Best Electricity Rates in Ireland
An Irish electricity bill has three moving parts: the unit rate (cents per kWh you use), the standing charge (a fixed daily fee, regardless of usage), and, if you have solar panels, the Clean Export Guarantee rate (what you're paid for surplus you export). The "best" rate balances all three for your usage. Here's how every supplier compares.
Last verified 6 May 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
The best electricity rate in Ireland depends on your usage and on which new-customer discount is biggest at the time you switch (discounts of 20 to 40% typically run for 12 months). Low-usage homes should prioritise a low standing charge; high-usage homes a low unit rate. Solar homes should weigh the Clean Export Guarantee rate too. Pinergy pays the highest standard export rate at 25.0 c/kWh.
The unit rates and standing charges below reflect each supplier's typical new-customer discounted plan for a standard 24-hour urban meter, inclusive of 9% VAT. Discounts run for 12 months before reverting to the supplier's standard rate. Verified 2026-05-13.
Electricity Unit Rates Compared
The unit rate is the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) you consume, inclusive of VAT. It is the biggest lever for high-usage homes. New-customer discounts (not shown here, because they change constantly) typically knock 20–40% off the standard rate for 12 months.
Electricity Standing Charges Compared
The standing charge is a fixed annual fee (typically €250–€400) you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. It is the biggest lever for low-usage homes: a holiday home or a small flat can pay more in standing charges than in actual electricity.
Electricity Export Rates (Clean Export Guarantee) Compared
If you have solar panels, this is the rate your supplier pays you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. Rates are inclusive of VAT and apply to the standard residential Clean Export Guarantee tariff. The gap between the highest and lowest is nearly 10 c/kWh.
| # | Supplier | CEG Export Rate | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pinergy | 25.0 c/kWh | Monthly bill credit |
| 2 | SSE Airtricity | 19.50 c/kWh | Quarterly bill credit |
| 3 | Electric Ireland | 19.50 c/kWh | Per billing cycle |
| 4 | Bord Gáis Energy | 18.50 c/kWh | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) |
| 5 | Energia | 18.50 c/kWh | Bi-monthly bill credit |
| 6 | Flogas | 18.50 c/kWh | Every 2 months |
| 7 | Yuno Energy | 15.89 c/kWh | Twice yearly |
| 8 | PrePayPower | 15.89 c/kWh | Twice yearly |
| 9 | EcoPower | 15.20 c/kWh | Quarterly |
Full detail on each supplier's export terms, caps and conditions is in our electricity providers for solar comparison.
Supplier profiles
Best Electricity Rates in Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good electricity unit rate in Ireland?
It moves with wholesale energy prices, so 'good' is relative. The real win is the new-customer discount: most suppliers knock 20–40% off the standard unit rate for the first 12 months. Compare the discounted rate for your usage, not the headline standard rate.
What is the standing charge on electricity?
A fixed annual fee (typically €250–€400) that covers the cost of being connected to the grid, regardless of how much electricity you use. It's higher for rural (Band 2) supply than urban (Band 1) supply. Low-usage homes should prioritise a low standing charge.
Is a low unit rate or a low standing charge better?
Depends on your usage. High-usage homes (electric heating, EV, large household) save more from a low unit rate. Low-usage homes (small flat, holiday home, well-insulated home) save more from a low standing charge. Compare the estimated total annual cost for your kWh figure.
What's the best electricity export rate in Ireland?
Pinergy currently pays the highest standard Clean Export Guarantee rate at 25.0 c/kWh, as a monthly bill credit. SSE Airtricity has a higher tier (~32 c/kWh year one) but it's restricted to customers of its partner installer programme.
Why don't you list live electricity rates here?
Standard unit rates and standing charges change frequently, and the discounted rates that actually matter for switchers change even more often. We re-verify standard rates quarterly and point you to CRU-accredited comparison tools for live figures. The Clean Export Guarantee rates we do publish are verified and updated quarterly.
Do day/night and smart tariffs offer better rates?
They can, if your usage matches the cheap window. A day/night meter or smart tariff gives a lower night rate (and sometimes a higher peak rate). Worth it if you can shift big loads (EV charging, immersion heater, washing) to off-peak hours; not worth it if your usage is spread evenly through the day.
Sources
- Pinergy: pinergy.ie
- SSE Airtricity: sseairtricity.com
- Electric Ireland: electricireland.ie
- Bord Gáis Energy: bordgaisenergy.ie
- Energia: energia.ie
- Flogas: flogas.ie
- Yuno Energy: yunoenergy.ie
- PrePayPower: prepaypower.ie
- EcoPower: ecopower.ie
- Community Power: communitypower.ie
- CRU price comparison accreditation: cru.ie
CEG export rates last verified: 6 May 2026. Import rates last verified: 2026-05-13.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the Irish solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official SEAI data and maintains relationships with SEAI-registered installers across Ireland.
The Best Rate of All Is the One You Generate
No supplier rate beats free. Solar panels cut what you import and earn export credits on the surplus. Get free quotes from SEAI-registered installers in your area.