All the electricity providers in Ireland have higher standing charges for rural households compared to urban ones.
ESB Networks assigns the Urban or rural charge rate based on the location of a property.
Rural electricity charges are higher because the electricity suppliers charge a higher standing charge.
ESB Networks charges your Electricity Supplier for use of the Electricity Distribution System.
ESB Networks charge the electricity suppliers €35 a year more a year standing charge for rural compared to urban households.
The logic behind this is that it costs ESB networks more to supply electricity to properties further away from the network.
The electricity suppliers can set their own electricity standing charges. They do not all have to charge customers the same amount.
There is no rural or urban distinction for gas standing charges – because all the gas networks are in urban areas
Urban or Rural Electricity Charges?
You can check if you are on a rural or urban residential standing charge by looking at the top right-hand corner of your electricity bill. You will see either DG1 or DG2 just underneath the MPRN.
Urban customers will be shown as DG1 while DG2 means you are a rural customer.
Cheapest Electricity charges for Rural households.
We did a comparison in early April of the annual rural electricity charges for average usage (4200 kwh). The prices shown are for new customers only on a 1 year contract.
The current best price is from Flogas at €1879 in year one. (Rates fixed for a year)
Cheapest Rural Electricity Prices
| Electricity Supplier | Cost in Year One for 4200 KwH | StandingCharge (Annual) | Unit Rate (Cent per KwH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flogas | €1879 | €382 | 37.99 |
| Waterpower | €1890 | €387 | 38.11 |
| SSE | €1928 | €303 | 41.01 |
| Electric Ireland | €2001 | €382 | 40.90 |
These prices are for new customers - so existing customers will probably be paying more.
Figures checked June 1st 2023
On average – a rural household will be charged roughly €45 more a year compared to a household in an urban area. (For the same electricity usage).
Each electricity supplier will charge the same unit rates (kwh) for rural and urban homes – it is just the standing charge that is higher for rural homes.
Compare Urban Electricity Charges Here
How Much is the Average Electricity Bill in Ireland?