Last updated: January 2026
Looking for the cheapest electricity in Ireland? Prices change frequently as suppliers adjust rates and offers. This guide shows you the current cheapest options and helps you find the best deal for your usage level.
Cheapest Electricity Suppliers Right Now
Based on an average household usage of 4,200 kWh per year on a standard 24-hour urban meter:
| Rank | Supplier | Estimated Annual Bill | Savings vs Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuno Energy | €1,289 | €285 |
| 2 | Flogas | €1,327 | €247 |
| 3 | Bord Gáis Energy | €1,345 | €229 |
| 4 | SSE Airtricity | €1,362 | €212 |
| 5 | Energia | €1,378 | €196 |
| 6 | Electric Ireland | €1,395 | €179 |
| 7 | Community Power | €1,420 | €154 |
| 8 | Pinergy | €1,485 | €89 |
| 9 | PrePayPower | €1,580 | -€6 |
Prices include all discounts, cashback, standing charges, PSO levy, and VAT. Based on new customer rates.
The average standard rate across all suppliers is approximately €1,574 per year. Switching to the cheapest deal could save you nearly €300.
Current Best Deals by Usage Level
The cheapest supplier varies depending on how much electricity you use:
Low Usage (2,500 kWh/year)
Typical for: Single person, apartment, minimal heating
| Supplier | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Yuno Energy | €890 |
| Flogas | €920 |
| SSE Airtricity | €945 |
Average Usage (4,200 kWh/year)
Typical for: Couple or small family, average house
| Supplier | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Yuno Energy | €1,289 |
| Flogas | €1,327 |
| Bord Gáis Energy | €1,345 |
High Usage (6,000 kWh/year)
Typical for: Large family, electric heating, home office
| Supplier | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Yuno Energy | €1,720 |
| Flogas | €1,785 |
| Bord Gáis Energy | €1,815 |
Very High Usage (8,000 kWh/year)
Typical for: Large house, electric heating, EV charging
| Supplier | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Yuno Energy | €2,180 |
| Flogas | €2,270 |
| SSE Airtricity | €2,320 |
What Makes Yuno Energy Cheapest?
As of January 2026, Yuno Energy offers the lowest estimated annual bill for most usage levels. Here's why:
Competitive unit rates: Lower per-kWh charges than most competitors
Welcome cashback: €280 cashback for new customers, applied over 12 months
No premium pricing: Rates remain competitive even after cashback is factored in
Smart meter focus: Their pricing is particularly competitive for smart meter customers
However, being cheapest today doesn't guarantee they'll be cheapest next month. Suppliers adjust prices regularly.
Important Considerations Beyond Price
The cheapest supplier isn't always the best choice for everyone:
Contract Terms
Check the contract length (usually 12 months) and exit fees (typically €50). If you need flexibility, consider whether the savings justify being locked in.
Price Guarantees
Some suppliers offer fixed-rate plans that protect against price increases. Variable rate plans (most common) can change at any time.
Customer Service
The cheapest supplier may have less responsive customer service. Check reviews if service quality matters to you.
Smart Meter Requirements
Some of the best deals require a smart meter. If you don't have one, you may not qualify for the lowest rates.
Annual Price Adjustments
Many suppliers include clauses allowing them to increase prices annually (often CPI + 3%). This affects your costs in Year 2 and beyond.
How to Find Your Cheapest Option
The cheapest supplier for your specific situation depends on your usage and circumstances. Here's how to find it:
Step 1: Find Your Usage
Check your last 12 months of electricity bills and add up the kWh used. Alternatively, if you have a smart meter, check your ESB Networks account for your annual usage.
Step 2: Check Your Meter Type
Are you on:
- Standard 24-hour meter?
- Day/night meter?
- Smart meter?
Different meters qualify for different tariffs.
Step 3: Compare Prices
Use our comparison tool to see prices based on your actual usage. Enter your MPRN or address and upload your smart meter data for the most accurate comparison.
Step 4: Consider Total Value
Look beyond the headline figure. Consider:
- How discounts are applied (upfront vs over time)
- What happens after Year 1
- Any hidden terms
Cheapest Electricity by Meter Type
Standard 24-Hour Meter
Most deals are priced for standard meters. The rankings above apply.
Day/Night Meter
If you have a day/night meter, suppliers with lower night rates offer better value—especially if you use a lot of electricity at night (storage heaters, EV charging).
| Supplier | Night Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| SSE Airtricity | ~18c/kWh | ~31c/kWh |
| Bord Gáis Energy | ~19c/kWh | ~32c/kWh |
| Electric Ireland | ~20c/kWh | ~34c/kWh |
Smart Meter
Smart meter tariffs often offer the lowest rates—particularly for night usage. If you have a smart meter, check smart-specific plans from:
- Yuno Energy
- SSE Airtricity
- Electric Ireland
- Bord Gáis Energy
What About Dual Fuel?
If you use both electricity and gas, bundling with one supplier can offer additional savings:
| Supplier | Best Dual Fuel Deal |
|---|---|
| Yuno Energy | ~€2,380/year |
| Flogas | ~€2,404/year |
| Bord Gáis Energy | ~€2,440/year |
Based on 4,200 kWh electricity + 11,000 kWh gas.
However, the cheapest electricity supplier isn't always cheapest for dual fuel. Compare separately if maximising savings is your priority.
Cheapest Prepay Electricity
If you need prepay (pay-as-you-go) electricity, options are more limited and more expensive:
| Supplier | Approximate Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Bord Gáis Energy (prepay) | ~€1,498 |
| Pinergy | ~€1,520 |
| PrePayPower | ~€1,580 |
Prepay typically costs €100-€200 more per year than bill pay. If you can switch to bill pay, you'll access cheaper rates.
Why Prices Change
Electricity prices in Ireland fluctuate due to:
Wholesale prices: The cost of generating electricity varies with gas prices, renewable output, and demand
Promotional offers: Suppliers adjust discounts and cashback to attract customers
Competition: When one supplier cuts prices, others may follow
Regulatory changes: PSO levy, network charges, and carbon costs affect bills
How Often Should You Switch?
Ideally, every 12 months. New customer deals are almost always better than loyalty rates. When your contract ends, your discount typically expires and you revert to standard pricing.
Set a calendar reminder for when your contract ends. Compare prices and switch if there's a better deal available.
Switching to the Cheapest Supplier
The switching process is straightforward:
- Compare prices using a comparison site
- Choose your new supplier and apply online
- Your new supplier handles everything—you don't need to contact your old supplier
- Switch completes in approximately 21 days
- No interruption to your electricity supply
For a detailed guide, see How to Switch Electricity Supplier.
Summary
As of January 2026, Yuno Energy offers the cheapest electricity for most Irish households, followed by Flogas and Bord Gáis Energy. However, prices change regularly, and the cheapest option depends on your specific usage.
Key actions:
- Find your annual kWh usage
- Compare prices based on your actual consumption
- Switch every 12 months to maintain the best rate
- Consider smart meter tariffs for additional savings
Use our electricity comparison tool to find the cheapest deal for your household.
Prices in this guide are based on publicly available rates as of January 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current pricing with suppliers before switching.
Ready to Switch?
Use our energy comparison tool to find the best deal for your home. It takes just 2 minutes to compare all suppliers.