- Monday 01 December 2025
What Is a Smart Meter and Should You Choose a Smart Tariff?
Smart meters and smart tariffs are becoming more common across Ireland, but many households are still unsure how they work and whether they are the right choice for their home.
If you want to understand your options, you can compare smart and standard electricity tariffs based on your usage before making a decision.
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a modern electricity meter that measures how much energy you use in near real time. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters are network connected and automatically communicate readings to your energy supplier.
This means you no longer need to submit manual meter readings, and your bills are based on your actual energy usage rather than estimates.
What is a smart meter tariff?
A smart meter tariff charges different electricity rates at different times of the day. These tariffs are more detailed than standard 24-hour or day-night plans.
A typical smart tariff includes four rates: a day rate, a peak rate, a night rate, and a very low-cost boost rate.
These tariffs are designed to encourage electricity use during off-peak hours, when demand is lower and electricity is cheaper.
If you use more electricity during peak periods, such as early evenings, you will pay a higher rate. Cheaper night and boost rates can offset this, but smart tariffs are not suitable for everyone.
Who is best suited to a smart tariff?
Smart tariffs can work well for households that can shift a significant portion of their electricity use to night or off-peak hours.
They are often a good option for homes with electric vehicles, solar panels with battery storage, or heat pumps. For example, electric vehicles can be charged overnight on cheaper rates, while hot water for heat pumps can be scheduled during off-peak hours.
If you regularly run appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines overnight or early in the morning, you may also benefit from a smart tariff.
When a smart tariff may not be suitable
Smart tariffs may not be the best choice if most of your electricity use happens during daytime or peak hours, as these rates can be higher than standard tariffs.
They can also be more complex to manage, as savings depend on actively shifting usage to cheaper periods. In some rural areas, smart meter communication may also be less reliable.
If you are a heavy gas user, it is important to compare smart tariffs carefully, as a standard tariff with a stronger gas discount may offer better overall value.
Where to find the best smart meter tariffs
If you have a smart meter and think a smart tariff could suit your household, you can find the best smart and non-smart electricity deals based on your actual usage.
WeSwitchU compares both smart and standard tariffs and helps you switch to the best available option, with savings reviewed year after year.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can switch energy supplier now and let WeSwitchU handle the process for you.