How to Switch Your Energy Provider in Ireland

Irish energy suppliers give their best rates to new customers. Switching every 12 months keeps you on the best deal.

Switching your electricity or gas provider is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce your household bills in Ireland. It takes about 15 minutes, there's a 14-day cooling-off period, and the average saving for a switcher is €200–€380 per year.

Why switching works

Irish energy suppliers compete aggressively for new customers and offer their best discounts — often 20–24% — as introductory deals for the first 12 months. After that, you roll onto the standard rate, which is significantly higher. The strategy: switch every year and always be on a new customer deal.

What you'll need

• →Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) for electricity — on your bill or meter
• →Your GPRN (Gas Point Reference Number) for gas — on your bill or meter
• →A recent bill showing your annual usage in kWh (to compare quotes accurately)

Step by step

• →1. Go to Bonkers.ie or Switcher.ie — both are free comparison tools regulated by the CRU
• →2. Enter your usage (or use the average if you don't know)
• →3. Compare deals — look at the unit rate and standing charge, not just the headline discount
• →4. Sign up with your chosen provider online — takes 10–15 minutes
• →5. Your old supplier is notified automatically — you don't need to cancel
• →6. You have 14 days to change your mind if you want to withdraw

Gas and electricity: do both at once

Most suppliers offer a dual fuel discount when you take both gas and electricity from them. SSE Airtricity and Energia both offer strong dual fuel deals. Switching both at once is easier than managing two separate switches.