Encouraging customer participation in Ireland’s low-carbon energy market

As a result of regulations introduced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), customers can now participate in the energy market, helping to shape a smarter, low carbon economy. Advancing Ireland’s commitments to a low carbon society are fundamental to CRU’s strategic priorities.

Smart meters are a key part of empowering energy customers to participate in the energy market. Smart meters are already delivering smart services that provide better data for customers, including the ability to access real-time data, while providing accurate meter readings which means no more estimates or bill shock.

The National Smart Meter Programme (NSMP) is led by the CRU and delivered by ESB Networks, working closely with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, electricity suppliers and customers. The NSMP is a key part of the National Climate Action Plan and the rollout is a key step in Ireland’s transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system – empowering customers while supporting Ireland’s climate ambitions.

As part of the NSMP, over two million smart meters have already been installed in Ireland, with the roll-out ongoing.

The CRU welcomes this significant milestone which supports sustainability by helping people reduce consumption, shift usage to off-peak times, and make informed choices about renewable energy options.

The current installation of two million smart meters is underpinned by the dedication and collaborative work of all involved and the support of Irish electricity customers.

Benefit of smart meters

Smart meters allow customers to understand their energy use patterns through their ESB Networks online account. With this information customers can become more energy efficient and lower their carbon footprint. By moving electricity to cheaper off-peak times, customers can potentially save money on their energy bills.

Smart meter services enable customers to upload half-hourly energy usage files to price comparison websites. This means they can get quotes that reflect their actual energy use – both what they import and export, making comparisons more accurate.

The number of customers making use of smart services and Time of Use (ToU) tariffs continues to increase. Over 560,000 or 28% of all customers are using smart services and over 320,000 (16% of customers) use ToU tariffs.

New services available

As well as this, since January 2025, electricity suppliers are free to offer Smart Pay as You Go to smart meter customers. Smart Pay as You Go lets customers take control of their electricity usage by paying for it as they use it rather than receiving a bill.

The range of services that are enabled by smart meters will continue to expand, bringing more benefits to customers. While more than half a million customers have taken action to start availing themselves of the existing benefits, the CRU encourages all customers to talk to their supplier about the smart services and tariffs on offer.

Smart meter data access code

Earlier this year, the CRU published its decision on the Smart Meter Data Access Code (SMDAC), which sets out how energy suppliers and other service providers can access smart meter data to offer better services. This data will make it easier for customers to:

• Get more accurate and personalised price comparisons
• Find energy plans that suit how they use electricity
• Understand energy habits and how to save

The CRU has started rolling out the SMDAC, and it should be fully in place within the next 12 months. Once it is up and running, energy suppliers and others will be able to offer customers new services. For example, with the customer’s permission, Price Comparison Websites will be able to access a customers’ data and provide personalised price comparisons, allowing customers to compare prices and choose the best energy deal for their needs.

Export tariff payments for Irish energy microgenerators

In addition to the NSMP, the CRU has implemented a framework to ensure that active customers are paid for any electricity that they export. Regulations introduced in late 2021 require that customers are paid for all generated electricity that exceeds their own use and is ‘exported’ to the grid.

There are now 150,000 customers with microgeneration (e.g. solar PV or wind turbines) in Ireland generating their own electricity. Smart meters enable these customers to get paid for the excess electricity they export back to the national grid.

The rollout of three phase whole current smart meters typically used for customers with higher energy consumption, usually non-domestic, started in August. These meters are particularly important for microgeneration customers who wish to export excess energy back to the grid system.

As Ireland continues to move toward a low-carbon future, the CRU is committed to enabling meaningful customer participation through smart technologies and robust regulation.

The smart meter rollout is not just about new technology; it is a catalyst for behavioural change, energy efficiency, and climate action. By embracing smart services and engaging with their energy data, customers are helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient energy system for generations to come.

W: www.cru.ie