Two significant changes are coming for Irish households on 1 July 2026 — and both will have a direct impact on how much it costs to run your home. Electric Ireland is raising electricity prices by 8%, and a new €3 per-item customs charge is being introduced on packages arriving from outside the EU. Here's what you need to know, and the straightforward steps you can take to protect your household budget.
Change 1: Electric Ireland Is Raising Electricity Prices by 8%
Electric Ireland has confirmed an 8% hike to electricity unit rates, effective 1 July 2026. For the average Irish household using approximately 4,200 kWh per year, that works out to an increase of roughly €120–€150 on your annual electricity bill.
To put that in context, Ireland already has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. The average electricity price in Ireland currently sits around 40–42 cent per kWh — well above the EU average of around 25 cent. After July 1st, that figure climbs further.
The increase reflects ongoing pressures across the energy sector: higher network costs, infrastructure upgrades, and the global energy market. It's not unique to Electric Ireland — other suppliers are likely to follow with adjustments of their own over the coming months.
What this means in practical terms
- A home with electric heating could see bills rise by €200–€300 per year
- Homes with older, inefficient lighting are paying more than they need to
- Every appliance left on standby, every unnecessary light left on, costs more than it did before
The good news? There are practical things you can do right now that will make a real difference — and many of them involve relatively small upfront investments that pay for themselves quickly.
Change 2: A New €3 Customs Charge on Non-EU Online Orders
From 1 July 2026, a new €3 per-item customs processing charge applies to packages arriving into Ireland from outside the European Union. This affects orders from popular overseas shopping platforms including Temu, AliExpress, Shein, and similar sites.
For years, small packages from outside the EU arrived with minimal customs scrutiny. That changes now. Every individual item in a parcel will attract the €3 charge, which means a package containing five items could incur an additional €15 in fees on top of the original purchase price and any applicable VAT.
Why this matters for home purchases
Many Irish households have been buying electrical items — extension leads, light bulbs, smart plugs, garden lights — from overseas platforms because of the apparent price advantage. From July, that advantage narrows considerably when you factor in the new charge, longer delivery times, potential quality issues, and the absence of Irish consumer protections.
Buying from an Irish retailer means no customs charges, no unexpected fees, faster delivery, and full EU consumer rights if something goes wrong.
How to Actually Reduce Your Electricity Bills
With electricity prices rising, the smartest move is to reduce how much electricity you use in the first place. Here are the most effective changes Irish homeowners can make.
Switch to LED lighting throughout your home
If you still have halogen or older bulbs anywhere in your home, replacing them with LED is one of the quickest wins available. An LED bulb uses up to 85% less electricity than an equivalent halogen, and modern LEDs produce the same quality of light.
For a home with 20 light fittings, switching entirely to LED can save €80–€120 per year on electricity alone, depending on usage. That saving increases after July's price rise.
Browse our full range of LED lights and bulbs →
Install motion-detecting lights outdoors
Outdoor security lights that stay on all night are one of the more wasteful uses of electricity in an Irish home. Motion-detecting lights only activate when someone is present — which means they use a fraction of the energy while still doing the job of deterring intruders and lighting your path.
View motion-detecting lights →
Use smart time switches for heating and appliances
Wi-Fi enabled time switches let you schedule exactly when appliances draw power. This is particularly useful for immersion heaters, panel heaters, and any heating element that runs on electricity. Rather than heating water or a room during peak rate hours, you can schedule it to run overnight or during off-peak periods — cutting costs without any change to your comfort.
Consider energy-efficient electric radiators
Older storage heaters and electric panel heaters are notoriously inefficient. Modern electric radiators with built-in thermostats and programmable timers use only the energy they need, when they need it. If you're heating rooms that aren't being used, or running heaters at full power when a lower setting would suffice, upgrading to a smart electric radiator can deliver significant savings.
Don't underestimate standby power
The average Irish home loses €50–€80 per year to appliances left on standby. TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances all draw power even when not in use. Smart plugs with scheduling features let you cut this off automatically — and cost very little to install.
The Case for Buying Locally
The two July 1st changes together make a strong practical case for buying electrical products from Irish retailers rather than overseas platforms.
With the new €3 per-item customs charge, that "cheap" LED bulb from an overseas site often ends up costing the same as — or more than — the same product bought locally. Add in the VAT that was previously being avoided on low-value imports, and the gap narrows further.
When you buy from Shamrock Electrical, you get:
- Products tested and certified for the Irish and EU market
- Fast delivery from Rathcoole, Dublin
- Full manufacturer warranties and EU consumer rights
- No customs surprises or delayed deliveries
- A business you can actually ring if something goes wrong
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly do the electricity price increases take effect?
Electric Ireland's 8% unit rate increase applies from 1 July 2026. Other suppliers may announce similar changes. Check your supplier's website or your most recent bill for your current unit rate.
Will the €3 customs charge apply to all overseas orders?
The charge applies to packages arriving from outside the European Union. Orders from UK-based retailers may also be affected depending on the specific arrangement. EU-based retailers are not affected.
How much can I realistically save by switching to LED lighting?
A typical Irish home switching all lighting to LED can save €80–€150 per year, depending on the number of fittings and how long lights are in use. The saving increases after July's unit rate rise.
Is it worth upgrading my outdoor lights to motion sensors?
Yes — particularly if you currently run outdoor security lights through the night. Motion-detecting outdoor lights use a fraction of the electricity of always-on alternatives, while providing the same security benefit.
Do smart plugs and time switches actually save money?
They do, especially for high-draw appliances like immersion heaters. A basic Wi-Fi time switch for an immersion heater can save €50–€100 per year by ensuring it only runs when needed.
Making Your Home Ready for Rising Costs
Rising electricity prices in Ireland aren't going to reverse course any time soon. The most practical response is to reduce how much electricity your home uses — and to make smart choices about where you buy the products that help you do that.
At Shamrock Electrical, we stock a full range of energy-saving lighting, smart controls, and electric heating solutions. Everything is available for fast delivery across Ireland, with no customs charges and full EU consumer protections.
Browse energy-saving lighting → | Browse electric radiators →