Electricity & gas

For most of us, electricity and gas bills make up a significant percentage of our household spending. Making a few simple changes can lead to big savings. Some examples include reducing your heating to a lower but comfortable temperature, only heating as much water as you need, servicing your boiler regularly to avoid breakdowns and unplugging all non-essential electrical appliances.

If you think you are paying too much for your electricity or gas services, you can consider switching to a new provider. Switching is easy and more importantly, it is free!

Saving money on electricity and gas
Switching electricity and gas provider

Saving money on electricity and gas

Your electricity and gas bills probably account for a very significant proportion of your household budget. Electricity and gas prices have been going up and down, but you can make big savings by following a few simple steps to help reduce the amount of gas and electricity you use.

Here are some easy ways to save money on you electricity and gas bills around your home:

Heating & Insulation

Insulating your home is an easy and cost-effective way to save money on heating bills. For example, insulating your attic can cut your home heating bills by up to 20% a year.
Water heating is one of the most expensive electricity costs in the home. You can save money by only heating as much as you need. Install a timer control switch for your hot water tank if you don’t already have one.
Reduce your heating to a comfortable 20°C. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can knock 10% off your heating bill.
Installing a lagging jacket can save you up to €2.50 a week in water heating costs and can pay for itself within three months.
You should have your boiler serviced every year to help ensure it is safe, that it operates most efficiently, and to help avoid breakdowns. Modern boilers are far more efficient than older versions, which could cost you a lot to run. Remember, It is illegal for anyone other than a Registered Gas Installer to service your natural gas boiler. Registered Gas Installers have completed safety training, conform to Irish standards and have insurance. Find a Registered Gas Installer at www.rgii.ie

Doors and Windows

A lot of the heat lost from your home occurs through the windows, particularly if they are single glazed. If you are changing your windows, do some research – more efficient glass can save you more in energy bills over their lifetime than the initial cost.
Block up leaks and drafts, particularly around windows, doors and the roof. Never block vents in your rooms as fresh air is needed.
Use heavy curtains, preferably lined ones, to keep in warm air. Keep curtains closed at night – even in empty rooms. Open the curtains during the day to let in the heat from the sun. Make sure that curtains don't hang over radiators as that will block heat getting into the room.

Fireplaces

Open fires are wasteful as more than 70% of the heat gets lost up the chimney. Installing a stove in place of an open fire will use less fuel and give out more heat, saving you money on your heating bills.
If you are not using open fires for long periods, prevent draughts from the chimney by installing a chimney balloon. You can get these at your local DIY shop.

Bathrooms

It costs the same amount of money to heat the water for 1 bath as it does for 5 showers – so save money (and water!) and take showers!

Kitchens

On average, smaller appliances use less than a fifth of the electricity used by large ones – so using a toaster to make toast will only cost you a fifth of the cost of toasting the bread under the grill.
When using an electric kettle, only boil as much water as you need.
A half-full dishwasher, washing machine or dryer uses the same amount of energy as a full one. Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning it on, or if your appliance has a half-load setting on it, use this instead to save money.
Heating water costs you money, so use the lowest temperature recommended by the manufacturer when using your dishwasher and washing machine.

Turn off and unplug

Leaving electrical appliances on standby costs money - so unplug them! Unplugging all non-essential electrical appliances could reduce the average household electricity bill by between €50 and €100 a year. Don’t forget to unplug your phone chargers when not in use!
You can try the ESB appliance calculator to find out how much each of your electrical appliances costs you to run.

Energy efficient appliances

If you are buying new laundry, dishwasher or refrigeration appliances, ask what energy rating they are: A rated appliances (Include image of rating scale) will cost you less money to run over their lifetime.

You can get lot s more energy saving information for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.seai.ie

Switching electricity and gas provider

If you are unhappy with the service you are getting from your electricity or gas provider, or you think you are paying too much for the service, you can easily switch to a new provider. There are currently four main electricity and gas providers on the market:

How do I switch?

Switching is free and only takes a few minutes to complete online, over the phone or at your doorstep. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1 – Choose a provider

Shop around to check which plan works best for you. Make sure you are comparing like with like, as some tariffs may apply to different usage rates or different customer profiles. For example, domestic and business tariffs will differ. Make sure you compare both the unit rate and the standing charge when comparing tariffs. The Commission for Energy Regulation provides a list of electricity and gas providers with some helpful hints and tips on switching.

Don’t forget to ask for discounts!

Consider getting natural gas and electricity from the same provider: Some suppliers offer bigger discounts for taking both your gas and electricity from them. However, you may save more by taking electricity from one supplier and natural gas from a different supplier, so it is worth comparing different packages.
Consider paying by direct debit: Most suppliers offer discounts if you pay your bills by direct debit.
Consider your billing method: Some providers offer discounts to customers who choose to receive their bills online. If you choose this discount you will no longer receive paper bills by post and it will be your responsibility to check your bills online and ensure they are paid.
Use our Economiser tool to find out how much you spend on your energy bills compared to other households. You will also get tips on how to reduce your energy bills.
You are entitled to a seven day cooling-off period, so if you are not happy with the terms and conditions of your contract, you can cancel it.

Step 2 – Provide details to your new provider

When you contact the provider you have chosen, you will be asked for your meter point registration number (MPRN). You will find this on your electricity bill and on your meter. Your new supplier will ask you for the address of the property and a meter reading, so make sure you have this information. They will then make the necessary arrangements with your old supplier to have your account switched. If you are going to pay by direct debit, you will need to give your supplier your bank details.

Step 3 – Switch

Once your account has been switched, your new provider will send you a welcome letter and you will receive a final bill from your old supplier. Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of your new contract. If you have any questions about your new contract, you should contact your new supplier.

Questions to ask when switching provider:

Do I need any special equipment if I switch?
No. There is no need to carry out any work on your home, and no rewiring is required. You will keep the same electricity and gas meters when you switch. However, your meter will still be read by the gas and electricity networks (ESB Networks for electricity and Bord Gáis Networks for gas), regardless of which provider you choose.

What happens if I have a problem with my gas or electricity supply?
These problems will still be dealt with by ESB Networks or Bord Gáis Networks, which manage the supply and delivery of gas and electricity to homes.

How often will I be billed?
Each provider has different price plans available with different billing cycles. Depending on the provider and plan you choose you may receive your bill monthly, every two months, quarterly or twice a year.

Can I switch if I am in arrears with my current electricity or gas account?
Yes. However, your new provider will know if there are arrears on your electricity or gas account through the new “debt flagging” system which will come into effect soon.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
Some providers may charge a deposit, which may be repaid if you meet the terms and conditions in relation to payment of bills or when you close your account. Check the terms and conditions of each supplier to see if a deposit is required and how this will be treated.

If I agreed to switch provider at my doorstep and then changed my mind, what can I do?
A seven day cooling-off period applies, so if you are not happy with the terms and conditions of your contract, you can cancel it by contacting the provider you signed up to.

Will I be tied into a contract if I switch?
You should check the terms and conditions of the payment plan you are choosing. Some suppliers have no minimum time requirement before you can switch again, but others offer fixed term contracts. If you choose a fixed term contract you may have to stay with that provider for a minimum length of time before you can switch or a penalty may apply.

Is there a charge for switching?
No. There is no charge for switching to a new gas or electricity provider unless you have a fixed term contract that requires you to remain with that provider for a specified term.

What if I have problems switching?
The Commission for Energy Regulation requires electricity and gas providers to have Codes of Practice and Customer Charters setting out their processes and commitments to their customers. These must include areas such as complaints handling, customer billing and payments.

Your provider must give you a copy of its Codes and Charter on request and publish these on its website.