Over 2 million Irish homes now have a smart meter installed. If you're wondering what this means for your electricity bills—or how to take advantage of smart meter tariffs—this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that automatically sends your usage data to ESB Networks. Unlike older mechanical meters with spinning discs, smart meters record exactly how much electricity you use and when you use it.
The key difference is communication. Your smart meter sends readings directly to ESB Networks every 30 minutes, eliminating estimated bills and manual meter readings.
Smart meters in Ireland use the same technology as mobile phones—specifically, 2G networks operated by Three Ireland. Each meter contains a SIM card that transmits your usage data securely to ESB Networks.
How Smart Meters Work
Your smart meter measures electricity consumption using solid-state electronic components rather than the mechanical rotating disc found in older meters. Every 30 minutes, it records how much electricity has flowed into your home.
This data is transmitted to ESB Networks approximately every two hours. The transmission takes less than a second—similar to sending a text message.
Once ESB Networks receives your data, you can view it through your ESB Networks Online Account. This gives you visibility into your daily, weekly, and monthly consumption patterns.
If you have solar panels or another microgeneration system, your smart meter also records how much electricity you export back to the grid. This is essential for receiving payments under the Clean Export Premium scheme.
Getting a Smart Meter Installed
ESB Networks is responsible for all smart meter installations in Ireland—not your electricity supplier. The rollout began in 2019, and over 2 million meters have been installed as of 2025.
The Installation Process
- Notification: ESB Networks sends a letter with an estimated installation date
- Booking: If your meter is indoors, you'll need to arrange access
- Installation: A technician removes your old meter and fits the new one
- Power outage: Electricity is off for approximately 45 minutes during installation
- Testing: The technician checks the meter is working and communicating
Installation is free. However, the cost of the National Smart Metering Programme is recovered through a small network charge of approximately €5.50 per year, added to all electricity bills regardless of whether you have a smart meter.
Requesting a Smart Meter
If you haven't received a smart meter yet, you can request one through the ESB Networks website. Use their Smart Meter Sign Up Form to register your interest.
Priority is typically given to:
- New builds and new connections
- Customers requesting smart meter tariffs
- Areas with high concentrations of remaining mechanical meters
Accessing Your Smart Meter Data
Your smart meter data belongs to you. Here's how to access it:
ESB Networks Online Account
Create an account at esbnetworks.ie to view:
- Daily electricity usage graphs
- Weekly and monthly consumption summaries
- Time-of-use breakdowns (day, night, peak periods)
- Up to two years of historical data
The data typically appears within 36-48 hours of consumption.
Downloading Your Data
For detailed analysis or price comparisons, you can download your Harmonised Downloadable File (HDF). This contains 30-minute readings showing exactly when you used electricity.
This file is particularly useful when comparing electricity suppliers, as it allows comparison sites to calculate your exact costs with different tariffs.
Smart Meter Tariffs Explained
Having a smart meter installed is just the first step. To benefit from time-of-use pricing, you need to switch to a smart meter tariff.
How Smart Tariffs Work
Smart meter tariffs charge different rates depending on when you use electricity:
| Time Period | Typical Hours | Rate Level |
|---|---|---|
| Night | 11pm - 8am | Lowest |
| Day | 8am - 5pm and 7pm - 11pm | Standard |
| Peak | 5pm - 7pm | Highest |
The exact times and rates vary by supplier. Some suppliers offer simpler day/night splits, while others include peak pricing.
Who Benefits Most from Smart Tariffs?
Smart tariffs work best if you can shift electricity usage to cheaper periods:
Good candidates:
- Electric vehicle owners who can charge overnight
- Households with storage heaters
- People who can run dishwashers and washing machines at night
- Home workers with flexible schedules
Less suitable:
- Families with children who need electricity during peak hours
- Households with fixed usage patterns
- Those who can't shift more than 30% of usage to night hours
Current Smart Tariff Options
Most major suppliers offer smart meter plans:
| Supplier | Smart Plan Name | Night Rate Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Ireland | Home Electric+ | Up to 38% cheaper at night |
| Bord Gáis Energy | Smart plans | Varies by plan |
| SSE Airtricity | Smart tariffs | Up to 35% cheaper at night |
| Energia | Smart Home | Variable rates |
Compare specific rates using your actual smart meter data for the most accurate savings estimate.
Pros and Cons of Smart Meters
Advantages
Accurate billing: No more estimated bills. You pay for exactly what you use.
Usage visibility: See when you're using electricity and identify ways to reduce consumption.
Easier switching: Download your data to get accurate quotes from other suppliers.
Time-of-use savings: Access cheaper night rates if you can shift your usage.
Microgeneration support: Essential for selling surplus solar electricity back to the grid.
No meter readings: No need to submit readings or wait for meter readers.
Disadvantages
No turning back: Once installed, you cannot revert to a mechanical meter.
Connectivity issues: In areas with poor mobile signal, meters may struggle to transmit data.
Learning curve: Understanding time-of-use tariffs requires some effort.
Peak pricing risk: If you can't shift usage, peak rates could increase your bills.
Privacy concerns: Some people dislike detailed usage monitoring, though data is protected under GDPR.
Smart Meters and Solar Panels
If you have solar panels, a smart meter is essential for participating in the microgeneration scheme.
Your smart meter records:
- Electricity imported from the grid (what you pay for)
- Electricity exported to the grid (what you get paid for)
Under the Clean Export Premium, you receive payment for surplus electricity you export. Rates vary by supplier, typically ranging from 18-24 cents per kWh.
Without a smart meter, you cannot measure exports and therefore cannot receive export payments.
Common Questions About Smart Meters
Will my electricity be cut off if I don't pay?
Smart meters in Ireland do not have remote disconnection capability for residential customers. If you fall behind on payments, the normal debt collection process applies—the same as with a traditional meter.
Are smart meters safe?
Yes. Smart meters comply with all EU safety standards. They use the same radio frequency technology as mobile phones, transmitting for only fractions of a second a few times per day. Health authorities including the World Health Organization have found no established health effects from smart meters.
Can I refuse a smart meter?
While you can express concerns about installation, the government and CRU have mandated that all mechanical meters be replaced with smart meters. If you have specific concerns, contact ESB Networks directly.
Do I have to change my tariff?
No. Your smart meter will work with your existing electricity plan. You only need to switch to a smart tariff if you want to access time-of-use pricing.
What happens during a power cut?
Smart meters don't prevent power cuts. However, they can help ESB Networks identify outages faster since meters report when they lose connection.
Making the Most of Your Smart Meter
Once you have a smart meter, here's how to maximise the benefits:
- Create your ESB Networks account and review your usage patterns
- Identify peak usage times and consider whether you can shift activities
- Compare smart tariffs using your actual consumption data
- Set a baseline and track whether your changes reduce consumption
- Consider smart appliances that can be programmed to run during cheaper periods
If you're already on a smart tariff, check whether your usage patterns have changed. You might benefit from switching to a different plan structure.
Summary
Smart meters give Irish households unprecedented visibility into their electricity usage. While the technology is straightforward, the real benefits come from understanding your consumption patterns and choosing the right tariff for your lifestyle.
If you have a smart meter but haven't explored smart tariffs, now is the time to check whether time-of-use pricing could reduce your bills. Download your usage data and compare options using our comparison tool.
Last updated: January 2026