This is an estimate. Your supplier's unit rates, standing charge and discounts decide your actual bill, and prices change. Check the rates on your bill or your supplier's price list. Terms of use.
How the bill is worked out
Each unit (kWh) is charged at the rate for the time it is used: one rate on a 24 hour meter, or day, night and peak rates. Any discount comes off the unit charges. The standing charge is a daily amount, and the PSO levy (€0.51 a month from 1 October 2026) is added. VAT at 9% is charged on the total. A two month bill is taken as 61 days, one sixth of a year.
Example. An urban home on a 24 hour meter uses 700 kWh in two months at 33 cent per kWh: €231.00. The standing charge at 58 cent a day is €35.28 and the PSO levy is €1.02, giving €267.30 before VAT. VAT at 9% adds €24.06, so the bill is €291.36, about €1,748.16 a year.
Default figures
The PSO levy and VAT rate are set by the CRU and in law. The unit rates and standing charges are typical published prices before VAT and discounts, last checked on 10 October 2026. They vary by supplier, plan and meter, so enter the rates from your bill for a closer estimate.
Questions
What is the PSO levy?
The Public Service Obligation levy is a fixed charge on every electricity account that funds renewable and secure electricity generation. The CRU sets it each year from 1 October. For homes it is €0.51 a month before VAT from 1 October 2026, down from €1.46.
What VAT rate applies to electricity?
9%. The reduced 9% rate on electricity and gas was extended in Budget 2026 to 31 December 2030. VAT is charged on the whole bill, including the standing charge and the PSO levy.
Is there an electricity credit in 2026 or 2027?
No. Budget 2026 and Budget 2027 did not include a household electricity credit. The last universal credits were paid in 2024 and early 2025.
What is the standing charge?
A fixed daily charge set by your supplier that covers network costs and the cost of running your account. It is charged whether or not you use electricity. It is usually higher for rural homes, because the network costs more per home, and higher on a day and night meter.
Are the unit rates on my bill before or after VAT?
Irish electricity bills show unit rates and the standing charge before VAT, then add VAT at the end. Price lists on supplier websites often include VAT. To turn a rate that includes VAT into one before VAT, divide it by 1.09.
How much electricity does a typical home use?
The CRU uses 4,200 kWh a year for a typical home, about 700 kWh in a two month bill. Your bill shows your own use, and a smart meter shows it by day, night and peak.
How do day, night and peak rates work?
With a day and night meter, units used overnight (usually 11pm to 8am) are charged at a lower night rate. Smart tariffs often add a peak rate from 5pm to 7pm, which is higher than the day rate. Moving use such as washing and EV charging to night hours lowers the bill.
