Electricity Rates in Ireland (2026): Price per kWh, PSO Levy & VAT Explained
Understanding the electricity price per kWh in Ireland is a key step to finding cheaper power. Your bill isn’t just the unit rate — it also includes standing charges, the PSO levy and VAT. Knowing how these work lets you compare plans properly and avoid overpaying.
To see current deals and compare the best tariffs suited to your home, start here: Find the Best Electricity Deal.
What Does “Electricity Price per kWh” Mean?
The electricity price per kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the amount you pay for each unit of electricity you use. It’s the core part of your bill and one of the main factors that determines how much you pay overall.
Example: If your unit rate is 32c per kWh and you use 20 kWh in a day, your usage cost is:
20 × €0.32 = €6.40
However, your final electricity bill also includes:
- Standing charge – a daily fixed cost
- PSO levy – a regulated charge on Irish electricity bills
- VAT – tax on your total bill
What Is the PSO Levy?
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy helps fund renewable energy and security of electricity supply in Ireland. It appears on bills alongside your unit rate and standing charge, and is updated periodically by the regulator.
VAT on Electricity
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most consumer electricity bills in Ireland. It is calculated on the total bill amount, including unit charges, standing charge and any levies.
Electricity Unit Rates in Ireland — Meter Types Explained
Electricity prices vary depending on your tariff and meter type:
- Standard tariff: one unit rate for all consumption
- Day/Night tariff: lower night rate, higher day rate
- Smart tariffs: multiple rate periods including peak/boost/night
Learn how these differ in real usage in: Day vs Night Electricity Tariffs and Smart Meter Tariffs in Ireland.
How to Compare Electricity Prices (Best Practices)
Comparing price per kWh alone doesn’t always give a full picture. Use this checklist:
- Compare all unit rates (including peak and night if relevant)
- Check the standing charge
- Include PSO levy and VAT in your cost model
- Estimate your annual usage to compare true cost
If you want an easy way to compare without manual calculation, WeSwitchU can show you tailored deals based on your household profile.
How to Find Your Current Price per kWh
To find your current price per kWh:
- Open your latest electricity bill
- Look for “unit rate” or “c/kWh”
- Note whether you have a standard, day/night or smart tariff
Then use these numbers to plug into the checklist above for comparison.
FAQs – Electricity Price per kWh in Ireland
What is the current electricity price per kWh in Ireland?
The unit rate varies by supplier and tariff. Check your bill and compare using estimated annual usage for accuracy.
Is a lower price per kWh always better?
Not necessarily. A low unit rate with a high standing charge or poor tariff structure might cost more overall.
Do day/night tariffs have cheaper kWh rates?
Night rates can be significantly cheaper, but day rates may be higher — it depends on how you use electricity.
Can smart meters save on price per kWh?
Smart meter tariffs may include ultra-low boost periods, but overall value depends on usage timing.
Is VAT included in the price per kWh?
No. VAT applies to your total bill, after calculating all charges including unit rates and standing charges.
Find the Best Electricity Price for Your Home
The cheapest electricity price per kWh for your home depends on your usage, meter type and when you use electricity.
See current electricity deals and find your cheapest option
For a full comparison of tariffs and supplier differences, you can also read: Best Electricity Provider in Ireland (2026).