Electricity networks charges going up with estimated €29 cost to families
Irish customers could be paying more on their electricity bills starting from October as the network tariffs for 2025/2026 are set to increase.
Network charges will increase by €2.41 per month, or roughly €29 each year, from October 1, when network charges go up.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has published the increased charges this week, which are to pay for the maintenance and improvement of electricity networks.
Households pay these network charges in the form of Standing Charges, a fixed fee on their electricity bill. These charges can vary between suppliers and between different types of electricity plans.
These network charges are paid to EirGrid and ESB Networks for the maintenance and upgrade of their networks for transmitting electricity across the country and distributing it to millions of properties.
In 2026, ESB Networks will need €1.337 billion for the distribution grid, and another €1.390 billion is needed for EirGrid and the transmission network.
Together, this represents a €190.4 million (7.5%) increase on the combined 2025 figure of €2.53 billion.
The CRU said that it has reviewed this expenditure to ensure that investment costs are recovered in a fair and transparent way for customers.
Commissioner Fergal Mulligan said, “This decision is in line with CRU’s regulatory process, to make sure Ireland has a reliable energy supply, cleaner electricity, and fair, transparent service for all customers, delivering on both national and EU objectives.”
“We review network operators’ investment plans annually to make sure they’re necessary, cost-effective, and will improve electricity services for customers.”
“This year’s increase in network charges reflects the growing need to invest in a more resilient, smarter and cleaner electricity grid.”
The increased network charges will be in effect from October 1, 2025, through to October 1, 2026, as they are reviewed each year by the CRU based on revenue and projected expenditure.
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Electricity networks charges going up with estimated €29 cost to families
Written by
Last edited
27/08/2025
Irish customers could be paying more on their electricity bills starting from October as the network tariffs for 2025/2026 are set to increase.
Network charges will increase by €2.41 per month, or roughly €29 each year, from October 1, when network charges go up.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has published the increased charges this week, which are to pay for the maintenance and improvement of electricity networks.
Households pay these network charges in the form of Standing Charges, a fixed fee on their electricity bill. These charges can vary between suppliers and between different types of electricity plans.
These network charges are paid to EirGrid and ESB Networks for the maintenance and upgrade of their networks for transmitting electricity across the country and distributing it to millions of properties.
In 2026, ESB Networks will need €1.337 billion for the distribution grid, and another €1.390 billion is needed for EirGrid and the transmission network.
Together, this represents a €190.4 million (7.5%) increase on the combined 2025 figure of €2.53 billion.
The CRU said that it has reviewed this expenditure to ensure that investment costs are recovered in a fair and transparent way for customers.
Commissioner Fergal Mulligan said, “This decision is in line with CRU’s regulatory process, to make sure Ireland has a reliable energy supply, cleaner electricity, and fair, transparent service for all customers, delivering on both national and EU objectives.”
“We review network operators’ investment plans annually to make sure they’re necessary, cost-effective, and will improve electricity services for customers.”
“This year’s increase in network charges reflects the growing need to invest in a more resilient, smarter and cleaner electricity grid.”
The increased network charges will be in effect from October 1, 2025, through to October 1, 2026, as they are reviewed each year by the CRU based on revenue and projected expenditure.
