Energy advice
Discover how to understand energy costs, you will find information on costs of the most common household appliances, room by room. With practical advice to further help control your electricity usage.
Energy information to help you manage your costs
Choosing energy efficient appliances
Energy labelling
When buying appliances, remember to always check the energy label. The scale on an energy label typically runs from A (dark green) to G (red). 'A' rated products are the most energy efficient, and 'G' are the least. Energy efficient appliances can be more expensive to purchase than less energy efficient appliances. However, the savings from an energy efficient product's lower running costs should cost you less over time.
Top advice for energy savings in your home
Try keep it cool
Don't leave the fridge door open for long; it takes 45 minutes to cool down again.
Shower smart
Showers use 80% less energy than baths — save water and energy every time.
Unplug to save
Unplug appliances when not in use; standby mode still uses 20% of their full energy.
Brighter ideas
Replace old bulbs throughout the home, with low-energy LEDs.
Explore more tips
Energy hacks
Learn more
How smart meter plans can help you save energy
Learn more
Energy saving FAQ
Energy consumption is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate energy usage, you multiply the appliance’s wattage by the number of hours it’s used and divide by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatt-hours. For example, if you use a *100-watt bulb for 1 hour, it consumes 0.1 kWh (100 watts x 1 hours ÷ 1,000 = 0.1 kWh).
To calculate a product's running cost per hour, you can multiply the given kWh by the cost of your electricity unit rate. (0.1 kwh x unit rate 0.3475c = 3 cent) 100-watt bulb for 1 hour using a unit rate of 0.3475c will cost you 3 cent.
The costs shown are based on Electric Ireland’s Standard 24-hour Rate of €0.3475 per kWh (non-Smart), including VAT, as of November 2024. Final electricity and gas bills include an annual standing charge, PSO payment (electricity only), and carbon tax (gas only). Usage costs will differ depending on the brand and the scale of energy label on the device.
Examples of energy consumption is intended as a general guide to help you understand potential energy costs and identify which appliances may have the greatest impact on your bill. The wattage listed is an average across various brands and models.