Be energy smart
Take control of electricity costs by becoming energy smart. Start by understanding how and when you use energy at home.
Awareness of your energy habits
Changing how and when you use electricity can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Check how you're using electricity
Do you know how much energy the appliances use in your home? As a general rule if it heats up (especially in a short space of time), it is likely a big user of electricity. Reduce your energy use by using these appliances carefully. For example, avoid over filling the kettle or limit your shower to 5 minutes.
Energy monitors are inexpensive, plug-in tools that measure how much energy appliances use. These simple devices display the energy use (kWh) any appliance you plug into it. Some also display the running cost if you add your current unit rate. They're a great tool to understand which appliances use most energy in your home. The biggest savings will be from reducing the use of the biggest energy users.
You can also register for an ESBN online account to access your smart meter data and view graphs of your energy use.
Smart plugs and appliances
Smart devices are wi-fi enabled and controlled through an app on your phone/tablet or by voice recognition. This user-friendly technology can be set to automatically shift some electricity use to off-peak times.
You may be familiar with smart speakers that play music, control other devices and answer questions. Smart doorbells and cameras are useful for security. Smart robot vacuums can clean the house while you're out. There are even smart cookers that cook food and smart fridges that order groceries when you need them! The range and functionality of smart appliances is growing all the time.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs control the flow of electricity to any appliance plugged into it. You can turn on/off appliances to a program of set times, or on demand from through an app. Some smart plugs can also monitor the energy use of the appliance plugged into it.
Smart bulbs
Smart bulbs can replace a standard bulb in any lamp or light fitting. They are low energy LED bulbs that look the same as a standard bulb. You can turn on/off smart bulbs remotely to a program of set times (e.g. sunrise/sunset), or on demand through the app. Some smart bulbs have extra features such as the ability to adjust the colour and intensity of light, and monitor the electricity use over time.
Shift your use
Ireland's energy system is evolving for the benefit of consumers, the grid and the environment. We can all help this transition by moving some of our electricity use away from the peak time 5-7pm.
Depending on your smart tariff, use as much energy as possible on the night rate (11pm - 8am). This maximises cost savings for you, while reducing pressure on the grid. Shifting your use requires some changes to your energy habits. There is no one size fits all solution. For most people, it's not practical to completely avoid using electricity at peak times.
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Washing machine
Time your load to finish the cycle before 8am in the morning.
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Tumble dryer
Air dry your laundry when possible.
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Dishwasher
Time your load to finish the cycle before 8am in the morning.
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Electric shower
Shower before 8am or after 7pm and/or limit your time to 5 minutes.
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Oven
Use a slow cooker. Dinner will be ready when you get home and likely use half the electricity of the oven! Or you could use an air fryer instead.
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Smart plugs
Use smart plugs on any device you leave on standby when it isn't being used.
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Hair dryer
Use before 8am or after 7pm.
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Vacuum cleaner
Use a smart plug to charge your cordless vacuum cleaner outside of peak times.
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Kettle
Only boil enough water for your intended use, don't fill the kettle for 2 cups of tea!
Tips that make a difference
Work within your lifestyle to adjust your behaviour when possible. Here are some ways you can shift your energy habits for the better. Read our blog on electricity used by appliances to understand how much your appliances use.
Read the blogTime of Use tariffs
Unlike standard electricity tariffs, smart tariffs offer different prices for electricity at different times of the day or week. These are referred to as Time of Use (ToU) tariffs.
These tariffs are designed to incentivise consumers to avoid using energy at times of peak demand (5pm - 7pm). They also offer reduced electricity costs for consumers that can be flexible in when they consume electricity.
Types of smart tariffsNext steps
When you gain a good understanding of your energy habits, reduce energy use and shift some of your load away from peak times, it's time to think about taking the next step.
Energy upgrades
To future proof your home consider energy upgrades to increase comfort, reduce your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Options for grant funding to help make your home more energy efficient include:
- Upgrading the building fabric (e.g. insulation)
- Installing renewable energy systems to generate your own energy (e.g. solar)
- Smart technology solutions (e.g. heating controls)
Start your home energy upgrade
Battery storage
Installing a battery in your home is another step forward. A battery can draw electricity from the grid when renewable generation is high and costs are low. Then you can use that electricity when it suits you, reducing pressure on the grid. Shifting your load while your lifestyle remains unchanged.
Other smart energy solutions
Plan for the future with more smart energy solutions to take full advantage of Time of Use tariffs. Smart energy technologies are available that automatically make smart decisions on when to use electricity to do what you need to do.