What your smart meter upgrade means for you
The ESB smart meter rollout is taking place across Ireland now, so whether you’re a homeowner or a business, you’ll get your new smart meter free of charge soon. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a smart meter?
It’s a device that measures how much electricity you use.
Smart meters differ from traditional meters because they use digital technology and give you real-time accurate information on your energy usage throughout the day.
Once you have a smart meter, you won’t need to submit readings or have someone read your meter, and you’ll no longer get estimated meter readings.
How does smart metering work?
Smart meters contain a wireless transmitter, allowing you to see how much electricity you use and when it’s used. Your smart meter will collect data on your electricity use every 30 minutes.
This information is also relayed to ESB Networks, who build and manage the networks, and your electricity supplier.
For now, smart meters are being rolled out in Ireland for electricity only. Your gas meter will continue to function as usual and you should continue to provide your gas meter readings regularly.
Are smart meters safe?
Yes. The ESB states your smart meter will be safe and will comply with all necessary requirements and international standards.
Smart meters use similar technology to your mobile phone. Health authorities globally, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have assessed the scientific evidence and there are no established health effects.
Why are homes getting switched to smart meters?
Smart meters have several advantages for homeowners, energy suppliers, and the environment.
Here are some of the things your smart meter will do:
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What are the pros and cons of smart meters?
Smart meters can help reduce your energy bills and give more insight into your energy usage. However, smart meter installation also has some disadvantages.
Pros
Cons
Smart meter plans
Smart meter plans were introduced with the roll out of smart meters.
They typically offer different prices for electricity at different times of the day, or week. These are referred to as Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs.
A standard smart tariff typically consists of three periods charged at separate rates. For example:
- The ‘day’ period is from 8am to 11pm (but excludes ‘peak’)
- The ‘peak’ period is from 5pm to 7pm
- The ‘night’ period is from 11pm to 8am
Other examples of smart tariffs include:
Do smart tariffs cost more?
If you are on a Time-of-Use tariff, you are charged more for using electricity at peak times, so if you don’t change your habits, you could also end up paying more for your energy.
The payoff for customers is that those who use the night rate – from 11pm until 8am - can receive a discount compared to the regular tariff.
Customers with electric vehicles will also typically pay less to charge their cars during off-peak, or ‘night boost’ hours.
How many households have a smart plan?
As of September 2024, ESB Networks had installed over 1.8 million smart meters in Ireland, and around 1 in 10 smart meter customers are currently on a smart plan.
As mentioned, Time-of-Use tariffs can mean higher rates during peak hours, so it’s important to find one that suits your habits, or you could end up paying more for your energy each year.
But you can take steps to help you choose the right plan.
How do you choose the right smart tariff?
The right smart plan for you depends on your energy consumption habits.
If you’re cautious about signing up for a smart tariff, you can:
- Ask your supplier to share insights into your energy usage before you move so you can choose a plan that matches your habits.
- Sign up for a 24 hour smart plan, which charges the same rates day and night. If you use energy throughout the day it could be a good option to start with.
It’s important to regularly monitor your electricity usage while on a smart plan to understand when you’re using the most energy.
Remember, you can’t switch back to a standard plan once you move.
How to read your smart meter
- Default display 1. Shows the cumulative kWh reading for a 24-hour period 2. Current time-of-use tariff (i.e T1, T2, T3) day, night and peak 3. Meter connection status
- Date/Time display: You can select the time/date screen by pressing the left button.
- Cumulative kWh display: You can toggle between the total kWh used for time-of-use tariffs (T1, T2, T3) - day, night and peak - to see your energy usage patterns.
- Other options: By pressing the left push button, you can scroll through a number of displays before returning to the default, cumulative display.
Smart meter apps Ireland
Although many suppliers don’t have specific apps for smart meters, when you sign up to a smart plan you can receive insights into your energy usage by logging onto your online account.
Some apps give you access to your own electricity usage charts, which appliances are using the most power, and projected energy use.
When are smart meters coming to your area?
As part of the National Climate Action Plan, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has tasked ESB Networks with the rollout of the National Smart Metering Programme for all of Ireland.
It’s a phased rollout, with 2.4 million homes planned to be installed with a smart meter by the end of 2024
ESB Networks will be in contact when they reach your area, to let you know when your meter will be upgraded and whether you need to be present.
Do you have to get a smart meter installed?
No, smart meters are not compulsory. If you’d prefer not to have a smart meter you can refuse, although you’d miss out on all the benefits they offer.
To opt out of getting a smart meter, you need to contact the ESB Network and provide your MPRN .
How do you get a smart meter if you don’t have one?
You can apply to ESB Networks or contact your electricity supplier for an early installation. You’ll need your 11-digit MPRN number to hand which can be found on your electricity supply bill.
The replacement work will be carried out by either an ESB Networks technician or an electrical contractor working on behalf of ESB. All installers will carry a photo ID badge to identify themselves.
What about day/night meters?
If you have a day/night meter, it will be replaced by a smart day/night meter; while 24-hour 3 phase meters will be replaced with smart, 24-hour meters.
Will you have to pay for your smart meter upgrade?
No, all smart meter installations are free of charge.
If you’re looking for other ways to save money on your energy bills, we have a number of useful guides to help you cut your energy costs. See our Top energy savings tips for ways to use less energy in the home.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, our guide What help can you get paying your energy bills? provides helpful advice.
You may also want to try our free energy comparison tool to see if you could make savings by switching your supplier.
Switch and save up to €791 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
