- Friday 20 February 2026
Ireland’s Electricity Prices Explained (2026): What’s on Your Bill + How to Pay Less
Electricity prices in Ireland include more than just the “price per kWh”. Your bill is made up of a unit rate, standing charge, plus regulated charges like the PSO levy and VAT.
This guide explains what each part means and how to reduce your bill in 2026.
Want a faster answer? Compare the best electricity deals here.
What makes up an electricity bill?
- Unit rate (c/kWh) – what you pay per unit used
- Standing charge – fixed daily cost
- Network charges – grid delivery costs
- PSO levy – regulated public service charge
- VAT – tax applied to the total bill
1) Unit rate (price per kWh)
Your unit rate has the biggest impact if your usage is medium or high. Even small changes in c/kWh can significantly affect annual costs.
For deeper comparison see: Electricity Rates Ireland (2026) or Cheapest Electricity in Ireland.
2) Standing charge
This is a fixed cost you pay regardless of usage. Low-usage homes should pay close attention to standing charge differences between suppliers.
3) PSO levy
The PSO levy is a regulated electricity charge. From 1 December 2025, the revised domestic PSO levy is €1.46 per month for the remainder of the 2025/26 PSO year.
You can’t switch away the PSO levy, but you can reduce supplier-controlled costs like your unit rate and standing charge.
4) VAT
VAT is applied to your electricity bill total (including unit charges and standing charge). The reduced VAT rate has been extended under Budget 2026 measures.
How to reduce your electricity bill in 2026
Choose the right tariff type
- Standard – one rate all day
- Day/Night – cheaper night rate
- Smart – multiple time-based rates
Read more: Day vs Night Tariffs | Smart Meter Tariffs
Switch before your discount ends
Most electricity discounts last 12 months. Reviewing your plan annually prevents you from moving onto higher standard rates.
How to Switch Energy Supplier (2026)
Quick comparison: what you can control
| Item | Can switching help? |
|---|---|
| Unit rate | Yes |
| Standing charge | Yes |
| Tariff type | Yes |
| PSO levy | No (regulated) |
| VAT | No (tax) |
FAQs
What is the price per kWh in Ireland?
Your price per kWh is your unit rate. Your total bill also includes standing charge, PSO levy and VAT.
Why is my electricity bill high?
Common reasons include expired discounts, higher winter usage, increased standing charges or being on the wrong tariff type.
Can switching supplier reduce my bill?
Yes. While regulated charges remain, switching can reduce your unit rate and standing charge.
Is day/night or smart always cheaper?
No. They only work if you can shift enough usage into cheaper time periods.