30-Second Overview
Increases in energy costs since 2022 have had a major impact on both businesses and individuals. If your electricity or gas costs are becoming unsustainable, you’re not alone. Options exist to help you navigate this challenge.Take a look at the following supports to find a solution suited to your business. The sooner you get started, the better.
- Get in contact with your energy provider and put a payment plan in place
- Conduct an energy audit
- Maximise efficiency and reduce electricity and gas usage
- Electricity Maximum Import Capacity Settings
- Switch to a cheaper electricity and gas supplier
⚡To speak with one of our experts and get advice on how to manage your energy bills, upload a recent electricity or gas bill using the link below. Our energy experts will analyse it for free. No obligation for you, just savings insights 👇
Immediate Actions to Take If You Are Struggling to Pay Energy Bills
Businesses in Ireland can reduce unaffordable energy bills by reviewing their electricity and gas contracts, correcting meter settings such as MIC, improving energy efficiency, and switching suppliers to more competitive tariffs.
Get in contact with your energy supplier
The first step is to speak with your energy supplier. All of the main energy suppliers in Ireland have a welcoming support system in place for both businesses and individuals who may be experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills.
In Ireland, suppliers work with businesses to find solutions, which include:
- Setting up a manageable payment plan.
- Offering instalment options to spread costs over time.
- Accessing hardship funds or temporary bill deferments.
Check Your Energy Bills for Accuracy
Many businesses overpay simply because their bills are based on estimated readings instead of actual consumption.
- Submit regular meter readings to avoid overcharges.
- Review invoices for errors or unusual spikes in usage.
- Check contract rates and confirm you’re on the correct tariff.
How Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) Affects Your Energy Costs
The electricity meter's Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) setting is important as two regulatory charges are dependent on the setting:
- The PSO Levy: The PSO levy is used to support the generation of electricity from sustainable and renewable sources. The levy is calculated and approved annually by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). All energy suppliers are required to collect this levy from customers. The amount of PSO levy that your business pays depends on your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).
- Capacity Charges: The capacity charge is used to pay for the electricity grid. It is part of the regulated distribution and transmission charges set by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). If your meter MIC setting is greater than 29 kVA, you will pay a higher capacity charge that is directly related to the MIC setting. In order to minimise capacity charges, your MIC setting should not be oversized.
How to Reduce Business Energy Bills in Ireland
Conduct a business energy audit
A Business Energy audit identifies where your business is wasting energy and highlights cost-saving opportunities. Common findings include inefficient lighting, poor insulation, and equipment running unnecessarily.
Compare and Switch Energy Suppliers
Comparing the business energy offers available can yield significant savings - but it can be time-consuming. Utilityfair compares all major Irish business energy suppliers, helping you find the most competitive rates and avoid costly rollover contracts.
Invest in Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Throughout the year, there is always some low-hanging fruit and easy ways to reduce business electricity and gas usage. Some of these upgrades can be:
- Install LED lighting.
- Improve insulation and draught-proofing.
- Use programmable thermostats and timers.
- Maintain equipment regularly for optimal efficiency.
If you want to learn more about our expert's tips on how to save throughout the whole year, you can find more details in our Summer Energy Saving Tips and Winter Energy Saving Tips articles.
Engage With Your Colleagues and Use Less Energy
Small behavioural changes can have a big impact. Appoint an Energy Champion to lead staff in reducing unnecessary usage, switching off equipment, and improving workplace efficiency habits.
How to Reduce Unaffordable Business Energy Bills
| What to Check | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Contract Status | Check if you are on out-of-contract rates, as these can be up to 50% more expensive. |
| Unit Rates | Make sure that you are on the cheapest commercial energy rates in the market. |
| Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) | Made sure that your MIC is correctly set to avoid unnecessary charges. |
| Meter Readings | Make sure that your billing is accurate by submitting regular meter readings to ESB Networks. |
| Energy Efficiency | Identify high-consumption equipment and implement efficiency upgrades.. |
How Utilityfair Can Help You Lower Business Energy Costs
Utilityfair is Ireland's largest and most reviewed commercial energy broker with a five-star 'Excellent' Trustpilot rating. We can help you by showing you the pricing from all suppliers in Ireland and making sure that you are on the best possible deal.
- Compare business electricity and business gas prices from all market suppliers.
- Manage supplier switching and contract renewals to avoid rollovers.
- Provide tailored energy efficiency advice for your industry.
- Monitor market trends so you can lock in better rates when they arise.
👉 Get Started Today!
Fill out our enquiry form, click the link below or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The first step is to contact your energy supplier. Irish suppliers are required to work with businesses in financial difficulty and can offer payment plans, instalments, bill deferrals, and tailored support. Engaging early prevents disconnection risk and avoids the bill growing out of control.
Yes, but disconnection is always a last resort. If you communicate early, disconnection is highly unlikely. Suppliers must work with you to find a solution first, such as:
• Payment arrangements or Instalment plans
• Temporary deferrals
• Reviewing billing accuracy
MIC is the maximum level of electricity demand your business is allowed to import from the grid. If your MIC is set too high, you pay higher capacity charges, and you may pay a higher PSO levy. A quick review ensures your MIC isn’t oversized. Utilityfair can help if you are not sure how to go about it.
Signs that your MIC setting is too high include:
• You consistently use far less power than your MIC
• Your capacity charges seem disproportionately high
• Your engineer or broker has never reviewed your MIC
If you have an LVMD meter, Utilityfair can analyse your bills and recommend an appropriate MIC reduction if needed.
A business energy audit identifies where you’re using and wasting energy. Audits often uncover immediate cost savings and long-term upgrade opportunities. It typically highlights:
• Inefficient lighting
• Poor insulation
• Equipment running unnecessarily
• Heating, cooling or refrigeration inefficiencies
Yes. Many businesses overpay because they are on standard or variable rates. By comparing all commercial suppliers in Ireland, you can often secure significantly cheaper rates. Contact our energy experts, and we can let you know in minutes who the cheapest energy supplier is for your usage profile and how much you can save. Utilityfair handles the full switching process and ensures you never roll into expensive tariffs again.
Utilityfair can help with the following to ensure your business never pays more than necessary:
• Review your bills, meter readings and MIC settings
• Compare electricity and gas rates from all suppliers in Ireland
• Negotiate better price plans and exclusive discounts
• Manage switching and renewals hassle-free, saving you time and money
Upload your latest electricity or gas bill to Utilityfair for free analysis. We review your current tariff, compare all supplier options, and move you to a cheaper supplier, saving you time and money.
