When householders start looking into the high cost of electricity, it can be useful to compare their electricity to other households. But – How Much is the average electricity bill in Ireland in Summer 2026 ?
Energy prices in Ireland and elsewhere rose drastically in 2022 and 2023 – but in 2024 we started to see electricity prices falling again . It looks like electricity prices might be on the rise again later in 2026.
We all use electricity in our homes, and electricity bills can make up a big part of annual household expenditure. Overall, electricity usage per appliance is dropping as modern appliances become more energy efficient. But the increasing number of electrical gadgets and devices in our homes is also helping to keep the average electricity consumption high.
The most recent electricity usage figures for Ireland, produced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) , say that 4200kWh is now the “official” average annual electricity usage for households in Ireland. (Reference). That figure was arrived at in 2017. Since then, many more homes have been using heat pumps , therefore, those homes will probably be using more electricity than the “average”
How Much Does Electricity Cost in Ireland?
Based on “standard” charging rates from the most prominent provider (Electric Ireland) – the usage of the “average” amount (4200 kWh) of electricity a year will result in an annual electricity bill of €1868. (Augusty 2026).
(Urban 24-hour rates , Inclusive of VAT PSO and standing charges.)
Electric Ireland charges 38c per kWh and a Standing Charge of €251 including VAT.
Note- VAT on electricity in Ireland is temporarily reduced from 13.5% to 9% until Jan 2031.
TIP: It can be a good idea to register at One Big Switch, which often arranges good deals with energy providers for members. It’s free, and once you are registered, they will let you know about any energy deals they have agreed with suppliers.
In Summer of 2026 – Electric Ireland’s standard electricity charges work out as : –
- an average annual electricity bill of €1868
- an average of €156 per month.
Of course, most households will use more electricity in the winter than in the summer because of things like heaters, tumble dryers, etc. Domestic Electricity usage is estimated to be 36% more in the winter months.
If you live in a rural area, you can expect to pay about €30 to €50 more per year than this for average usage. See more about Rural Electricity Charges here.
VAT on Electricity Decreased Temporarily
The VAT on electricity was temporarily reduced from 13.5% to 9% from May 1st 2022. See more here about VAT Rate Reduction . This reduction is now due to finish at the end of December 2030
How much does 1 Kwh of Electricity cost in Ireland?
One “unit” or one KwH of electricity costs around 38 cents in August 2026 . (Including VAT)
This figure is based on Electric Ireland’s standard rates.
It may be possible to get lower-priced electricity than this.
For more details, see our page on switching providers to get the Cheapest Electricity in Ireland
You can do your own comparison at the useful Switcher website
Average Electricity Bills in Ireland
We have estimated what a typical electricity usage and bills might be for different types of households.
The figure of 4200 kWh of electricity usage per year is an average for all households – but obviously, not all households are “average”.
| Property Type | Annual Usage Kwh | Annual Bill | Monthly Bill |
| 1 / 2 Bed Apartment | 2100 | €1069 | €89 |
| 1/ 2 Bed Apartment (All Electric) | 5000 | €2172 | €181 |
| 3/4 Bed Semi | 4200 | €1868 | €156 |
| 3/4 Bed Detached | 6000 | €2552 | €213 |
| 5/6 Bed Detached | 8000 | €3313 | €276 |
The prices above are based on Electric Ireland’s Urban 24 hr Tariff – Standard Rate (Aug 2026. (The PSO Levy is included).
It’s interesting to see that a doubling (100% increase) of electricity usage from 2100 kWh to 4200 kWh only results in overall electricity bills increasing by 75%.
This anomaly is because a large part of the bill is made up of fixed-price standing charges.
Take a look at our Comparison of Electricity Prices in Ireland
You can do your own comparison at the useful Switcher website
How Much Have Electricity Charges Increased ?
This is a summary of the annual electricity charges for an average usage home in Ireland over the past 15 years : (based on Electric Ireland standard rates).
Prices have reduced since 2023 – but the war in Iran could result in price increases during 2026.
- €744 in 2010
- €952 in 2012
- €975 in 2013
- €987 in 2014
- €964 in 2015
- €1038 in 2016
- €970 in mid 2017
- €1063 in October 2018
- €1044 in Apr 2019
- €1015 in April 2020
- €1098 October 2020
- €1274 Nov 2021
- €1509 in May 2022
- €1674 in August 2022
- €2113 in August 2023
- €1909 in Jan 2024
- €1756 in July 2024
- €1729 in May 2026
- €1868 in Aug 2026
Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity?
A “unit” of electricity is 1kwh and will cost about 38c including VAT
One Kwh or “one unit” is the amount of energy you would use if you kept a 1,000 watt appliance running for an hour:
Here are some estimates of how long it would take to run various electric appliances to cost you €1.
(Unit rate used of 36c)
- Using a 9.8kwh electric shower for about 16 minutes
- Keeping an immersion heater (3,000 watts) on for 52 minutes
- Cooking in a 2,000-watt oven for about 1hr 20 min.
- Ironing with a 1,500 watt iron for 1hr 50 min.
- Tumble Dryer – running for 2 hours (will vary by model) – see Tumble Dryer Usage
- Cooking in a 1000W Microwave for 2 hr 35 min
- Using a dishwasher for 2 cycles (on eco)
- Watching a plasma TV (280 – 450 watts) – about 7 hours
- Keeping a fridge-freezer (200 – 400 watts) on for about 10 hours
- A desktop Computer (200w average) for 13 hours
- Using a 100w electric throw for 26 hours
- Using a laptop (20 – 50 watts) about 75 hours
- Keep a 5 watt LED light bulb on for 22 days
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If you are looking for cheaper electricity, you should think about registering with One Big Switch . They often arrange good deals with energy providers for members. It’s free to join, and once you are registered,d they will let you know about any energy deals they have agreed with suppliers.
If you have a mortgage, you could potentially save thousands of Euros in a few years by switching mortgage lenders. Take a look at the savings you could make by switching mortgage.