EAI Publishes Guide to Help 2 Million Irish Homes Reduce Energy Costs

The Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) has published an «Energy Bill Guide» for consumers to help them understand and reduce household energy use, addressing ongoing concerns about affordability.

The guide encourages greater use of smart meters, already installed in over two million Irish homes, to access time-of-use tariffs where electricity is cheaper off-peak. It advises shifting electricity use away from peak hours (5pm-7pm), especially for high-energy appliances like showers and ovens. The guide also explains bill components—unit rates, standing charges, levies, VAT, and kilowatt-hour measurement—and factors like insulation and appliances affecting usage. Newer options like smart tariffs, electric vehicle plans, and microgeneration schemes (allowing solar panel users to earn from exporting excess electricity) are also highlighted.

EAI Chief Executive Dara Lynott stated that suppliers are working to protect customers from global energy volatility, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict. Ireland remains exposed to international fossil fuel price fluctuations due to its reliance on imported natural gas, which accounts for up to 50% of its electricity generation. Lynott emphasized that the long-term solution is accelerated electrification of the Irish economy and rapid deployment of domestic renewable generation.