Electricity Network Charges 2026/2027 – What’s Changed?

30-Second Overview

Ireland's revised electricity network charges took effect on 1 October 2026 and apply until 30 September 2027. These regulated charges fund the operation, maintenance and expansion of Ireland's electricity transmission and distribution networks. The changes affect commercial electricity meter categories differently:

• DG5: Daytime charges increased by 1.75 c/kWh, while nighttime charges increased by 0.13 c/kWh.
• DG6: Daytime charges increased by 1.14 c/kWh, alongside higher capacity charges.
• DG7: Daytime, peak and nighttime charges decreased slightly, alongside lower capacity charges.
• PSO Levy: A 66% reduction from 1 October 2026 partially offsets the higher network charges for affected businesses.

The tables below compare regulated electricity network charges for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 across DG5, DG6 and DG7 meter categories. The impact on individual businesses depends on their meter category, electricity consumption and usage profile.

⚡ Want to reduce your overall electricity costs? Although regulated network charges cannot be avoided, Utilityfair can compare electricity prices from all Irish suppliers to identify potential savings. Select an option below to get started. 👇

How Have Electricity Network Charges Changed in 2026/2027?

The tables below show the average increase in regulated electricity charges for the most common commercial electricity meter categories. The exact increase will depend on your business's electricity tariff, meter type and usage profile.

GP / DG5 Meter Category (Typical SME Meters)

LVMD / DG6 Meter Category (Larger Commercial Users)

MVMD / DG7 Meter Category (Large Energy Users)

Electricity network charges are regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and passed through to customers by electricity suppliers. Suppliers do not earn a profit on these regulated charges.

Although network charges cannot be avoided, businesses can reduce their overall electricity costs by improving energy efficiency, reviewing their Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) and securing competitive electricity supply rates.

What Are Electricity Network Charges?

Electricity network charges (also known as regulated electricity charges, non-energy charges or pass-through charges) are regulated costs included on every electricity bill in Ireland. Unlike electricity supply charges, these costs are not set by suppliers. Instead, they are approved annually by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and fund the operation, maintenance and development of Ireland's electricity network.

Electricity suppliers are required to pass these charges through to customers at cost and do not make any profit from them. The revised charges apply each year from 1 October until 30 September. The two main components are:

• Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges: Fund ESB Networks' local electricity distribution network.
• Transmission Use of System (TUoS) charges: Fund Ireland's high-voltage transmission network, operated by EirGrid and owned by ESB Networks.

Why Did Electricity Network Charges Change in 2026/2027?

Ireland's electricity system is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Electricity demand continues to grow as businesses expand, more renewable electricity generation connects to the grid, electric vehicles become increasingly common, and homes and businesses switch from fossil fuel heating to electric alternatives.

To support this transition, continued investment is needed across Ireland's electricity network. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has approved additional funding to help:

• Expand and modernise local electricity distribution networks.
• Connect new homes, businesses and renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms.
• Replace ageing electricity infrastructure.
• Improve the reliability and resilience of the electricity network.
• Increase network capacity to meet growing electricity demand.
• Invest in new control systems and digital technologies to operate an increasingly complex electricity grid.

These investments are designed to maintain a secure and reliable electricity supply while supporting Ireland's transition to a lower-carbon energy system.

Did the CRU Challenge the Proposed Electricity Network Charges?

Yes. The CRU did not simply approve the full funding requested by the network companies. As part of its annual review, the regulator challenged the costs submitted by both ESB Networks and EirGrid before approving the final revenue allowances. The CRU made the following reductions:

• ESB Networks' distribution revenue request was reduced by €49 million.
• EirGrid's transmission revenue request was reduced by €89 million.

In total, the CRU removed almost €140 million from the original funding requests before approving the final charges. According to the CRU, this ensures that only justified and efficient costs are recovered from electricity customers.

You can view CRU’s decision paper by clicking: DUoS Tariffs 2026/2027 and TUoS Tariffs 2026/2027

Will Electricity Bills Increase?

Not necessarily. The impact of the 2026/2027 electricity network charges depends on your meter category, electricity consumption and existing contract.

• DG5 meters: Higher daytime and nighttime network charges increase electricity costs.
• DG6 meters: Higher unit rates and capacity charges increase electricity costs.
• DG7 meters: Lower network charges reduce costs for larger energy users.
• PSO Levy: The 66% reduction in the Electricity PSO Levy from 1 October 2026 helps offset higher network charges.

💡 Pro Tip: Your total electricity bill depends on wholesale electricity prices, supplier rates and consumption, not just regulated charges. Comparing electricity prices across all suppliers and reviewing your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) can help reduce overall costs.

How Utilityfair Can Help Reduce Business Electricity Costs

Electricity network charges are mandatory and cannot be avoided. However, businesses can reduce their overall electricity costs by securing competitive supply rates and reviewing their Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) to identify potential savings.

Utilityfair compares electricity prices from all Irish suppliers, providing a free, side-by-side comparison of available rates, contract options and potential savings. Our Energy Advisors manage the entire comparison and switching process on your behalf. We will:

• Compare electricity prices and contract options across all suppliers.
• Review your meter type and electricity consumption.
• Check whether your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is appropriate.
• Manage the switching process, saving you time and hassle.
• Monitor contract renewal dates to help avoid expensive out-of-contract rates.

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