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Electricity & gas · Ireland
Checked 2026-09-27

📟 Smart meter in Ireland: do I have to accept one?

The short answer

A smart meter sends readings automatically, so your bill is based on real use. Whether you can refuse one differs per country.

📜 The rules in Ireland

Smart meter

ESB Networks is replacing all electricity meters with smart meters at no upfront cost. Old analogue meters are no longer installed; tell ESB Networks before installation if you object, as the CRU will not order removal afterwards.

Official source: cru.ie · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the letterWho installs it, the grid operator or the supplier, and when?
  2. Know your rightsSee below what the rules in Ireland are on the rollout and on refusing.
  3. Protect your dataAsk what data is collected and how often. You can usually see your own use online.
  4. Report problemsIf the meter seems wrong, ask the grid operator for a meter test.

📇 Who to contact

ESB Networks — Republic of Ireland (electricity)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 372 999🔗 www.esbnetworks.ie
Gas Networks Ireland — Republic of Ireland (gas)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 20 50 50🔗 www.gasnetworks.ie
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 1800 404 404🔗 www.cru.ie
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.ccpc.ie

❓ Questions

Does a smart meter cost extra?

The costs are usually part of the network charges. Some countries charge people who refuse.

Is my data safe?

Meter data is protected by data-protection law, and you decide who else may see detailed data.

What if the readings look wrong?

Ask the grid operator to check the meter.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

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