Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
174. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the latest switching rates for domestic electricity and gas customers; the actions his Department is taking to increase switching among households on high tariffs; and the steps being taken to improve transparency in billing and tariff information. [68933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation. However, officials from my Department correspond with the CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets including switching levels within the retail market, among other indicators.
The latest figures compiled by the CRU outline that 48,216 electricity customers switched supplier in September 2025. This was an increase of 31.86% compared to August 2025, and an increase of 51.59% on September 2024.
Within the retail gas market, 15,765 customers switched supplier in September 2025, an increase of 26.95% compared to August 2025, and an increase of 36.98% on September 2024. More detailed information on switching trends is available in the CRU Change of Supplier report for September 2025, available on the CRU website: www.cru.ie/publications/28899/.
Switching energy providers has the potential to save households hundreds of euros annually by moving from their current tariff to the cheapest deals available. The CRU has announced an enhanced communications campaign to increase customer engagement with the energy market and customer energy rights. Additionally, the National Energy Affordability Taskforce will examine the potential of retail energy market regulatory reforms to empower consumers and ensure the market provides value for households and businesses.
