What is a smart plan and what are the benefits?

Unlike non-smart electricity plans, smart plans can offer different electricity rates at different times of the day. This allows you to take advantage of lower-cost periods and gives you greater visibility and control over your electricity usage.

How do smart plans work? 

Once ESB Networks has installed your smart meter, you can sign up to an eligible smart plan.

Many smart plans use different electricity rates depending on the time of day you use energy. For example, our Standard Smart Tariff includes:

Please note: Time bands vary depending on the smart plan you choose. Click here for more information about smart tariffs.

View and compare our smart plans  (use the filters to select smart meter plans), or you can find a plan matched to your needs using our Find a plan tool.

What are the benefits of a smart plan?

Switching to a smart plan can help you:

Save money by using electricity at lower-cost times

Many smart plans offer lower rates during off-peak periods. By moving some energy usage to these times, you could reduce your electricity bills.

For example, you could:

• Charge your electric vehicle overnight
• Run appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during lower-cost periods
• Take advantage of weekend discounts on selected plans

Choose a plan that suits your lifestyle

We offer a range of smart plans, including:

• Standard smart plans
• Weekend discount plans
• EV smart plans

Understand your energy use
Smart plans give you access to tools and insights that help you understand when you're using electricity and identify opportunities to save.

Get more accurate bills
Smart meters can provide regular meter readings automatically, helping ensure your bills are based on actual usage rather than estimated readings.

Who can sign up to a smart plan?

You can sign up to a smart plan once your smart meter has been installed. If you've recently had a smart meter installed, it can take up to 30 days for connectivity to be established.

You can join our Smart Standard plan immediately after installation. Once connectivity has been established, you'll be able to access our wider range of smart plans.

Important information

• Level Pay isn't available with smart plans. If you switch to a smart plan, your Level Pay agreement will end. Any outstanding balance will be included in your first smart bill and collected through your next Direct Debit payment.
• If you're switching to Bord Gáis Energy, you'll first need to join us on a standard electricity plan. Once your switch is complete, you can move to an eligible smart plan at no extra cost. You can sign up to a 'non-smart' plan by viewing  Compare our plans page.