Time of use tariffs
Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs are a new way for homes with Smart Meters to pay for electricity.
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Time of use tariffs are for you
If you are an existing Electric Ireland customer, you can see what smart meter plans are available in your online account. If you are not an Electric Ireland customer, you can view our smart meter plans.
If you are a business customer you can learn more about our smart meter plans by calling 1800 372 787 (9am – 5:30pm Mon – Fri).
Home Electric+ rates may vary from your current plan. Equaliser customers will need to deactivate equaliser payments before switching to a smart meter product. For more information, please contact our team on 1800 372 372 (8am - 8pm Mon - Sat).
Helping you on your Net Zero journey
What is Time-of-Use?
Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs are a new way for homes with Smart Meters to pay for electricity. You pay different rates at different times of day. This differs from a traditional ‘flat’ tariff, which charges the same rate at all times of day. ToU tariffs reflect the amount of electricity used at different times. Usage is low at night and highest in the late afternoon, when people return from work and many businesses are still open. It costs more to provide electricity during these peak hours.
You have more control over your electricity bill
How much you save will depend on whether you change your habits and use appliances that use a lot of energy (washing machine, dishwasher, etc.) at night instead of at peak times.
Take advantage of cheaper hours
By shifting when you use electricity, from more expensive to cheaper times, you can lower your bill.
You contribute to cleaner energy production
Using your electricity at night means that a larger share can be produced by renewable sources, reducing emissions that cause climate change.
See for yourself
SST Time-of-Use Rates
A day may be split into 3 time-bands:
- Peak: 5pm - 7pm
- Day: 8am - 5pm and 7pm - 11pm
- Night: 11pm - 8am
Yearly Costs
An overview of estimated annual costs based on a flat tariff and time-of-use tariff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart Meters are the next generation of electricity meters. Using digital technology and the 2G mobile phone network, the smart meter will give you access to accurate information on your energy usage throughout the day.
From 2021, electricity supply companies will begin to offer new smart products and services which will enable you to shift some of your consumption to times of the day when electricity is cheaper.
Smart Meters are the next generation electricity meters and will replace older mechanical meters. When fully operational, Smart Meters will bring benefits to the consumer, the environment and the economy.
With Smart Meters, there will be no need for estimated bills. You will be able to access the information you need to make more informed choices about your consumption and tariffs. Accurate information about energy usage across the day will allow you to manage your bills with greater accuracy.
The environment will benefit because smart metering will encourage energy efficiency and support an increase in renewable power on the electricity system. The upgrade program will help to cut CO2 emissions and lower Ireland’s costly reliance on fossil fuel imports.
The economy will benefit because using Smart Meters will help us to more efficiently manage energy flow at times of high demand. They will also enhance competition and improve consumer experience, customer choice and the range of products and services available.
The meter replacement will be carried out by ESB Networks or a company working on behalf of ESB Networks.
The replacement of over 2 million electricity meters with the next generation electricity meter over a six-year period will cost some €1.2bn. Like other infrastructure upgrades, the cost of the meter upgrade will be recouped over time in charges paid for use of the electricity network which means there is no upfront charge to have a Smart Meter installed. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has done extensive analysis of the plan and is satisfied that the investment involved represents value for money.
Yes. Eventually every mechanical meter will be upgraded to a Smart Meter.
The replacement program started in Autumn 2019 and will continue until the end of 2024. To date, over 240,000 smart meters have been installed across Ireland by ESB Networks. Electric Ireland customers account for 106,000 of these installations. ESB Networks will carry out this work on an area by area basis and a detailed rollout plan is currently being developed. While the initial focus will be on the oldest meters, ESB Networks intend to include an option for customers to apply through your electricity supplier or ESB Networks for a prioritised installation of a Smart Meter. ESB Networks will give everyone plenty of notice about when they are coming to your area to replace meters.
ESB Networks oversee the deployment of all Smart Meters. All queries relating to early registrations for smart meters are being directly dealt with by ESB Networks. You can contact them on 1800 928 123 or 01 698 5005, and they will be able to look after you.