A Market in Transition
Ireland's electricity and gas retail market has undergone more change in the past four years than in the previous decade. The energy crisis, the smart meter rollout, growing renewable penetration, and CRU regulatory interventions have all reshaped how the market works.
The Smart Meter Revolution
ESB Networks has been rolling out smart meters to every Irish home and business. By 2026, the vast majority of urban homes have smart meters installed. These devices measure your usage every 30 minutes and send data automatically to your supplier, eliminating estimated bills.
More importantly, smart meters enable time-of-use tariffs — electricity plans that charge different rates depending on when you use power. Peak rates (5-7pm) can be significantly higher, while night rates (11pm-8am) can be 30-40% cheaper. For households willing to shift usage, smart tariffs can deliver real savings.
Time-of-Use Tariffs
Several Irish suppliers now offer smart tariff products. These work best for households who can:
- Run dishwashers and washing machines overnight
- Charge EVs on a night rate
- Heat water and storage heaters during cheap periods
- Use home batteries or solar to manage peak costs
New Entrants and Market Consolidation
The energy crisis caused several smaller suppliers to exit the Irish market. However, 2025-2026 has seen new entrants — particularly in the EV charging, solar integration, and virtual power plant space. Companies that offer bundled solar+battery+EV charging packages are growing rapidly.
The Clean Export Guarantee Matures
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), which pays solar homeowners for electricity exported to the grid, has been running since 2022. Rates have stabilised in the 18-24 cent/kWh range, making solar export a meaningful revenue stream. A new competitive market for export rates is emerging, with some suppliers offering premium CEG rates to attract solar customers.
What to Watch in 2026
Interconnector expansion: New electricity interconnectors to France and the UK will increase competition in wholesale markets, potentially reducing price spikes.
Offshore wind development: Several major offshore wind projects are under construction, with the first power expected from 2027. This will significantly reduce gas dependency.
Demand flexibility: The CRU is developing frameworks to pay households for reducing usage during grid stress events — another potential income stream for smart meter customers.
What You Should Do Now
Review your tariff every 12 months. Consider whether a smart tariff would suit your lifestyle. Explore solar panels if you own your home. Use Billmanage to compare all available plans and make sure you're on the best deal for your usage pattern.