COVID-19 Update - you can still switch your energy supplier.
Switching to a new gas and electricity deal is quick and easy, and could save you hundreds of euro. Here’s how to find a cheaper energy supplier and start saving.
If you haven’t changed your energy provider in over a year, you will likely save money by doing so.
Most gas and electricity suppliers offer big discounts to new customers for the first 12 months only.
When this discount period ends, you’ll be paying the standard rate, which is usually much higher than the discounted rate you’ll pay on a new tariff.
Switching is easy and offers savings of up to €477 for a typical dual fuel customer switching from a standard tariff to the cheapest deals on the market.
It depends how closely your usage matches with the average Irish household. You can find out more in our guide: What is the average gas and electricity bill in Ireland?
The average dual fuel customer can save up to €477 by switching, but larger households with bigger energy usage could save even more.
On top of discounts, some suppliers also offer other incentives to new customers, such as:
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Switcher.ie can help you compare electricity and gas prices with the top energy suppliers in Ireland with our easy to use comparison tool.
We guide you through the process so it’s easy to start saving on your energy bills:
To compare deals that are right for you and change supplier, you’ll need:
The GPRN and MPRN help energy providers identify your property. You can find these numbers on your bills.
Once you’re out of your contract’s ‘minimum term’ which is normally 12 months, you’re free to switch energy providers without penalty.
However, if you leave your contract before the agreed term is up, you’ll be charged an early exit fee.
Most energy suppliers charge an early exit fee of €50 per fuel, so you’ll end up paying €100 if you’re a dual fuel customer and you break your contract and leave early.
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If you switched more than 12 months ago, it’s likely you’ll have reverted to the standard rate by now.
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 energy provider to find out.
Gas and electricity suppliers should provide you with 30 days’ notice before their discount ends, as well as an annual prompt if you’ve been on the same tariff for three years or more.
If you get either of these notifications, you should think about switching your tariff as soon as possible.
The seven steps below walk you through how to compare suppliers and plans, choose a plan, and switch to a new supplier.
The online application form is really straightforward and switching is quick and easy using Switcher.ie’s free, impartial gas and electricity comparison tool.
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.
Yes, under consumer protection laws you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period.
You’ll need to contact your new supplier if you change your mind during this period and you can cancel the switch free of charge.
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.
You should receive a welcome pack and price plan information from your new supplier. They will also be in touch by email to keep you informed of progress.
After your switch, you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier, which you’ll need to pay to close your account.
Once this is done, you can cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier.
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.
No, all energy suppliers use the same network and pipes to provide energy to your home, so you won’t have any interruption in supply.
Apart from the company that bills you being changed (and a smaller bill), nothing else will change and there won’t be any interruption in supply.
No, when the switching date is agreed, your old supplier will stop charging you on that day and your new supplier will take over.
You will not be billed twice, just remember to cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier if you pay that way.
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving