The direct answer
The unit rate is only one part of the bill. Use your annual kilowatt-hour consumption and meter type to compare the full estimated annual cost, including standing charges, time bands, discounts and taxes. [1]
Use your real usage
Find 12 months of electricity or gas consumption on bills or your account. For a time-of-use plan, use consumption by time band where available. A plan that is cheap for an average household may be expensive for your pattern. [1]
Check every condition
Record the unit rates, standing charge, discount duration, contract term, payment conditions and early-exit fee. Ask what happens when a discount ends. Treat cashback as one part of total cost, not the headline answer. [2]
Switch safely
Use a CRU-accredited comparison website where possible. Confirm the meter reading and final-bill process. Switching supplier should not interrupt the physical supply, but clear any account issue and keep confirmation of the new terms. [3]
What to do now
- Collect a full year of usage.
- Compare estimated annual cost on like-for-like assumptions.
- Read discount expiry and exit terms.
- Save the plan details accepted.
Primary sources
Claims and service details were checked against these official sources on 2026-07-11. Follow the source for the latest operational detail.
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities: Switching energy supplier Accessed 2026-07-11
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities: Accredited price comparison websites Accessed 2026-07-11
- Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland: Understand your energy use Accessed 2026-07-11
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Editorial note
Publisher: Around.ie Editorial. This page provides general information, not individual professional advice. Material changes trigger an earlier review. Corrections create a new reviewed version.