The average household in Ireland uses 4,200 kWh of electricity each year and 11,000 kWh of gas. These figures are calculated and monitored by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
What is the average electricity usage in Ireland?
The average household in Ireland uses 4,200 kWh of electricity per annum. Broadly speaking, if you live in a three-bedroom home and don't have any exceptional electricity requirements, your consumption is likely to be quite close to the national average.
However if your home uses electric heating as opposed to gas-fired central heating, or has an electric shower or tumble dryer that’s in regular use, your electricity consumption will likely be higher than average. You can learn about which appliances use the most electricity in this article.
But what if you live in a much bigger house? Or a smaller one-bedroom studio apartment? Your electricity consumption is likely to be some way off the national average estimate.
So we’ve put together a handy table to illustrate the estimated annual cost associated with electricity consumption levels that are above and below the national average.
What is the cost of electricity in Ireland?
| Annual consumption | Difference to national average | Estimated annual cost* |
| 2,100 kWh | -50% | €1,206 |
| 3,150 kWh | -25% | €1,658 |
| 4,200 kWh | 0% | €2,109 |
| 5,250 kWh | +25% | €2,561 |
| 6,300 kWh | +50% | €3,012 |
*Figures are based on Electric Ireland's standard 24-hour tariff and urban standing charge, and include the PSO Levy and VAT at 9%
What is the average gas usage in Ireland?
The Irish national average consumption figure for gas is 11,000 kWh per annum. As is the case with electricity, it's likely that a three-bedroom house will consume a similar amount of gas to the national average. Naturally, a larger house is likely to use more and a smaller house is likely to use less. Take a look at our guide for more information on the low user standing charge.
While this is a useful guideline, your actual gas consumption is going to depend on other factors too, such as your home's BER rating and level of insulation.
The table below illustrates how much a year of gas is likely to cost you if you consume an average amount of gas, or a little more or a little less.
What is the cost of gas in Ireland?
| Annual consumption | Difference to national average | Estimated annual cost** |
| 5,500 kWh | -50% | €1,065 |
| 8,250 kWh | -25% | €1,467 |
| 11,000 kWh | 0% | €1,868 |
| 13,750 kWh | +25% | €2,270 |
| 16,500 kWh | +50% | €2,671 |
**Figures are based on Bord Gáis Energy standard 24-tariff and urban standing charge and include carbon tax and VAT at 9%
Looking to switch?
Are you interested in switching gas or electricity supplier? It’s quick and easy to do on bonkers.ie and could save you hundreds on your annual energy bills.
You can use our energy comparison tool to compare the best deals today across all energy suppliers nationwide in just a matter of clicks.
Before switching, it’s best to make sure that you’re fully informed. You may find the following articles beneficial:
- Did you know that you only need a few things to switch? Here’s a list of all you need to change supplier with ease.
- Aside from price, there are other things to take into consideration when switching. Here’s an outline of 7 important things to consider when switching energy supplier.
- Take a look at our guide on frequently asked questions about switching energy supplier which will help make the switching process easier.
Here to help
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions on the national average energy consumption or switching.
You can get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.