Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity are two of the three biggest electricity suppliers in Ireland, between them serving the majority of Irish households. If you are trying to choose between them — or work out if switching from one to the other makes financial sense — this comparison covers price, tariffs, green energy, and service.
Quick Answer: Which Is Cheaper?
The answer changes as both suppliers update their tariffs regularly. At any given point, the cheapest option depends on your annual kWh usage and which new customer discount each supplier is currently offering.
The most reliable way to compare them right now:
How to Read the Comparison
Both suppliers have the same cost structure:
Unit rate (c/kWh) × annual kWh = energy cost
Standing charge (c/day) × 365 = fixed annual cost
Subtract new customer discount % from total
GoSwitch calculates this for your specific usage automatically. The summary below reflects their general market positioning.
Head-to-Head: Key Metrics
| | Electric Ireland | SSE Airtricity | |--|-----------------|----------------| | Market share | ~40% (largest supplier) | ~20% | | New customer discount | Typically 20–30% | Typically 20–30% | | Green tariff | Available | Available | | Smart meter tariff | Yes (NightSaver) | Yes | | Dual fuel | Yes | Yes | | Dual fuel discount | Available | Available | | Online account | App and web | App and web |
Pricing: The Reality
Over many years of Irish energy market data, Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity have alternated in terms of headline price. Neither is consistently cheaper — their rates track each other closely and both respond to the same wholesale energy cost movements.
What typically differentiates them at any point in time:
- Current new customer discount percentage — whoever is offering the higher discount is cheaper for new customers
- Standing charge — can vary by a few cents/day, which adds up to €15–€40/year
- Smart tariff night rate — different overnight rates for EV and heat pump owners
For the current live comparison, use the tool above. Historical price data is available at GoSwitch's price history section.
Green Energy: SSE Airtricity Has a Stronger History
Both suppliers offer green energy tariff options. SSE Airtricity has historically marketed renewable energy more prominently and has invested heavily in Irish wind generation through the SSE Renewables business. Electric Ireland also offers a green tariff, typically backed by renewable certificates.
If green credentials are a significant factor for you, Community Power — a renewable energy co-operative — is also worth comparing. They source directly from Irish wind and solar farms and are often competitive on price.
See our guide to best green electricity tariffs in Ireland for a full comparison.
Smart Tariffs: Night Rate Comparison
Both Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity offer time-of-use tariffs for households with ESB Networks smart meters. The exact night rate varies and changes with each tariff revision.
For EV owners, heat pump users, or households that shift usage overnight, the night unit rate is the critical number. A 2c/kWh difference in the night rate costs approximately €60–€80/year more for a household charging an EV at home.
GoSwitch's smart meter calculator shows the estimated saving from moving to a night-rate tariff based on your usage profile.
Customer Service Comparison
Customer service quality for both suppliers is broadly similar — both operate call centres, online chat, and web portals. Both receive a mix of positive and negative reviews, with complaints typically relating to billing disputes and long wait times during busy periods.
Neither has a significant service advantage over the other. For most customers, the annual cost difference (potentially €100–€300/year) is a more practical differentiator than service quality.
Which Should You Choose?
- Run a comparison with your actual annual kWh at GoSwitch
- Whichever is cheaper right now wins — the discount structures are similar enough that 5–15% price differences at specific points in time drive the decision
- If prices are within €50/year, factor in green credentials, smart tariff rates, and dual fuel discount
- Never pick based on brand loyalty — both suppliers raise standard rates after the new customer discount expires; switching regularly is the only way to stay on a good deal
The comparison also includes all other Irish suppliers. Sometimes Community Power, Pinergy, or Energia offer a materially cheaper rate than either Electric Ireland or SSE Airtricity.