Setting Up Utilities in Ireland: Complete Guide to Electricity, Gas & Broadband (2025)

14 November 2025

UtilitiesEssential ServicesMovingBills

Setting up utilities is one of your first tasks when moving into a new home in Ireland. This guide explains how to connect electricity, gas, broadband, and other essential services, compares providers, and shows you how to get the best deals.

Understanding Ireland’s utility market can save you hundreds of euros annually. Unlike some countries where you’re stuck with one provider, Ireland has a competitive market for most utilities, allowing you to choose suppliers and switch for better rates.

Quick overview: What utilities do you need?

Utility	Required?	Your Choice?	Typical Monthly Cost	Setup Time
Electricity	Yes	Yes (choose supplier)	€80-€150	1-3 days
Gas	If available	Yes (choose supplier)	€60-€100	1-3 days
Water	Yes	No (fixed charge)	Included in property tax	N/A
Broadband	Optional	Yes	€40-€70	1-3 weeks
TV Licence	If you have TV	No	€160/year	Immediate
Waste Collection	Yes	Yes (choose provider)	€20-€40	1 week

Electricity in Ireland

How Irish electricity works

Single supplier system:

ESB Networks owns and maintains the grid (monopoly)
You choose your electricity supplier from many competing companies
Supplier bills you; ESB Networks delivers the electricity
You can switch suppliers anytime

Your meter:

Smart meters being rolled out nationwide
Older meters still common
Meter readings determine your bill
No installation needed if property already has electricity

Major electricity suppliers

Electric Ireland

Largest supplier (ESB Group company)
Default provider if you don’t choose
Wide range of plans
Good customer service
Mid-range pricing

Bord Gáis Energy

Major competitor
Competitive pricing
Dual fuel discounts (electricity + gas)
Good online management

SSE Airtricity

Renewable energy focus
Competitive rates
Good customer reviews
Strong in business and residential

Energia

Competitive pricing
Simple tariff structures
Good online tools
Growing market share

Smaller suppliers:

Flogas Energy
Prepaypower (pay-as-you-go)
Pinergy (smart meter required)
Community Power (green energy)

Electricity costs (2024)

Average household consumption:

Small apartment: 2,000-3,000 kWh/year
Average house: 4,200 kWh/year
Large house: 6,000+ kWh/year

Typical costs:

Small apartment: €60-€90/month
Average house: €100-€130/month
Large house: €130-€180/month

Tariff structure:

Standing charge: €200-€300/year (fixed daily charge)
Unit rate: €0.30-€0.40 per kWh
Night rate (if available): €0.15-€0.20 per kWh

Bill payment methods:

Direct debit (usually cheapest with discount)
Monthly billing
Quarterly billing
Prepayment (slightly more expensive)

How to set up electricity

Step 1: Choose your supplier

Compare rates on bonkers.ie or switcher.ie
Consider standing charge + unit rate
Check contract terms
Look for sign-up bonuses or discounts

Step 2: Contact chosen supplier

Call, online, or via app
Provide property address (Eircode helpful)
Give move-in date
Provide MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) if known

Step 3: Provide information

Proof of identity (passport, licence)
Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill from previous address)
IBAN for direct debit
Meter reading (take photo on move-in day)

Step 4: Confirmation

Supplier confirms connection
Electricity should be on within 1-3 working days
If meter is off, technician visit may be needed (free)
First bill arrives 4-6 weeks after connection

Finding your MPRN:

11-digit number on old bills
Ask landlord or estate agent
ESB Networks can provide it (esb.ie)
Format: XX XXXXX XXXX

Switching electricity suppliers

How to switch:

Compare current rate with competitors
Choose new supplier
Contact new supplier to switch
Give 30 days notice to current supplier (usually handled by new supplier)
Switch completes in 10-15 working days
No interruption to supply

When to switch:

End of contract term (avoid exit fees)
When you see significantly better rates
Annually review your tariff
Typical savings: €150-€300/year

Things to check:

Exit fees if in fixed-term contract
Difference in standing charge and unit rates
Discounts for direct debit or dual fuel
Customer service reputation

Gas in Ireland

Natural gas is available in urban areas but not everywhere in Ireland.

Gas availability

Areas with natural gas:

Most of Dublin
Cork city
Limerick city
Galway city
Waterford city
Major towns

Not available in:

Most rural areas
Small towns
Remote locations

If gas isn’t available, alternatives include:

Oil heating (most common rural option)
LPG (liquid petroleum gas)
Electric heating
Solid fuel (turf, coal, wood)

Major gas suppliers

Bord Gáis Energy

Largest gas supplier
Good dual fuel packages
Reliable service

SSE Airtricity

Competitive gas rates
Good customer service
Dual fuel discounts

Energia

Growing gas market share
Competitive pricing
Simple tariffs

Electric Ireland

Dual fuel options
Bundle discounts

Flogas

Natural gas and LPG
Competitive rates

Gas costs (2024)

Average household consumption:

Small apartment: 5,000-8,000 kWh/year
Average house: 11,000 kWh/year
Large house: 15,000+ kWh/year

Typical costs:

Small apartment: €40-€60/month
Average house: €70-€100/month
Large house: €100-€150/month

Tariff structure:

Standing charge: €200-€300/year
Unit rate: €0.08-€0.12 per kWh

Setting up gas

Similar process to electricity:

Check availability at gasnetworks.ie
Choose supplier and compare rates
Contact supplier with property details
Provide GPRN (Gas Point Reference Number)
Schedule connection if needed
Get safety check (landlord’s responsibility usually)

Connection time: 1-3 working days if already connected

New connection:

If property never had gas: €2,000-€4,000+ for installation
Must be done by Gas Networks Ireland
Takes 4-8 weeks typically

Water charges in Ireland

Important: Domestic water charges were abolished in Ireland in 2017.

Current situation:

No water bills for residential properties
Water services funded through general taxation
Included in property tax/rates

Exception:

Non-residential properties (businesses) still pay water charges
Irish Water manages infrastructure

What you do:

Nothing required for water setup
Water is automatically on in properties
Report leaks to Irish Water

Broadband and internet

High-speed internet is essential for most people.

Broadband types

Fibre broadband:

Fastest speeds (100 Mbps - 1 Gbps)
Most reliable
Available in cities and larger towns
Best for streaming, gaming, working from home

Standard broadband (DSL):

Slower speeds (10-50 Mbps)
Widely available
Adequate for basic use

Mobile broadband:

4G/5G wireless
Good coverage in most areas
Portable option
Can be unlimited or capped

Satellite:

Available everywhere (even remote areas)
Higher latency
More expensive
Good backup option

Major broadband providers

Eir (formerly Eircom)

Largest network
Owns most infrastructure
Fibre and DSL available
Speeds: 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps

Virgin Media

Cable broadband
Very fast speeds (500 Mbps - 1 Gbps)
Limited geographic coverage
TV bundles available

Sky Ireland

Uses Eir network
Competitive packages
TV and broadband bundles
Good customer service

Vodafone

Mobile and fixed broadband
Growing fibre network
Good mobile broadband options
TV packages available

SIRO

Pure fibre network
Very fast (1 Gbps)
Growing coverage
Wholesale only (through retailers)

Imagine

Wireless broadband specialist
Good rural coverage
Fixed wireless 4G/5G
No phone line needed

Broadband costs (2024)

Standard packages:

Basic (50-100 Mbps): €40-€50/month
Mid-tier (150-300 Mbps): €50-€60/month
High-speed (500 Mbps+): €60-€75/month

Typical contract:

12 months minimum
Installation fee: €50-€100 (often waived)
Router rental or purchase
Early termination fees apply

Bundles:

Broadband + TV: €60-€90/month
Broadband + phone: €45-€60/month
Triple play (broadband + TV + phone): €70-€100/month

Setting up broadband

Step 1: Check availability

Visit provider websites with your Eircode
Check which speeds are available
Not all services available everywhere

Step 2: Choose package

Consider speed needs:
- Video streaming (HD): 5-10 Mbps per stream
- Working from home: 25-50 Mbps
- Gaming: 50+ Mbps recommended
- 4K streaming: 25+ Mbps per stream
Decide if you need TV or phone
Compare prices on bonkers.ie

Step 3: Order online or by phone

Provide address and contact details
Choose installation date
Confirm contract terms

Step 4: Installation

Technician visit usually required
Takes 1-2 hours
You don’t need to be present for external work
Test everything before technician leaves

Timeline:

New installation: 1-3 weeks
Existing connection: 3-7 days
Mobile broadband: Immediate (device by post)

Mobile broadband

Alternative to fixed broadband:

Providers:

Three Ireland (unlimited plans)
Vodafone
Eir Mobile
GoMo (value brand)

Costs: €20-€50/month

Pros:

No installation needed
Portable
Fast in good coverage areas

Cons:

Data caps (unless unlimited)
Speed varies by location
Can slow during peak times

TV services

TV Licence

Required if you have:

Television set
Device capable of receiving TV broadcasts

Cost: €160 per year

How to pay:

Online at tvlicence.ie
At Post Office
Direct debit
Inspectors check compliance (fines for non-payment)

Exception:

No TV or watching streaming only (Netflix, etc.) = no licence needed
But if device CAN receive broadcasts = licence required

TV providers

Virgin Media TV:

Cable TV
Good channel selection
Sports packages
Bundle with broadband

Sky Ireland:

Satellite TV
Extensive sports coverage
Premium movies
Bundle with broadband

Eir Vision:

IPTV service
Via broadband
Sports and entertainment
Bundle discounts

Vodafone TV:

Via broadband
Growing service
Bundle options

Streaming only: Many people now use streaming services instead:

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, NOW TV
Cheaper than traditional TV
Still need TV licence if you have a TV

Waste collection

Not provided by local councils in most areas.

How it works

Private companies:

You choose and pay directly
Different providers in different areas
Usually collected weekly or fortnightly

What’s collected:

General waste (black bin)
Recycling (green bin)
Organic/food waste (brown bin)

Three-bin system:

Black bin: Non-recyclable waste
Green bin: Recycling (plastic, paper, glass, metal)
Brown bin: Food and garden waste

Major waste providers

Panda Waste

Nationwide coverage
Pay-per-lift or flat rate
App for management

Thorntons Recycling

Dublin and surrounding areas
Competitive pricing
Good service

Greyhound Recycling

Cork, Dublin, other areas
Flexible payment options

Barna Waste

Dublin and Leinster
Pay-as-you-go options

City Bin Co

Nationwide
Competitive rates

Waste collection costs

Typical pricing:

Service charge: €10-€15/month
Per lift: €5-€8 per bin
Weight charge: €0.10-€0.15 per kg (some providers)

Average monthly cost: €20-€40

Pay-by-weight vs flat rate:

Pay-by-weight: Cheaper if you produce less waste
Flat rate: Predictable costs, unlimited collections

Setting up waste collection

Find providers in your area (waste.ie)
Compare prices and service options
Sign up online or by phone
Choose bin sizes (120L, 240L, or 360L)
Bins delivered within 1-2 weeks
Collection day confirmed

Rental vs purchase:

Bins usually rented (included in service charge)
Can purchase bins if changing providers

Phone line (landline)

Less common now but still available.

Providers:

Eir (owns physical lines)
Other providers use Eir’s network

Costs: €25-€35/month usually

Most people use:

Mobile phones only
VoIP services (over broadband)
WhatsApp, Skype, etc.

You might need a landline for:

Older alarm systems
Some broadband technologies
Rural areas with poor mobile coverage

Comparison and switching services

Price comparison websites

Bonkers.ie:

Compare energy, broadband, insurance
Free service
Shows potential savings
Links to providers

Switcher.ie:

Energy and broadband comparison
Simple interface
Free quotes

Commission for Regulation of Utilities:

Official energy price comparison
Unbiased information
Free service

Bundling discounts

Dual fuel (electricity + gas):

Save 5-10% typically
One bill for both
Simplified management

Broadband + TV:

Often cheaper than separate
Convenient single provider

Utility + broadband bundles: Some providers offer discounts for combining services.

Monthly utility costs summary

For a typical household:

Apartment (1-2 people):

Electricity: €70-€100
Gas (if applicable): €50-€70
Broadband: €40-€60
Waste: €20-€30
TV licence: €13 (annual ÷ 12)
Total: €193-€273/month

House (2-4 people):

Electricity: €110-€150
Gas: €70-€100
Broadband: €50-€70
Waste: €25-€40
TV licence: €13
Total: €268-€373/month

These costs represent a significant portion of your monthly budget. For complete budget planning, see our cost of living in Ireland guide.

Tips for saving on utilities

Electricity and gas

Switch regularly: Review annually and switch for better rates
Use direct debit: Usually 5-10% discount
Pay online: Some providers give online discounts
Dual fuel: Combine electricity and gas with one supplier
Night rate: If available, run appliances overnight
Energy efficiency:
- LED light bulbs
- Insulation
- Turn off standby devices
- Efficient appliances
Smart meter: Can help identify usage patterns

Broadband

Negotiate: Call provider before contract ends for better deal
Threaten to switch: Often get retention offers
Choose speed you need: Don’t overpay for unused speed
Skip TV packages: Use streaming if cheaper
Buy your router: Avoid rental fees long-term

Waste

Recycle more: Recycling is cheaper than general waste
Compost: Reduces brown bin weight
Pay-by-weight: If you produce little waste
Reduce packaging: Cheaper in the long run

Setting up utilities checklist

Before moving in:

Research available suppliers
Compare prices on bonkers.ie
Check broadband availability at new address
Decide on TV services
Choose waste collection provider

Move-in week:

Contact electricity supplier (at least 2 days before)
Contact gas supplier (if applicable)
Take meter readings on move-in day (photos)
Order broadband (book installation)
Sign up for waste collection
Apply for TV licence (if needed)

Within first month:

Confirm all utilities connected
Check first bills for accuracy
Set up direct debits
Register for online account management
Check you’re on best tariffs

Dealing with problems

Power outage

Report to ESB Networks: 1850 372 999
Check if neighbours affected (area outage vs your property)
Check your fuse box
Check ESB Networks website for updates

Gas emergency

Smell gas: Leave property, call Gas Networks Ireland: 1850 20 50 50
Don’t use electrical switches or naked flames
Evacuate and call from safe distance

Broadband issues

Restart router
Check for service outages on provider’s website
Contact technical support
Request technician visit if needed

Billing disputes

Contact provider first
Keep records of all communication
If unresolved, contact Commission for Regulation of Utilities
Consider switching providers

For newcomers to Ireland

If you’re moving from abroad

You’ll need:

Irish bank account (for direct debits)
Proof of identity
Proof of address

For help with opening a bank account, see our complete guide.

Differences from other countries:

You choose electricity supplier (not fixed by area)
No water bills for residential properties
Waste collection is private, not council-provided
TV licence required if you have a TV

Moving from:

USA: Voltage is 230V (not 110V), different plugs
UK: Same plugs and voltage, similar systems
EU: Similar to many EU countries

If you’re moving to Ireland, check our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals for complete relocation advice.

Temporary accommodation

If staying short-term:

Ask landlord/hotel what’s included
Broadband usually included
Electricity/gas may be included or billed separately
Waste collection usually handled by landlord

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to set up utilities if I’m renting?

Yes, you usually need to set up electricity, gas, and broadband in your own name. Some landlords include utilities in rent, but this is less common. Clarify with your landlord what’s included. Even if some utilities are included, you’ll usually need to arrange broadband yourself.

Can I use my British or EU plugs in Ireland?

UK plugs work in Ireland (same Type G socket). EU plugs don’t work—you’ll need adapters or new appliances. Voltage is 230V (same as UK and EU).

How quickly can I get broadband installed?

Typically 1-3 weeks from order to installation. If the property already has a working connection and you’re just switching providers, it can be as quick as 3-7 days. Mobile broadband devices can be ordered and arrive within 2-3 days.

What happens if I don’t pay my bills?

After missed payments, you’ll receive warning letters. Eventually, supply can be disconnected. Re-connection fees apply (€60-€100+). Unpaid bills can affect your credit rating and ability to get services from other providers. Always contact your supplier if you’re having difficulty paying—they may offer payment plans.

Can I have utilities in a shared house where I’m just renting a room?

Usually, the main tenant or landlord has utilities in their name. You pay your share to them. If you’re the main tenant, you can set up utilities and collect from other tenants. Make sure this is clear in your rental agreement.

Is there standing charge even if I use no electricity?

Yes, standing charges apply regardless of usage. These cover the cost of maintaining your connection. You pay standing charge plus usage charges.

Can I switch suppliers if I’m renting?

Yes, as long as the bills are in your name. You don’t need landlord permission to switch suppliers (only to switch the physical connection, which isn’t relevant for electricity/gas). Landlords appreciate lower bills.

What’s the best way to heat a home in Ireland?

Most cost-effective is usually natural gas if available. If not, oil heating is common in rural areas. Electric heating is more expensive but no installation needed. Heat pumps are becoming more popular but have high upfront costs. Whatever system you have, good insulation is key to managing costs.

Useful contacts and resources

Energy:

Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU): cru.ie
ESB Networks: esbnetworks.ie / 1850 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland: gasnetworks.ie / 1850 20 50 50
Bonkers.ie: Compare suppliers
Switcher.ie: Compare suppliers

Broadband:

ComReg: comreg.ie (telecoms regulator)
Bonkers.ie: Compare broadband
Check coverage: Individual provider websites

Waste:

MyWaste.ie: Find local providers
Individual waste company websites

Other:

TV Licence: tvlicence.ie
Irish Water: water.ie

Summary

Setting up utilities in Ireland is straightforward once you understand the system. Key steps:

Electricity: Choose supplier, sign up 2-3 days before move-in, provide details
Gas: Only if available, similar process to electricity
Broadband: Order 2-3 weeks before moving for timely installation
Waste: Sign up with local provider within first week
TV licence: Required if you have a TV (€160/year)

Budget €200-€400/month for all utilities depending on property size. Use comparison sites to find best deals, switch suppliers regularly, and set up direct debits for discounts. With good management, you can save hundreds of euros annually on your utility bills.