News
11 November 2025
Electric Ireland Sustainability Index findings on smart meters adoption
- 70% of households want to learn more about their energy use
- 42% of households are unaware of how to unlock the benefits from their smart meter
Over two-million smart meters have been installed nationwide, marking a major step forward in Ireland’s energy transition. However, findings from the Electric Ireland Sustainability Index shows that a large proportion of these households are yet to unlock the full benefits of their smart meter.
The survey shows that while 63% of respondents have a smart meter, only three-in-five of those respondents say they have moved to a smart meter plan.
Furthermore, just 58% of those with a smart meter are aware of the need to move to a smart meter price plan to avail of the full benefits. This step is needed to take advantage of the advanced features of a smart meter – these include real-time insights, tailored tariff recommendations, and improved energy management.
This low rate of consumers moving to a smart price plan is despite the fact a growing number have indicated that they want to learn more about their energy consumption habits. The recent Electric Ireland Sustainability Index found that:
- 79% of customers are interested in receiving an annual review of electricity consumption
- 73% would be interested in receiving tips on how to reduce their usage
- 70% would love to learn more about their own energy usage
Each of these features is available with an Electric Ireland smart meter plan, accessible through the Electric Ireland’s app and customer's online account.
In addition, a smart meter app allows customers to act on their personalised electricity insights and adjust their usage behaviours accordingly. For many, this means changing certain activities to off-peak times, such as charging an electric vehicle, heating water, or running energy-intensive appliances to lower-cost periods, such as night-time, without compromising comfort or convenience.
Commenting on the research, Noeline Gibbons, Head of Residential at Electric Ireland said:
“The two-million smart meter installation is a major step forward and incredible achievement for the energy transition in Ireland. Now we want to support customers understand how to get the most from their smart meters. The real benefits start when customers take the next step and move to a smart meter plan. That is when the smart meter begins to work better for them, giving insight into how they are using their electricity, helping them reduce their usage and cost and guiding them to choose a plan that best meets their needs.
Findings in the latest Electric Ireland Sustainability Index clearly show that consumers want to learn more about their electricity usage. More and more households now have the tools and technology available to them to take control.
The data shows that smart meter insights have the potential to create savings, yet many households may be missing out. We’re here to support every customer in making that move to a smart meter plan, so they can start seeing the benefits."
Customers with a smart meter can start availing of the benefits by moving to a smart meter plan.
Electric Ireland has four different smart meter plans to suit various lifestyles** e.g. Night Boost Plan provides ultra-low rates during the early hours, making it ideal for electric vehicle owners, households with heat pumps, or anyone able to shift some usage to off-peak times. All four Electric Ireland smart meter plans come with smart meter insights.
Smart meter plans bring more choice, more efficient and accurate billing, and give customers detailed information on their energy usage.
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