What is the cheapest electricity tariff in Ireland?

Rates change frequently. As of mid-2026, Electric Ireland's standard rate is around 33.95 c/kWh, Bord Gáis Urban 24-Hour is 41.59 c/kWh, and the SEAI reference Band DD rate is 34.38 c/kWh.

What is the SEAI electricity reference rate?

SEAI publishes a quarterly Domestic Fuel Cost Comparison based on EU Price Survey data. Band DD (5,000–15,000 kWh/year, typical for homes with heat pumps) was 34.38 c/kWh as of April 2026.

Should I switch electricity supplier?

Potentially yes. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) governs the market. Switching is free and quick. Use the CRU's comparison tool at compareenergy.ie.

Cheapest Electricity Tariffs Ireland 2026 — Compare Suppliers

Electricity prices in Ireland have fluctuated significantly since 2021–2023. As of 2026, unit rates have eased somewhat but remain high by historical standards.

Current electricity unit rates

SEAI reference rates (EU Price Survey, Apr 2026)

These are official rates used for energy modelling and comparisons:

Band	Annual usage	Unit rate
Band DA	< 1,000 kWh	38.89 c/kWh
Band DC	2,500–5,000 kWh	40.42 c/kWh
Band DD	5,000–15,000 kWh	34.38 c/kWh

Band DD is the reference rate used for heat pump comparisons. A home with a heat pump typically uses 8,000–15,000 kWh/year of electricity and falls in this band.

Source: SEAI Domestic Fuel Cost Comparison, 1 April 2026

Supplier rates (June 2026)

Supplier	Product	Unit rate
Electric Ireland	Standard	33.95 c/kWh
Bord Gáis Energy	Urban 24 Hour	41.59 c/kWh

Source: Electric Ireland, 15 June 2026 Source: Bord Gáis Energy, 15 June 2026

Note: Supplier rates are scraped from public tariff pages. Always verify at the supplier’s website before switching, as rates change frequently and special offers are available.

PSO levy

The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is charged on all electricity bills to fund renewable energy support. Current rate: €1.46/month per month (€17.52 per year).

Source: SEAI, 1 December 2025

Natural gas unit rates

Source	Rate	Band/Product
SEAI reference (Band D2)	13.00 c/kWh	≥20 GJ/yr heating homes
Bord Gáis standard	11.17 c/kWh	Standard plan

Source: SEAI Domestic Fuel Cost Comparison, 1 April 2026

Heat pump electricity vs gas comparison

At Band DD electricity (34.38 c/kWh) and SPF 3.5:

Effective heat cost = 34.38 c/kWh ÷ 3.5 = ~9.8 c/kWh useful heat

Versus gas boiler at 13.00 c/kWh and 90% efficiency: ~14.4 c/kWh useful heat

The heat pump is still cheaper even against gas.

Tips for reducing your electricity bill

Switch supplier: compareenergy.ie compares all plans.
Night-rate tariff: if you have a heat pump or EV, a day/night tariff with around 15 c/kWh night rate can dramatically cut bills.
Solar PV: generates your own electricity at effectively zero marginal cost during the day.
Reduce standby consumption: smart plugs can eliminate hidden standby loads.
LED lighting: if not already installed, LED bulbs use around 90% less energy for lighting.