Energy · SSE Airtricity
SSE Airtricity price increase from 5 October: what to do
SSE Airtricity is raising its standard variable electricity and gas unit rates, and its electricity standing charges, from 5 October 2026: a typical electricity bill goes up 8.9% and gas 9.3%. If you're on a variable rate or out of contract, ask SSE for their best price to keep you before then, and compare it with the market.
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| Electricity, typical bill | +8.9% | |
| Gas, typical bill | +9.3% | |
| Dual fuel, typical bill | +9.1% (about €0.85 a day) | |
| From | 5 October 2026 |
How to do it yourself
- 1Find your plan and whether you're in contract
Your bill or SSE Airtricity's app shows your plan name, your unit rate, your standing charge and your contract end date. If you're out of contract, you can leave without a fee and you have the most leverage.
- 2Work out what the rise costs you, and what others would charge
Use the calculator above for your extra cost. Then check the cheapest price for your usage on a CRU-accredited comparison site (bonkers.ie, switcher.ie or powertoswitch.ie). Note the name, the unit rate and the yearly cost: that's your bargaining number.
- 3Ask SSE Airtricity for their best price to keep you, in writing
Contact SSE Airtricity and ask for the loyalty or retention team. Say you've had the price increase notice, you're comparing suppliers, and give the competing yearly cost. Ask for their offer in writing: unit rate, standing charge, any discount and how long it lasts, and any exit fee.
- 4Compare like for like
Put both offers on your own usage: unit rate × your kWh, plus the standing charge, minus any discount for as long as it actually lasts. A big discount on a high unit rate can cost more than a smaller discount on a low one.
- 5Decide before 5 October
Take the better of the two. If you switch, the new supplier does everything, your supply isn't interrupted, and you have a cooling-off period to change your mind. If you stay, make sure the new rate is confirmed on your account.
Hi, I'm a SSE Airtricity customer on [your plan], account number [number]. I've had your notice of the price increase from 5 October. I'm comparing suppliers, and for my usage [other supplier] would cost about €[amount] a year. Before I decide, could you tell me in writing the best rate you can offer to keep me: the unit rate, the standing charge, any discount and how long it lasts, and any exit fee? Thanks, [Your name]
- Discounts that only last 12 months: the rate after that is what you'll pay next year.
- A higher discount on a higher unit rate. Compare the yearly cost on your usage, not the percentage.
- Exit fees if you're mid-way through a fixed-term contract. There's no fee at the end of one.
- Conditions on the price, like paperless billing or direct debit.
- SSE says customers unhappy with the change can end their agreement in line with its terms and conditions: check whether your plan has a fee for leaving early.
Or let Cara do it
- 1Reads your bill: plan, unit rate, usage and contract end date.
- 2Emails SSE Airtricity for their best price to keep you, and prices your usage with the other suppliers.
- 3Tells you plainly which is cheaper. Nothing changes until you say YES, and you accept any new contract yourself.
Nothing is switched, ordered or paid for without your YES. Cara never asks for passwords or card details.
What people ask
When does the SSE Airtricity price increase start?
5 October 2026, on standard variable electricity and gas unit rates and electricity standing charges.
How much is the SSE increase?
SSE says a typical electricity bill rises 8.9%, gas 9.3%, and dual fuel 9.1%, about €0.85 a day. Your own figure depends on your usage and plan: the calculator on this page works it out from your bill.
Can I leave SSE because of the price increase?
SSE says you can end your agreement in line with its terms and conditions. There's no charge for switching at the end of a contract; some fixed-term plans charge a fee to leave early, so check yours.
Will switching cut off my power?
No. The wires and meter stay the same; only the company billing you changes. The new supplier arranges it.
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Sources
Figures are the supplier's own announcement, or the national press reporting it, as linked. Your own cost depends on your plan and usage; the calculator works it out from your bill.