Can I switch at any time?
Yes, in most cases. If you are on a standard variable tariff — which most households default to after their initial fixed-term period — you can switch at any time with no exit fee.
If you are within a fixed-term contract, check your terms. Some fixed-rate plans include an early exit fee, typically €50–€150. If the saving from switching is large enough, it may still be worth it.
What you need before you switch
Switching takes around 10 minutes online. Before you start, have the following to hand:
- MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) — a 13-digit number printed on your electricity bill. Your new provider needs this to register the supply transfer.
- Eircode — your home's postal code, used to confirm your location on the national grid.
- A recent meter reading — not always required, but useful to ensure your final bill from the old provider is accurate.
- Your current tariff name — helps you understand what you are switching from and whether you are still on an introductory rate.
Step by step: how to switch
- Step 1 — Compare providers and find a better deal. Use a comparison tool like Sortd to see your estimated annual cost with each provider, based on your actual usage.
- Step 2 — Sign up with your new provider online. You will need your MPRN and Eircode. The new provider handles the rest from here.
- Step 3 — The new provider notifies your current supplier and coordinates the supply transfer through ESB Networks. You do not need to contact your current provider yourself.
- Step 4 — Receive a final bill from your old provider covering up to the transfer date, and start receiving bills from your new one.
See your potential saving
Find out if you are overpaying
Sortd compares your current energy tariff against the full Irish market and shows you exactly how much you could save — based on your actual usage.
Will my electricity be cut off during the switch?
No. Switching provider does not affect your electricity supply in any way. The same physical cables, meter, and infrastructure stay in place throughout. The only thing that changes is who bills you.
The transfer is managed between the two providers through ESB Networks, which operates the national electricity grid regardless of which company you buy from.
How long does switching take?
A standard residential switch typically takes 10–15 working days from sign-up to completion. Your current provider continues to supply and bill you normally during this period.
After the switch completes, you will receive a closing bill from your old provider (covering up to the switch date) and your first bill from the new provider shortly after.
The 14-day cooling off period
Under Irish consumer law, you have 14 days to cancel after signing up with a new electricity provider, with no penalty. If you change your mind, contact the new provider directly within that window.
What if I owe money to my current provider?
If you have an outstanding balance with your current electricity supplier, you may not be able to switch until it is cleared or a repayment plan is in place. Contact your current provider to discuss your options.
When is the best time to switch?
The best time to switch is just before your introductory discount expires — typically around the 10-month mark of a 12-month deal. Switching at that point means your new introductory discount kicks in before you roll onto the higher standard rate.
Outside of a contract expiry, any time you find a deal that saves you €100 or more per year on a variable tariff is worth acting on. The process is quick and there is no cost to switch.