The Commission for Energy Regulation has revised the official national average annual gas and electricity consumption figures for households in Ireland.
What are the changes?
After conducting a thorough consultation, the CER has decided to change the figure used for average annual gas and electricity consumption in Ireland.
For electricity, the average annual consumption figure has been changed from 5,300 kWh to 4,200 kWh, which is a reduction of 21%.
The average annual consumption figure for gas has been reduced from 13,800 kWh to 11,000 kWh. This is a 20% reduction.
The figures previously used had not been reviewed for a significant period of time, so the new figures reflect modern consumption patterns and habits in Ireland.
Why do national average consumption figures matter?
National average consumption figures act as a useful benchmark when comparing prices between different suppliers.
The CER also uses these figures to inform its market reports.
Price comparison sites such as bonkers.ie use the official national average consumption figure for gas and electricity to estimate the savings available to households that do not use their exact consumption figures when conducting a comparison.
How will the changes affect me?
Some suppliers display the figures for average annual consumption and cost on their customers’ bills. Therefore, some customers will see the reduced consumption and cost figures on written on their bills once the changes take full effect across the market.
The potential savings to be made by switching from the most expensive price plan to the cheapest price plan will also be different as a result of the changes, since annual average consumption figures are used to benchmark these calculations.
How will the change affect bonkers.ie?
As an accredited price comparison website, bonkers.ie must reflect the new average annual consumption figures on site by today, August 1st 2017.
The reduced figures mean that the estimated amount of money to be saved by a customer with average consumption who switches from standard rates to the cheapest price plan in the market is now €318.
The updated annual average consumption figures allow for more accurate savings figures to be estimated, which in turn benefit consumers across the country.
How can I find the best deal for me?
At bonkers.ie, it is our mission to help you find the best gas and electricity deal for your household’s habits.
In order to make the best decision when switching energy suppliers, you should not rely on average consumption figures where possible, you should rather use your exact consumption figure when comparing prices.
Some suppliers list each household’s actual annual consumption on bills. If your supplier doesn’t do this, you should phone them and ask them for your actual consumption figure. This will greatly help you to find the best deal for you.
Earlier this year the CER found that over 50% of Irish households have either never switched or even considered switching energy suppliers, meaning that they are missing out on the benefits of increased competition and choice.
You can take advantage of competition in the market by comparing and switching suppliers on bonkers.ie now.
