What is the Smart Dynamic tariff?

Smart Dynamic is a time‑of‑use smart electricity plan where prices change every half hour. 

Smart Dynamic is a time‑of‑use smart electricity plan where prices change every half hour. These prices reflect real‑time costs in the wholesale Irish electricity market, known as the “Day Ahead Market” or “DAM”.

That means when you use electricity matters. It can be cheaper overnight or at the weekend, for example  and more expensive at busy times, like early evenings. By shifting when you use electricity, you can stay more in control of your costs.

To sign up for our Smart Dynamic tariff, you’ll need a smart electricity meter installed.

What are the benefits?

  • More transparency
    You can clearly see what you’re paying and when for your electricity use.
  • Potential savings
    If you’re able to shift some electricity usage to lower‑priced times, you could reduce your bill.
  • Better for the electricity grid and the environment
    Using electricity when demand is lower or when more renewable energy is available helps support the grid and a greener electricity mix.

Are there any downsides?

  • It can feel more complex
    With prices changing each half hour , some customers may find there’s more information to take in. This plan works best if you’re comfortable checking prices every day and shifting your usage.
  • Bills can vary
    If you don’t or can’t change how you use electricity , costs could be higher at peak times, which may lead to unexpected increases on your bill.
  • Vulnerable customers
    If you’re a vulnerable customer who is critically dependent on electricity and cannot shift when you use electricity, this tariff is most likely not suitable for you.

How to make Smart Dynamic work for you

Smart Dynamic rewards customers who stay engaged and flexible. Here are a few simple ways to make it work for you.

  • Track prices daily
    Check day‑ahead prices using our daily pricing page or daily email alerts. Knowing when prices are lower helps you make informed choices.
  • Shift what you can
    Run high‑energy appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers or EV charging during lower‑cost hours where possible.
  • Automate your usage
    Use timers, smart plugs or smart home systems to automatically run appliances when prices are lower.
  • Keep an eye on your bills
    Review your monthly usage and costs to make sure the tariff still suits your lifestyle. You can switch to another smart tariff at any time.

Is Smart Dynamic right for everyone?

Smart Dynamic is a financially risky product and, unlike other plans, the dynamic unit rate can move up or down on a half-hourly basis. Smart Dynamic pricing works best for customers who are comfortable tracking prices daily and have flexibility in when they use electricity.

Smart Dynamic won’t suit every household. It’s an early‑adopter electricity plan, designed for customers who are comfortable with prices changing at different times of the day. If your usage is fixed or you prefer predictable pricing, a different smart plan may suit you better.

If you’re a vulnerable customer who is critically dependent on electricity and cannot shift when you use electricity, this tariff is most likely not suitable for you.

If Smart Dynamic isn’t right for you, you can switch back to any of our smart plans at any time, with no penalties. 

The Smart Dynamic tariff is an online‑only plan. That means everything is digital, from your bills to important updates.

Here’s what that involves:

  • You’ll need a valid email address and an online account. It’s important to keep your email address up to date so you don’t miss anything.
  • We’ll send you regular pricing emails, so you’ll need to be able to receive and check these.
  • All bills and communications are paperless. You can view your bills and usage on your online account.

How to sign up

Sign up for Smart Dynamic here.

Smart Dynamic terms and conditions can be viewed at Service and supply Terms and Conditions | Bord Gáis Energy