Frequently asked questions

The easiest way is to use our Connect ESB feature — just enter your ESB Networks login details and we'll automatically download your smart meter data for you. If you prefer, you can also manually download your data from the ESB Networks portal (myaccount.esbnetworks.ie) and upload the CSV file directly.

We compare all 11 major Irish electricity suppliers: Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, Energia, SSE Airtricity, Pinergy, Community Power, PrepayPower, Yuno Energy, EcoPower, Flogas, and Waterpower. We include both standard fixed-rate plans and smart time-of-use tariffs where available.

A time-of-use tariff (also called a smart tariff) charges different rates depending on when you use electricity. Typically there is a cheaper night rate (e.g. midnight–8am) and a more expensive peak rate in the evening. Some tariffs also offer free weekend electricity or EV overnight rates. Because our comparison uses your actual 30-minute smart meter readings, we can calculate exactly how much you would pay on each tariff — far more accurately than estimates based on a generic average.

There is no single cheapest supplier for everyone — it depends entirely on when you use electricity. A household that runs its dishwasher and charges an EV overnight will do very well on a night-rate tariff. A household that works from home and uses power throughout the day may be better on a flat-rate plan. That's why personalised comparison using your real data gives a much more accurate answer than any generic "cheapest supplier" ranking.

Smartermeter.ie is designed for ESB smart meters, which provide 30-minute interval data. Standard meters only record total units consumed with no time detail, so time-of-use tariff comparisons are not possible. If you don't have a smart meter yet, you can request a free upgrade from ESB Networks. Rollout is now almost complete across Ireland.

Yes. Your smart meter data includes the exact amount of electricity you export to the grid, and we automatically detect this and factor it into every comparison. We apply each supplier's Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) rate — the payment per kWh you export — and subtract this from your annual cost. Suppliers vary significantly in their export rates, so this can be an important factor for solar households.

Yes, completely free for users. There are no charges, subscriptions, or hidden fees. Smartermeter.ie is funded by referral fees — if you choose to switch supplier through this site and the switch completes, we may receive a fee from that supplier. This arrangement does not affect how plans are ranked; plans are always ordered by cheapest annual cost calculated from your own data. You are never obligated to switch.

ESB Networks classify domestic customer connections as either DG1 (Urban) or DG2 (Rural). Standing charges and even unit rates can vary between urban and rural offers from the electricity suppliers. Check your electricity bill to see which group you are in.

We hold your email address, your securely hashed password (we cannot read your actual password), any electricity usage CSV files you have uploaded, and your profile settings (location type, solar panels, export estimate). If you used the Connect ESB feature, we also hold your encrypted ESB Networks credentials. If you submitted a switch request, we hold the personal details you provided (name, MPRN, phone, address) for up to 12 months. You can request a full copy of your data at any time by emailing team@smartermeter.ie.

Email team@smartermeter.ie from your registered email address and request account deletion. We will delete your account and all associated personal data — including uploaded CSV files and any switch request data — within 30 days. This is your right under Article 17 of the GDPR (the right to erasure). Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered.

Your electricity usage data, account details, and profile settings are never sold or shared with any third party without your consent. If you choose to request a switch to a specific supplier, the personal details you fill in (name, MPRN, phone, address) are shared with that named supplier to process your switch. You choose the supplier yourself, and no other supplier receives any data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.