Smart Dynamic
What is the Smart Dynamic tariff?
Smart Dynamic is a 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”.
Instead of paying the same unit price all day, prices vary across the day, and you can choose when to use electricity based on tomorrow’s prices.
The Smart Dynamic tariff is made up of three parts
1. Standing charge: This is an annual charge and covers the fixed costs associated with providing your gas and electricity supply
2. Base Unit Rate: A fixed amount for each unit of electricity you use that stays the same all day
3. Dynamic Unit Rate: A variable amount that changes every half-hour according to the day-ahead market prices
What are the benefits?
More transparency: 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
Is Smart Dynamic suitable for me?
You must have a smart electricity meter installed for this plan, and your smart meter must have a Communications Technically Feasible (CTF) of 4. This means your meter can communicate with ESB Networks every half hour.
Run high‑energy appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers or EV charging during lower‑cost hours where possible.
You’re comfortable checking prices daily so you can plan out your usage.
Check day‑ahead prices using our daily pricing page or daily email alerts. Knowing when prices are lower helps you make informed choices.
You’re comfortable with prices going up and down, and don’t need certainty around costs. 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.
You’re happy to regularly track your usage and check your bills on your online account.
Things to consider
If you’re not able to do these things, the Smart Dynamic tariff is may not be the right choice for you.
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.
Please note that Bord Gáis Energy cannot accept responsibility for any unexpected high costs or bills as a result of this tariff.
How does it work?
Updates
We’ll email you each day with prices for every half hour, from 11pm that night to 11pm tomorrow
Alerts
We’ll send you a second email or an SMS (you choose) if any of the prices exceed your set price alert
Plan
Plan out your usage for the following day to take advantage of the cheaper half hours
View usage
You can view your past daily half-hourly usage and costs in your online account
What to expect
Once you’ve selected the right plan, you’ll be brought through to the detailed product page.