Compare Energy Prices Ireland: Save €641 a Year
Few things sting quite like opening an energy bill and wondering if you could be paying less. In Ireland, the answer is often yes—and comparing suppliers is the quickest way to find out. With Switcher.ie (independent price comparison site) reporting average annual savings of €641, a few clicks could put real money back in your pocket. Here are the rates, fees, and tools that make switching work.
Average electricity unit rate: 34.63 cents per kWh ·
Average gas unit rate: 10.25 to 11.26 cents per kWh ·
Average annual savings from switching: €641 ·
Number of major comparison sites: 5 ·
Typical electricity standing charge (per day): €0.30 to €0.60
Quick snapshot
- Save up to €641 per year (Switcher.ie)
- Avoid overpaying on default tariffs (CRU (Irish energy regulator))
- Take advantage of new supplier offers (Bonkers.ie)
- Use a comparison site like Switcher.ie or Bonkers.ie (price comparison portal)
- Enter your annual usage or recent bill details (Citizens Information (government consumer advice))
- Compare unit rates, standing charges, and discounts (CRU)
- No interruption to supply (CRU)
- Free switching process (CRU)
- Potential savings within weeks (Switcher.ie)
- Early exit fees on fixed tariffs (CRU)
- Variable tariffs can increase (CRU)
- Some suppliers require a credit check (Citizens Information)
Five key facts frame the Irish energy market right now.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average electricity unit rate | 34.63 cents per kWh (Bonkers.ie) |
| Average gas unit rate | 10.25 to 11.26 cents per kWh (Bonkers.ie) |
| Average annual savings from switching | €641 (Switcher.ie) |
| Number of active comparison sites | 5 major sites (CRU) |
| Typical standing charge per day (electricity) | €0.30 to €0.60 (CRU) |
Who is the cheapest energy supplier in Ireland?
Current cheapest electricity supplier in Ireland
According to Switcher.ie (independent comparison site), as of July 2026, Yuno Energy tops the list with an estimated annual cost of €1,465 for a 1-year variable plan paid by card and eBill. Switcher.ie also lists SSE Airtricity at €1,492, Energia at €1,538, Bord Gáis Energy at €1,556, and Waterpower at €1,585.
But rankings shift when you look at unit rates alone. KovaCor (energy price tracker) shows SSE Airtricity at 30.85c/kWh in its May 2026 snapshot—the lowest unit rate—while Yuno Energy comes in at 31.33c/kWh. The catch: Yuno’s annual urban standing charge is €201.12, versus Flogas at €252.65 and Energia at €265.01.
How to find the cheapest supplier for your usage
The cheapest supplier depends heavily on your household consumption and payment method. Bonkers.ie (price comparison portal) and Money Guide Ireland (personal finance resource) both let you input your usage to get a personalised list. Money Guide Ireland’s May 2026 table for 4,200 kWh annual usage puts Electric Ireland cheapest at €1,729, then Yuno at €1,774, Flogas at €1,960, SSE Airtricity at €2,010, and Bord Gáis at €2,011.
The supplier with the lowest headline unit rate may not be cheapest once standing charges and discounts are factored in. Always compare the total annual cost for your specific profile.
Bottom line: No single supplier wins for every household. The best deal depends on your usage, location, and payment preference.
The implication: personalising your comparison is essential to avoid leaving money on the table.
For a quick reference, here is the latest annual cost comparison for a typical 4,200 kWh user, based on Money Guide Ireland (May 2026):
| Supplier | Unit Rate (c/kWh) | Standing Charge (€/yr) | Estimated Annual Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Ireland | 34.08 | 250.77 | 1,729 |
| Yuno Energy | 31.33 | 201.12 | 1,774 |
| Flogas | 31.72 | 252.65 | 1,960 |
| SSE Airtricity | 30.85 | 252.65 | 2,010 |
| Bord Gáis Energy | 34.01 | 244.76 | 2,011 |
| Energia | 33.01 | 265.01 | 2,075 |
Which is the best energy price comparison site?
Switcher.ie overview
Switcher.ie (independent comparison site) is one of Ireland’s most-used platforms, showing live tariff tables for electricity and gas. It lists standard and discount plans with annual cost estimates. Its data is updated regularly.
Bonkers.ie overview
Bonkers.ie (price comparison portal) compares gas and electricity side by side, and also covers broadband, insurance, and banking. It publishes average unit rates for the whole market: 34.63c/kWh for electricity and 10.25–11.26c/kWh for gas.
Power to Switch overview
Power to Switch (government-backed service) is run by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). It provides a free, impartial tool that helps you compare regulated and non-regulated tariffs.
Kilowatt.ie overview
Kilowatt.ie (transparent price site) offers a straightforward comparison of electricity unit rates and standing charges from multiple suppliers.
EnergyPal.ie overview
EnergyPal.ie (smart meter comparison tool) uses your smart meter data to recommend the cheapest tariff for your actual consumption pattern.
The pattern: each site has a strength—Switcher and Bonkers for breadth, Power to Switch for regulatory backing, Kilowatt for simplicity, and EnergyPal for personalisation. For most households, using two or three sites guarantees a complete picture.
“The key is to compare total annual cost, not just the unit rate. Standing charges can completely change the ranking.”
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (Irish energy regulator)
Bottom line: No single comparison site covers every tariff. Running your details through at least two platforms ensures you don’t miss a better deal.
Who is the most expensive energy supplier in Ireland?
Suppliers with highest unit rates
In the KovaCor (energy tracker) May 2026 table, the highest unit rates belong to PrePayPower at 49.09c/kWh and Pinergy at 46.62c/kWh. EcoPower sits at 35.53c/kWh, and Electric Ireland at 34.08c/kWh.
Suppliers with high standing charges
Standing charges also push up total bills. PrePayPower charges €315.25 per year urban, Pinergy €260.06, and Energia €265.01. Even a low unit rate can be offset by a hefty daily standing charge.
PrePayPower customers on prepayment meters typically pay the highest combined costs—both high unit rates and the highest standing charge. If you can switch to credit billing, the savings are substantial.
“The biggest savings often come from leaving a standard variable tariff, not from finding the absolute cheapest supplier.”
Switcher.ie (independent price comparison site)
Is Airtricity cheaper than Bord Gais?
Airtricity vs Bord Gais electricity rates
According to Money Guide Ireland (finance resource), for 4,200 kWh annual usage, SSE Airtricity works out at €2,010 and Bord Gáis Energy at €2,011—virtually identical. Switcher.ie shows a wider gap: Airtricity at €1,492 versus Bord Gáis at €1,556 for 1-year discount plans.
Customer service and additional fees
Both suppliers offer discounts for online billing, direct debit, and dual-fuel bundles. Airtricity’s 30% discount can beat Bord Gáis’s 26% discount, but the final price depends on the tariff period and payment method.
The implication: the gap is narrow. For most households, the difference is €10–60 per year. The better choice often comes down to which discount structure suits your payment habits.
Which energy supplier has the lowest rates?
Lowest electricity unit rates
From the KovaCor (tracker) snapshot, the lowest unit rate is SSE Airtricity at 30.85c/kWh, followed by Yuno Energy at 31.33c/kWh, Flogas at 31.72c/kWh, and Energia at 33.01c/kWh.
Lowest standing charges
Yuno Energy charges €201.12 per year urban—the lowest standing charge tracked by KovaCor. Flogas charges €252.65, Bord Gáis €244.76, and Electric Ireland €250.77.
The catch: your personal consumption and payment method will tilt the scale toward one supplier.
Upsides
- Free and quick switching process
- No interruption to electricity supply
- Potential annual savings of €600+
- Independent comparison tools make it easy
Downsides
- Early exit fees on fixed tariffs
- Variable tariffs can rise without notice
- Some suppliers require a credit check
- Standing charges vary by region and can erode savings
How to switch energy suppliers in Ireland (step by step)
- Gather your current bill – you need your annual consumption (kWh) and your current supplier name. Citizens Information (government consumer advice) recommends having a recent bill handy.
- Visit a comparison site – go to Switcher.ie or Bonkers.ie and enter your usage. The tool will show tailored options.
- Compare total annual cost – look at unit rate + standing charge + discounts. SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) advises checking the “estimated annual bill” figure.
- Choose a tariff – decide between a fixed tariff (price lock for 1–2 years) or a variable tariff (flexible but can change).
- Switch online – the comparison site or new supplier handles the rest. Your supply is never cut.
- Confirm and wait – the switch takes 2–6 weeks. CRU (Irish energy regulator) states the process is free and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
The catch: if you’re on a fixed tariff and switch early, you may face a cancellation fee around €50–€75. Always check the terms before signing.
What we know and what’s unclear about energy prices in Ireland
Confirmed facts
- Average electricity unit rate in Ireland is 34.63c/kWh (Bonkers.ie)
- Average gas unit rate is 10.25–11.26c/kWh (Bonkers.ie)
- Switching can save up to €641 per year (Switcher.ie)
- Yuno Energy is the cheapest on Switcher.ie at €1,465 per year as of July 2026 (Switcher.ie)
- Standing charges range from €0.30 to €0.60 per day
What’s unclear
- Which supplier is the absolute cheapest for every household – it depends on usage, location, and payment method
- Exact tariff rates beyond the July 2026 snapshot – suppliers can update prices quarterly
- How much standing charges vary by region – the CRU sets maximums but actual charges differ by supplier
- Whether promotional discounts available now will still be offered next quarter
- How KovaCor’s unit rate data compares with the estimates from comparison sites – methodology differences may affect rankings
“Comparing prices every 12 months should be a habit. Loyalty rarely pays in the Irish energy market.”
Money Guide Ireland (personal finance resource)
“We see customers overpaying by hundreds of euros simply because they haven’t switched in years.”
For Irish households, the choice is clear: compare energy prices at least once a year, use a combination of comparison sites, and always factor in standing charges and discounts. The cost of doing nothing is an average of €641 in missed savings—money that could stay in your pocket with a 15-minute online switch.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it free to switch energy suppliers in Ireland?
Yes, the switch itself is free. However, if you are on a fixed-term contract and switch early, your old supplier may charge an early exit fee. CRU (energy regulator) confirms no penalty from the new supplier for the switch.
Do I need a smart meter to compare energy prices?
No. You can compare using your annual consumption in kWh from a recent bill. A smart meter helps with more accurate personalised quotes.
Can I switch if I’m in debt with my current supplier?
Yes, but the debt remains with your old supplier. You must continue to repay the debt separately. Citizens Information (government advice) advises clearing the debt quickly to avoid disconnection risk.
How long does the switching process take?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks. Your supply is never interrupted. You have a 14-day cooling-off period after signing a new contract.
What happens to my current contract when I switch?
Your existing contract is terminated. If you are still in a fixed-term period, an early exit fee may apply. If you are on a variable tariff, there is normally no penalty.
Are there cancellation fees for switching?
Some suppliers charge early exit fees for fixed tariffs (typically €50–€75). Variable tariffs usually have no fees. Check the terms before requesting the switch.
How do I compare if I have a prepayment meter?
Use comparison sites that include prepayment tariffs, or contact suppliers directly. PrePayment Power is a common prepayment provider but often has higher rates and standing charges.
What is the best time of year to switch energy suppliers?
There is no single best time. Prices change throughout the year. It is recommended to compare at least once every 12 months, regardless of season. Some suppliers launch special summer or winter offers.
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