Smart meters

As part of the National Climate Action Plan, ESB Networks is upgrading all electricity meters across the country. The standard meter that you have in your home now will be replaced with a smart meter. This next generation of digital electricity meters will benefit us all. Smart meters will help us all become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

A smart meter measures electricity usage, like a traditional meter, without the need for estimated meter readings. With smart meters, you no longer have to submit readings or have someone read the meter.

Smart meters are the next generation electricity meters and will replace older mechanical meters. When fully operational, smart meters will bring benefits to the consumer, the environment and the economy.

With smart meters, there will be no need for estimated bills. You will be able to access the information you need to make more informed choices about your consumption and tariffs. Accurate information about energy usage across the day will allow you to manage your bills with greater accuracy.

The environment will benefit because smart metering will encourage energy efficiency and support an increase in renewable power on the electricity system. The upgrade program will help to cut CO2 emissions and lower Ireland’s costly reliance on fossil fuel imports.

The economy will benefit because using smart meters will help us to more efficiently manage energy flow at times of high demand. They will also enhance competition and improve consumer experience, customer choice and the range of products and services available.

The replacement of over 2 million electricity meters with the next generation electricity meter over a six-year period will cost some €1.2bn. Like other infrastructure upgrades, the cost of the meter upgrade will be recouped over time in charges paid for use of the electricity network which means there is no upfront charge to have a Smart Meter installed. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has done extensive analysis of the plan and is satisfied that the investment involved represents value for money.

The meter replacement will be carried out by ESB Networks or a company working on behalf of ESB Networks.

Yes. Eventually every mechanical meter will be upgraded to a smart meter.

Your new smart meter will be automatically checked for connectivity to ensure it can send automatic readings to the network. This check can take up to 30 days and you will be notified once complete. Once your connectivity is confirmed you will be eligible to sign up for a smart meter tariff.

Smart meters will only reflect the electricity you’ve actually used. By providing you with greater access to accurate information on your energy usage, you will have greater control over your energy consumption. By changing your behaviour based on your new insights, you can reduce your bills and your carbon footprint.

Having a smart meter installed is just the first step. To really get the most out of your smart meter, you must sign up to a smart meter electricity plan.

Electric Ireland’s smart meter plans are called Home Electric+ and our existing customers can upgrade to a smart Home Electric+ plan easily in their online account for free.

If you are an Electric Ireland customer you can check this through your online account. Please Login, then click on ‘view account’, the click ‘details’ and scroll down to ‘Meter’ which should say ‘SMART’.
If you are not an Electric Ireland customer, please contact your current supplier.

ESB Networks began the Smart Meter Rollout Programme in 2019. The rollout will be completed by 2024. To date over 1 million smart meters have been installed. See ESB Networks for the latest updates on the rollout programme.

Installation doesn’t take long at all but to do the work safely ESB networks will need to turn off your electricity supply for approximately 45 minutes.

There is no additional charge for upgrading your meter. Like other meter upgrades, the cost is included in your existing charges for use of the electricity network.

No, once the meter is installed, it will send detailed electricity readings accurately and automatically. This means that you’ll no longer have to submit meter reads or worry about getting estimated bills.
But to get the most out of your smart meter you should switch to a Home Electric+ plan and take more control over your energy usage.