Small Business Electricity Rates: A 2025 Guide
As a small business owner in Ireland, keeping track of your energy costs is key to running your business smoothly and staying within your budget. This guide explains everything you need to know about electricity rates for small businesses in Ireland, including how the rates work, the difference between fixed-term and flexible contracts, and what can affect your electricity costs.
What is the best electricity rate for small businesses?
Business electricity rates have become increasingly competitive since 2022.
Finding the best electricity rate for your small or medium-sized business depends on three key factors:
- Meter category: The type of meter your business has affects the rates you can get. If you use a single-rate meter or a day-and-night meter, the rates might be different. Day-and-night meters often offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours, like at night.
- Electric Usage: Larger businesses that use more electricity may get discounts for buying in bulk, while small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) may prefer plans with lower fixed charges.
- Tariff structure: Some suppliers offer fixed rates, where the price stays the same for a set period, while others offer variable rates that can change based on market conditions.
For businesses that use little electricity, it’s usually cheaper to focus on the daily standing charge rather than the price per unit of electricity. By analysing your energy use, you can find a plan that suits your business and keeps costs low.
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Business electricity rates
The table below shows business electricity rates based on the size of your business and your monthly bill. These rates are ‘all-in’ prices, meaning they include both energy and regulatory charges.
If you’re on an unbundled tariff, your energy costs may be listed separately on your bill. With an unbundled tariff, you can save 14c/kWh during the day and 5.6c/kWh at night, making it a more affordable choice for your business.
| Business Size | Monthly Bill | 24hr Unit Rate | Day Unit Rate | Night Unit Rate |
| Small/Medium | below €1,500 | 23-26c | 25c – 28c | 14.5c – 17.5c |
| Large | €1,500 – €4,000 | — | 20c – 23c | 13.5c – 15.5c |
| Very Large | above €4,000 | — | — | — |
What are fixed-term business electricity contracts?
A fixed-term business electricity contract is an agreement where the electricity rate is locked in for a set period, typically between one and three years. Fixed-term contracts are popular among small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) because they help protect against price increases that may occur during the contract period. By choosing a fixed rate, you can protect your business from sudden price increases and keep your electricity costs steady.
How a flexible electricity contract can benefit your small business
Unlike fixed-term contracts, which lock in a set price for a specific period, flexible contracts allow you to take advantage of changing market conditions.
Here are four advantages of a flexible electricity contract for your business:
- 1. Significant cost savings: When market rates are low, a flexible contract allows you to take advantage of lower prices, which could lead to good energy savings compared to fixed-rate plans that don’t change with the market.
- 2. Off-peak pricing: Flexible contracts allow businesses to take advantage of lower energy prices during off-peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning. This can help restaurants, pubs, and shops lower their energy bills.
- 3. Flexibility: As a small business owner, you can adjust your energy usage based on current market prices, allowing you to make better budgeting decisions.
- 4. Adapt to changing business needs: As your business grows and your energy needs change, a flexible contract can adjust to meet your needs. Whether you’re expanding or dealing with seasonal demand, flexible contracts let you change your energy usage.
What is a wholesale electricity price tracker?
A wholesale electricity price tracker is a pricing model where businesses pay for electricity based on daily average auction prices, plus a supplier’s management fee. This pricing model is based on real-time electricity costs, as rates are set through hourly auctions and published by the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO).
With a wholesale electricity price tracker, owners can save money when business utilities prices are low. But prices can rise due to high demand or market fluctuations. This model gives businesses a clear view of their energy costs, helping them track spending and make smarter decisions about their electricity use.
What is an electricity “blend and extend” contract?
A “blend and extend” contract is a smart option for businesses looking to save on energy costs. It lets you merge your current rates with lower ones while extending the term of your contract. This approach helps business owners save money while keeping energy prices flexible and long-term costs stable, even when the market changes.
Is it time to change your electricity supplier?
Switching to a different electricity supplier could save you money — but it’s essential to plan ahead. Before switching, take a moment to review your contract, especially if you’re on a fixed-term plan.
At Procure.ie, we’re here to make the process simple and hassle-free by negotiating the best electricity rates for your business. We’ll keep an eye on your contract and let you know when it’s coming to an end, so you can assess whether your current provider is still the best option or if it’s time to switch to a new supplier.
How Procure.ie can help you find the best electricity supplier for your business
At Procure.ie, we compare your electric bills with multiple suppliers to get you the best business energy rates. Because energy prices fluctuate, we come back every year to renegotiate your contract, so you continue to save. This way, you can focus on what you do best: growing and managing your business.
Get in touch with our team of energy experts, who will help you every step of the way and secure the best rates for your business.
