
- Contact the Department of Social Protection
- Update them with your new supplier details
- Your payments continue uninterrupted
What happens to my supply when I move house?
If you’re moving:
- You can close your account with your current supplier free of charge
- Take a final meter reading on moving day
- Set up a new account at your new address
- No exit fees apply because moving house is a “change of tenancy” event
Do I need to be home for the switch?
No. The entire switch happens remotely through systems. Nobody needs to visit your home unless you’re getting a smart meter installed and an engineer needs to access your home.
What if my switch takes longer than 28 days?
Contact your new supplier immediately - switches should complete within 28 days. If there’s an issue, they’ll investigate with your old supplier.
Common delay reasons include:
- Incorrect MPRN/GPRN provided
- Outstanding debt flagged
- Administrative errors
Switch and save up to €833 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
