How to choose the best smart meter plan
Discover the best smart meter plans in Ireland. Learn how time-of-use and dynamic tariffs work, compare suppliers, and cut your electricity bills today.
What is a smart meter plan?
Smart plans are energy tariffs designed especially for homes with smart meters.
They offer discounted energy at certain times of the day and night, rewarding households who can shift their energy use to off-peak periods, when electricity is in less demand.
A typical household using mostly off-peak energy could save up to €587 a year if they switched from a standard, non-smart plan to the cheapest smart tariff on the market.
Although smart tariffs can offer big savings, they could also cost you more if you don’t change your consumption habits.
Once you switch to a smart plan, you can’t revert to a standard plan.
Standard smart plans
Like standard, non-smart tariffs where your rate stays the same all day, except you get the benefit of accurate meter readings and usage insights.
Time-of-Use (ToU) Plans
Different rates are set depending on the time of day. Typically, you’ll pay more during peak hours (like 5–7pm) and less at night.
Dynamic Tariffs
Rate changes in real-time, depending on wholesale demand and supply. You could save if you’re flexible when you use power, especially during times when renewable energy is plentiful.
Standard smart plans
Standard smart plans, also known as 24-hour or flat-rate smart plans, offer a static, unchanging unit-rate throughout the day and night.
The main difference between a standard electricity plan and a standard, non-smart plan includes:
Time-of-Use plans
Whether you’re an EV driver, a night owl or simply looking to cut costs, there could be a Time-of-Use tariff that matches your lifestyle.
For example, choose between:
Dynamic tariffs
Dynamic tariffs reflect real-time, wholesale energy pricing, which means your rate can change hourly based on grid demand.
Though they’re not available in Ireland yet, if you’re tech-savvy, flexible, or use energy mostly during off-peak times, this type of tariff can lead to great savings. Just keep in mind prices can go up too during busy periods.
Dynamic plans can be a good fit if you:
- Have an electric vehicle and charge it overnight
- Work from home and can shift usage outside peak hours
- Want to use more renewable electricity when it’s available
Energy suppliers are legally required to offer customers a Standard Dynamic Price Contract by 1st June, 2026. This was extended from 1st October 2025.
What’s the difference between a variable rate plan and a dynamic tariff?
Though both variable rate plans and dynamic tariffs offer fluctuating unit rates based on market wholesale costs, they are quite different.
Variable rate plans don’t require a smart meter while dynamic tariffs are for smart meter users, so can offer real-time rates that can change by the hour.
While dynamic plans can offer big savings if you’re tech-savvy and can adjust when you use energy, variable plans offer less risk and less effort, but fewer savings opportunities.
Variable electricity plan
Dynamic electricity plan
Switch and save on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Why switch to a smart tariff?
Although over 1.9 million households now have smart meters, only 1 in 10 have switched to a smart plan or made the most of Time-of-Use tariffs.
This could be due to confusion around how smart tariffs work, paying more during peak hours or the inability to revert back to a standard tariff.
But smart meter plans can offer plenty of benefits, including:
- Savings: Shift your usage to off-peak times (like overnight or weekends) and benefit from lower electricity rates.
- Accurate billing: Your smart meter tracks usage every 30 minutes, so you only pay for the electricity you actually use—no more estimated readings.
- Better energy habits: Tracking your consumption makes it easier to spot energy-hungry habits and make cost-saving changes.
- Greener choices: Dynamic plans will reward households for using electricity when more renewable energy is available on the national grid.
Pros and cons of switching to a smart plan
Pros
Cons
When should you consider a smart meter plan?
Consider switching to a smart plan if you have a smart meter installed and can shift your electricity usage to off-peak times, like overnight or weekends.
Smart plans can save you money if:
- You work unusual hours, like night-shifts or late at night
- You’re at home for large parts of the weekend to make the most of cheaper weekend rates
- Own an electric vehicle, solar panels or a solar battery
- Can schedule your appliances - like washing machines and dishwashers - to work late at night
If you’re unsure when you use most of your energy, consider switching to a 24-hour smart plan first to gain further insights. Remember once you switch to a smart energy plan, you can’t revert to a standard, non-smart plan.
Discover how to switch your gas or electricity in our comprehensive guide on switching your supplier and finding a better deal.
How much can you save?
A typical household could save €587 when switching from a standard, non-smart plan to the cheapest smart tariff on the market.
Though energy use differs from home to home, if you can shift your household activities - like laundry or car charging - to off-peak, discounted hours, Time-of-Use plans can offer some of the biggest savings available right now.
Remember, if you don’t shift your energy use to discounted hours, your bill could end up higher than before.
How are average smart plan savings calculated?
Estimated, annual smart plan bills (EABs), and in turn, estimated savings, are calculated using consumption patterns in typical Irish homes across Day, Night and Peak periods.
The data, called standard ‘Smart Load Profiles’, is compiled by ESB Networks, and includes:
Though these are compiled using usage patterns across average homes, exact usage will depend on individual habits.
Which suppliers offer smart energy plans in Ireland?
Most energy suppliers offer smart plans.
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Bord Gáis Energy Offers a Time-of-Use plan, a 24-hour smart plan, discounted or free weekend smart tariffs, as well as Smart Pay as You Go plans.
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Community Power Offers smart plans that support local renewable projects, a good choice for sustainability-conscious households.
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Electric Ireland Offers a ToU plan, 24-hour smart tariffs and EV night-boost deals.
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Energia Offers two EV-specific smart plans with discounts for overnight charging, as well as a ToU smart plan with Day, Peak and Night periods.
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Flogas Offers two main smart plans: a 24-hour smart plan, and a ToU plan with day, night, peak rates.There are added discounts for new customers.
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Pinergy Offers ToU ‘lifestyle’ smart plans with discounted rates at certain times of the day, as well as a Pay as You Go smart plan.
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PrepayPower Smart meter plans for pay-as-you-go customers, with a useful app for usage insights and budgeting.
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SSE Airtricity Offer a range of plans from Day/Night/Peak, Smart EV, Weekends to a 24-hour smart tariff.
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Yuno Energy Offers Day/Night/Peak rates, as well as variable and fixed, single or dual fuel smart plans.
Which smart tariff should you choose?
Choosing the right smart plan can make a real difference to your bill.
From a flat, 24-hour rate, to charging an EV or a solar battery or availing of free weekend energy - each one is designed with a particular household in mind.
| Plan type | Features | Best for | Offered by | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV / Night Boost Plans | Offers very low rates (e.g. 9c/kWh, 3am–5am) | EV owners who charge their vehicle at night, solar battery owners | Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, Energia, SSE Airtricity, Yuno Energy | |
| Weekend Smart Plan | Discounted rates for weekends | Households at home for part of the weekend | Bord Gáis Energy, SSE Airtricity | |
| 24-Hour Smart Plan | Same rate at all times | Those unsure of their usage habits; good for initial insight | Electric Ireland, SSE Airtricity | |
| Smart Day/Night Plan | Two simple time bands: day and night | Shift workers or late-night users | Energia | |
| Smart Pay as You Go | Prepay electricity, with Time-of-Use rates and smart meter benefits | Budget-conscious users who want to track energy usage | Pinergy, PrePay Power | |
| Dynamic Tariffs | Real-time pricing changes by the hour | Users who can shift usage and want to benefit from green energy | None launched yet |
While there’s currently no smart plan explicitly marketed for solar battery owners, customers can use low night rates (e.g. as advertised in EV plans) to charge their home batteries and then use stored energy during peak times.
Switch and save on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Smart plans for electric car owners
If you own an electric vehicle (EV), an EV plan can unlock big savings if you charge you car during nightly off-peak hours.
Some suppliers in Ireland offer EV-friendly smart tariffs with night-boost rates as low as 8 or 9c per kWh (usually between 2am and 5am).
For example, a typical household charging a 62kWh EV battery once a week:
- On a standard, non-smart plan, could spend around €64 a month on charging costs.
- On an EV night boost tariff, could spend just €22 a month on charging costs.
This means an EV plan could save, on average, around €540 year.*
They can also come with mobile apps that let you track your usage and set smart charging schedules.
*Based on Electric Ireland’s standard rate on their EnergySaver 26% plan vs their Home Electric Night Boost tariff, comparing 4 full charges per week. Correct June 2025.
Who offers the best EV plan?
If you’re an EV driver, you’ll want a charge your vehicle for the cheapest rate possible, at a time that suits you.
Five suppliers currently offer smart EV plans in Ireland:
- Bord Gáis Energy EV plan: As well as a night rate, (11pm-8am) further discounts between 2am-5am
- Electric Ireland EV plan: Normal night period and a cheaper night-boost period, between 2am-4am
- Energia EV plan:Offers low charging rates all night, and a night boost window between 2am-6am.
- SSE Airtricity EV plan: Regular night discount, with even lower rates between 2am-5am
- Yuno Energy EV plan: As well as 24-hour smart rate, offers discounted energy between 2am-6am.
Rates change and discounts are introduced regularly, so compare the annual, estimated cost of each plan regularly, and check that your EV charging routine aligns with the discounted night periods..
Smart meter apps Ireland
Most energy suppliers offer apps to help you monitor and manage your electricity usage, which can help you make more informed decisions. They include:
Bord Gais Energy app
The My Bord Gais Energy app allows you to view your energy usage, view and pay your bills and access your rewards program.
Electric Ireland app
Includes appliance-wise energy consumption and hourly energy usage for Smart Price Plan customers.
Energia app
Offers Energy Insights, a tool to view your usage data, set budgets, and see what appliances use the most electricity.
Flogas online
Easily access your most up to date energy usage data and billing information with your online account.
Pinergy app
See energy consumption every 30 minutes, review your daily, weekly and monthly usage, compare against similar homes and get tips to optimise your habits.
SSE Airtricity app
View your recent bills, and monitor daily breakdowns of your electricity usage.
Comparing smart meter plans
As with standard plans, many suppliers offer the biggest discounts to new smart energy customers - so it’s always worth switching to a cheaper deal when your contract ends.
However unlike standard plans, choosing the right smart tariff which aligns with your lifestyle and shifting your usage to off-peak, discounted hours, will provide the biggest savings.
You can compare:
While a supplier may offer a cheaper unit rate, the cost of the standing charge - which is a fixed cost - may be higher and increase the overall, annual bill.
Estimated annual bills and overall savings may be a helpful indicator, but real savings depend on individual habits, which differ from household-to-household.
How to switch to a smart energy plan
Here are some steps to consider if you’re switching to smart plan or Time-of-Use Tariff (ToU) for the first time:
- Monitor usage: monitor your current energy usage to gain insight into your energy consumption, so you can choose the best smart plan for your needs.
- Request insights: ask your current energy supplier to share any insights they can, or download your smart meter data from ESB networks.
- Research plan type: 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 the weekends or evenings.
- Consider a flat-rate: If you’re still unsure, consider switching to a 24-hour smart plan first, which charges the same rates day and night.
- Compare: Before switching, use our comparison tool to compare the cheapest smart meter plans that match your lifestyle.
- Regularly review: It’s important to regularly monitor your electricity usage while you’re on a smart plan, so you understand when you’re using the most energy.
Switch and save on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Can you change back to a standard plan once you’ve switched to smart plan?
Once you switch to a smart plan you can’t revert to a standard plan, due to industry regulations and the fact that your meter’s configuration is changed once you move.
If you’re not happy with your current smart plan, consider switching to 24-hour unit rate, with a single unit rate throughout the day.
Always check if you’re out of contract before moving, so you don’t incur early cancellation fees.
Four ways to shift your energy use and save
Smart plans reward you for using energy outside of peak times. Try these five easy habits to take advantage of cheaper rates and lower your bills.
- Schedule appliances: Set timers or use smart plugs to run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers during off-peak hours.
- Use overnight charging: Charge your EVs, smartphones, tablet, or laptops overnight to take advantage of the cheaper night rates.
- Use appliances sparingly during peak hours: If possible, don’t run energy-hungry appliances during peak hours, and if you have to, run one at a time.
- Set thermostats wisely: Control the temperature of your home and water efficiently, avoiding peak times and utilising off-peak rates.
Smart meter plan FAQs
How to get your energy usage data from ESB?
You can access and download up to two years of your electricity usage data through your ESB Networks online account. Log in, navigate to ‘My Energy Consumption,’ and select ‘Download your smart data.’
Are there smart gas plans?
At the moment, there are only smart meter plans available for electricity customers. You can combine a smart electricity plan with a standard gas plan as part of a dual fuel deal, but only the electricity will be a time-of-use tariff.
Will you end up paying more for a smart plan?
If you can’t adjust your electricity usage to off-peak times, you might not see savings and could potentially pay more, especially during peak hours (typically 5–7pm). It’s important to assess your energy habits before switching.
