Electric Ireland is Ireland's largest energy supplier, with over a million residential customers. As the retail arm of ESB (Electricity Supply Board), they have historically been the default supplier for Irish households — particularly those who have never switched. This review looks at their 2026 tariff offering honestly: where they are competitive, where they fall short, and whether staying with them (or switching to them) makes financial sense.
Electric Ireland at a Glance
| Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | Fuel types | Electricity, gas, dual fuel | | Market position | Largest supplier — ~40% market share | | Green tariffs | Yes | | Smart meter tariffs | Yes — night rate and time-of-use | | New customer discount | Typically 20–30% (varies by tariff) | | Dual fuel discount | Available | | Parent company | ESB (state-owned) |
The "Default Supplier" Problem
Electric Ireland is Ireland's default supplier because ESB built and operates the national electricity grid. When deregulation opened the market, many households simply never switched. The result is that a large proportion of Electric Ireland's customer base is on their standard rate — typically one of the more expensive options in the market once the new customer discount has expired.
If you have been with Electric Ireland for more than 12 months without switching, there is a high probability you are paying their standard tariff. This is often 20–35% above the cheapest deal currently available. The GoSwitch Energy Index tracks the current average market rate — use it to gauge how your bill compares.
Current Tariffs (2026)
Electric Ireland offers several residential electricity tariffs including a standard plan, a home electric (night saver) plan, a smart tariff for smart meter customers, and a green energy option.
Their gas tariffs cover standard residential supply, and dual fuel deals are available with a discount for taking both from Electric Ireland.
To see their current live unit rate and how it ranks against all other suppliers:
Night Saver / Smart Meter Tariffs
Electric Ireland's night saver tariff has been available for decades and remains one of the better-known time-of-use options in the market. With a smart meter (installed free by ESB Networks), you can access their newer time-of-use tariffs which offer a lower rate overnight and a higher rate during peak hours.
Night-rate tariffs are most beneficial if you:
- Charge an EV overnight
- Run appliances after 11pm
- Have a heat pump or storage heater on a timer
For standard households without flexible usage, the overnight saving may not outweigh the higher daytime rate.
Is Electric Ireland Competitive on Price?
Electric Ireland's pricing sits in the middle of the Irish market. They are rarely the cheapest option for new customers — smaller suppliers like Pinergy and Community Power sometimes undercut them significantly — but they are generally within range.
The key issue is what happens after the first 12 months. Electric Ireland's standard tariff (the one you move to when your discount expires) tends to be among the higher rates in the market. Households that stay passively and do not re-switch are effectively paying a loyalty penalty.
The comparison to do right now:
- Note your current annual kWh (from your bill or ESB smart meter app)
- Run a comparison with that figure
- If Electric Ireland is more than €100 above the cheapest option, it is worth switching
Reliability and Customer Service
As the largest and oldest supplier, Electric Ireland has an extensive customer service operation. Phone and online support is generally available, though wait times can be long during billing query peaks.
One genuine advantage: because ESB built and operates the national grid, Electric Ireland's billing tends to be well-integrated with meter read data. Smart meter customers report fewer estimated billing issues than with some smaller suppliers.
Should You Switch Away From Electric Ireland?
Stay if:
- You are in the first 12 months of a new customer discount and they are currently among the cheapest options
- Their night-rate tariff genuinely suits your usage pattern
- You value the stability of a large, state-backed supplier
Switch if:
- Your new customer discount has expired and you haven't re-evaluated
- You are on their standard tariff and haven't switched in over 12 months
- The comparison tool shows another supplier is more than €80/year cheaper for your usage
Switching From Electric Ireland
Switching from Electric Ireland to another supplier is straightforward and does not affect your supply. ESB Networks (separate from Electric Ireland) continues to maintain your electricity connection.
- Compare tariffs with your annual kWh
- Choose the cheaper supplier and apply online (10–15 minutes)
- Your new supplier notifies Electric Ireland — you do not need to call them
- Switch completes in about 21 days
- Your final Electric Ireland bill arrives within 6–8 weeks; keep your final meter reading
The most common mistake is waiting too long after your discount expires. Set a 12-month reminder from your last switch date.