SSE Airtricity is one of Ireland's three dominant energy suppliers, alongside Electric Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy. Part of the SSE Group (originally Scottish and Southern Energy), Airtricity has operated in the Irish market since the early 2000s and has built a reputation for competitive pricing and strong green energy credentials. This review covers their current tariff offering, how they compare on price, and whether they are worth switching to in 2026.
SSE Airtricity at a Glance
| Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | Fuel types | Electricity, gas, dual fuel | | Green tariffs | Yes — 100% renewable electricity options | | Smart meter tariffs | Yes — night rate and time-of-use | | Online account management | Yes — app and web portal | | New customer discount | Typically 20–30% (varies by tariff) | | Dual fuel discount | Available |
Current Tariffs (2026)
SSE Airtricity offers several electricity tariff tiers, including their standard residential tariff, a green option, and a smart meter night-rate tariff. They also supply residential gas in most parts of Ireland.
How to check the current rate: Tariff rates change regularly. Use the GoSwitch comparison tool to see SSE Airtricity's live unit rate, standing charge, and annual cost ranked against all other suppliers.
New Customer Discounts
Like all Irish energy suppliers, SSE Airtricity competes heavily for new customers. Their new customer discount is typically applied as a percentage off the unit rate for the first 12 months. After the discount period ends, your tariff automatically reverts to their standard rate — which is why GoSwitch always recommends reviewing your tariff around the 11-month mark.
Green Credentials
SSE Airtricity was one of the first Irish suppliers to offer renewable electricity, and it remains a strong differentiator. Their eco tariffs are backed by electricity sourced from wind and hydro generation — some of it from Irish wind farms.
If green energy matters to you, SSE Airtricity and Community Power are both worth comparing. Community Power is a not-for-profit renewable co-operative, while SSE Airtricity is a large commercial supplier — your preference for corporate versus co-operative may inform the choice.
Smart Meter Tariffs
SSE Airtricity offers time-of-use tariffs for households with an ESB Networks smart meter. Their night-rate option provides a reduced unit rate during overnight hours (typically 11pm to 8am or 11pm to 9am), which can generate significant savings for:
- Electric vehicle owners who charge overnight
- Households with storage heaters, heat pumps, or immersion heaters on timers
- Anyone who runs dishwashers or washing machines late at night
See our guide to night-rate electricity in Ireland to work out if a smart tariff would save you money.
Customer Service
SSE Airtricity operates a customer service phone line and online chat, with an average response time that is generally competitive with other major suppliers. As with all large Irish energy suppliers, customer experience varies — billing queries during busy periods can take longer to resolve.
Common feedback themes from customers include satisfaction with billing transparency and frustration with hold times during peak periods. If fast telephone support is your priority, it is worth checking recent Trustpilot and Google reviews before switching.
Dual Fuel
SSE Airtricity supplies both electricity and gas, and offers a dual fuel discount for customers who take both. This additional discount (typically 5–10%) is worth factoring in if you currently have separate electricity and gas suppliers.
How SSE Airtricity Compares on Price
Price competitiveness varies month to month as all suppliers adjust rates. In general, SSE Airtricity sits in the middle of the Irish market — neither the cheapest nor the most expensive — and tends to be competitive when their new customer discount is applied.
For the most current comparison:
Is SSE Airtricity Worth Switching To?
Switch to SSE Airtricity if:
- Their current new customer discount makes them the cheapest or near-cheapest option for your usage
- You want a green electricity tariff from a large, established supplier
- You have a smart meter and their night-rate tariff suits your usage pattern
- You want a dual fuel deal with a single supplier
Consider alternatives if:
- A smaller supplier like Community Power or Pinergy offers a lower rate for your usage
- You prioritise co-operative or community ownership over commercial supply
- Their current rate is more than €50–€100 above the cheapest option on GoSwitch
The single most important factor in any switch decision is the annual cost for your specific usage. Use the comparison tool to enter your kWh and see where SSE Airtricity currently ranks.
How to Switch to SSE Airtricity
- Compare current tariffs and confirm SSE Airtricity is among the cheapest options for you
- Click through to their website and complete the online application (takes 10–15 minutes)
- Your current supplier is automatically notified — you do not need to contact them separately
- The switch completes within 21 days; your supply is never interrupted
- Set a reminder for 11 months from your switch date to review again