New Electric Ireland Sustainability Index Launched

Electric Ireland’s new 2025 Sustainability Index reveals Irish homeowners who have adopted energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle (EV) home chargers are reporting notable financial savings and improved home comfort. However, a significant portion of the population feel unable to invest in these new technologies due to the upfront costs and a lack of clear guidance. 

Financial and Comfort Benefits 

Among survey respondents, 13% reported having solar panels already installed, 11% had heat pumps, and 7% had EV chargers. These respondents noted the clear cost benefits of these new technologies – those with solar panels reported perceived savings averaging €91 per month on energy bills. Those with a heat pump said they saved an average of €77 per month, while respondents with an EV charger reported average savings of €128 per month on fuel costs.  

While financial savings were listed as the leading benefits of these products, some respondents also cited various additional benefits including more comfortable homes (60% of heat pump owners), convenience (46% of heat pump owners), and a lower carbon footprint (48% of EV charger owners).   

Barriers to Adoption 

Despite the clear benefits, the Electric Ireland Sustainability Index also shows that willingness to make the switch to more energy-efficient technologies remains low beyond the early adopters. For those who have yet to make any home energy efficiency upgrades, few have active plans to do so: just 22% of respondents are considering solar panels, 18% are considering solar battery systems in the near future, and even fewer plan on installing heat pumps (12%) or EV chargers (12%).  

The most commonly cited barrier is cost, with nearly six in ten (59%) saying the associated upfront cost was a key deterrent.  

“What Electric Ireland’s new Sustainability Index reveals is that the long-term benefits of more energy efficient technologies are clear – but the upfront costs can be challenging” noted Noeline Gibbons, Head of Residential, Electric Ireland.  

“In Ireland, the average cost of a solar PV system is between €8,000 and €10,000. With SEAI grants available, most households see a return on investment within four to six years. Many customers say they are saving on average around €90 a month, and many are noticing reductions in their electricity bills straight away. While sustainable products and energy upgrades do require an upfront investment, there are immediate benefits in savings and comfort. However, we are acutely aware that many families and individuals want to start the energy transition but struggle with upfront costs and a lack of information. At Electric Ireland, we are working to ensure all homes can access the right information and guidance on the products they need, and to support people on their sustainability journey so they can make the most sustainable choice that is feasible for them.” 

Interest in Energy Efficiency 

Beyond cost concerns, others report that the process of accessing grants feels like too much hassle, or that they are unsure if the investment would pay off in the long term. A lack of information and the ease of sticking to current habits were also noted by some as factors holding people back. Many consumers said they felt unsure of how to begin, with awareness of available grants found to be limited - just 38% of respondents indicated familiarity with government support schemes.  

A large majority expressed a desire for tools to help them make informed decisions: over three-quarters (77%) said they would use an app to track electricity usage by appliance, and 65% are interested in selling surplus energy back to the grid.  

"Our Sustainability Index show that many consumers who are considering switching to more sustainable energy lifestyles simply don’t know where to begin – and the range of options can feel complex and daunting so there is a clear need for simple accessible information. Electric Ireland is committed to providing this; for example, through our Net Zero Hub, we provide guidance on a wide range of solutions, from simple changes like activating a smart meter to solar installations and EV charging systems. The Net Zero Hub also offers practical resources to help customers calculate the estimated savings from solar PV, explore EV charger options, and find information on grants, so that they can make the right choice for them,” Ms Gibbons explained.  

The Electric Ireland Sustainability Index is the latest offering from Electric Ireland to support Ireland’s transition to more energy efficient and sustainable lifestyle choices. This Index is the first of a series of Indices which will track the perceived benefits and barriers of a sustainable transition for consumers.  

For more information on Electric Ireland’s net-zero product offerings, visit Electric Ireland Net Zero Hub or download the Electric Ireland smart meter insights app. 

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