For most Irish homeowners, energy costs are one of the largest monthly outgoings—right up there with groceries and mortgage payments.

With the cost of living still weighing heavily on households, many families are looking for practical ways to ease the pressure. One of the simplest yet most overlooked strategies is reviewing your home electricity plan.

Most people sign up for a plan, set up payments, and then forget about it. But energy companies often change their prices, discounts, and offers. The deal you chose two years ago might not be the best one today.

If you take a little time to compare electricity providers and check your usage, you could save hundreds of euros each year—without using less electricity.

Why Review Your Energy Plan?

According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Irish households who switch supplier or plan every year can save on average between €300 and €500 annually. That’s money that could go towards other essentials, or even a well-earned treat.

Yet despite these potential savings, many homeowners don’t switch. Some feel it’s too complicated, others assume all suppliers are the same, and many simply forget to check. In reality, reviewing your plan is easier than ever, and most of the work can be done online in less than an hour.

Ireland is one of Europe’s leaders in the amount we pay for electricity. So it’s even more important that you are regularly reviewing your policy to get the best deal 

Step One: Understand Your Current Usage

Before you can compare, you need to know what you’re paying for. Check your most recent bill and make note of:

• Unit rate (cents per kWh): This is what you pay for each unit of electricity consumed.

• Standing charge: A daily or monthly fee for maintaining your supply, regardless of usage.

• Discounts or contract terms: Some suppliers offer discounts for the first 12 months, or lower rates if you pay by direct debit or choose e-billing.
  

Armed with this information, you can more accurately compare like-for-like when reviewing other plans.

Step Two: Compare Available Plans

Ireland has a competitive energy market, with more than a dozen suppliers offering home electricity plans. The CRU encourages households to use accredited comparison websites to check the latest offers.

When reviewing plans, pay attention to:

• Introductory discounts: Some plans look very cheap at first, but the discount expires after 12 months. Make a note of what the standard rate will be.

• Contract length and exit fees: Many plans last one year, but some are longer. If you decide to switch early, you may face a fee.

• Green energy options: If sustainability is important to you, look for suppliers offering 100% renewable electricity.

• Dual-fuel bundles: If you use gas as well as electricity, combining both with one supplier can sometimes lead to extra savings.
  

Step Three: Consider How You Use Energy

Not all households use electricity in the same way. A young family with a busy household will have different needs to a retired couple who spend more time at home. Think about:

• Day vs. night usage: If you use appliances like dishwashers or washing machines overnight, a day/night meter and a tariff with cheaper night rates could work in your favour.

• Smart meters: These are being rolled out across Ireland and allow for more flexible pricing plans. Some suppliers offer smart tariffs that can reward off-peak usage.

• Heating: If your home uses electric heating, your electricity usage will be much higher, so even small differences in unit rates could have a big impact.
  

By matching your plan to your lifestyle, you’ll ensure you’re not paying more than you need to.

Step Four: Make the Switch

Once you’ve chosen a new plan, switching is straightforward. Your new supplier handles the process, and your electricity supply won’t be interrupted. All you need is a recent meter reading, your account details, and your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), which you’ll find on your bill.

It’s worth setting a reminder to review your plan every 12 months, as many of the best discounts are time-limited. That way, you’ll always stay on the most competitive rate available.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Bills Down

While switching suppliers is the most effective way to cut your bills, combining this with good energy habits will maximise your savings:

• Switch off standby: Devices left on standby can account for up to 10% of household electricity use.

• Upgrade to LED bulbs: They use 80% less energy and last longer.

• Check your appliances: Old fridges, freezers, or tumble dryers can be energy guzzlers. Consider upgrading to A-rated models when it’s time to replace.

• Insulate your home: SEAI grants are available to help cover the cost of insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. Improved efficiency means you use less energy overall.
  

The Bottom Line

Homeowners across Ireland are facing higher household costs, but electricity bills are one area where you can take back control. By reviewing your current plan, comparing what’s on the market, and switching where necessary, you can ensure you’re not paying over the odds.

If you haven’t checked your electricity plan in the last 12 months, there’s a very good chance you could save money right now. A quick review could be one of the easiest ways to reduce your household expenses this year, keeping more money in your pocket without compromising your comfort at home.