Energy Advice

Saving energy saves money, and simple steps can make a big difference. If you are looking for ways to manage energy costs, you'll find practical tips and quick everyday changes in your home and on the move on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website.

Smart energy uses digital technology including smart meters, home energy monitors and time-of-use tariffs – to give you greater control over how and when you use electricity. By tracking your energy use in real time – you can shift habits to off-peak hours and cut your bills.

ESB Networks has already installed 2.4 million smart meters in homes and businesses across the country. These meters provide accurate, up-to-date information on your electricity use, and enable flexible energy tariffs (e.g. Time of Use tariffs) that can help you save money.

• Learn more about smart meters and smart tariffs, visit CRU and SEAI
• Access your smart meter data through ESB Networks
• Use the ‘Is This a Good Time?’ programme from ESB Networks to see when it's cheapest to use electricity and shift your usage to off-peak times.

Checking you are on the best energy tariff or switching provider can save hundreds of euros per year. Compare options on bonkers.ie or switcher.ie or speak directly to your supplier.

One of the easiest ways to cut your energy costs is to understand where your money is going. Learn how to read your energy bill, understand charges and spot ways to reduce costs in the Electricity Association of Ireland's consumer guide.

A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties paying their bills.

• Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to contact their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that engage with them.
• Suppliers can offer repayment plans and assistance through a hardship fund if you are in financial difficulty.
• Vulnerable customers have additional protections. Make sure you are registered with your supplier, as there are extra consumer protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. Find out more on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) website.

In addition to support from your energy supplier, the following independent advice and support services are also available

• MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service): www.mabs.ie
• ALONE (for people aged 60 +): www.alone.ie
• CRU (The Commission for Regulation of Utilities): www.cru.ie.
• CRU also publishes winter customer protection measures, including disconnection moratoriums and support for customers in financial difficulty.