40,000 in Big Switch to save on electric bills

One Big Switch members are set to save hundreds of euro on electricity bills.

More than 40,000 people have signed up to the campaign, which yesterday announced a special offer for new customers who switch to Bord Gáis Energy, as well as discounted offers for members who are already with the supplier.

For those who agree to switch, they can avail of a 10% discount in year one, plus €80 cash back after 12 months. This amounts to an estimated saving of €215 in year one for a typical, three-bedroom household. For existing Bord Gáis Energy customers, the offer is a 5% discount for year one with €40 cash back after one year.

Both offers include Level Pay, which allows consumers to pay the same amount every month for their electricity, smoothes out bill payments and uses paperless billing.

Oliver Tattan, co-founder of One Big Switch, said the discounts were “a big win” for consumers.

“This campaign was always an experiment in people power. Today that experiment worked, and group-discounted electricity is finally available in Ireland for the first time.

“That is a big win for consumers who joined the campaign, but hopefully it will also help drive competition across the whole energy market in Ireland. The rising cost of electricity in Ireland is hurting many families, hopefully this discount will bring some relief,” he said.

“I saved €370 on my bill last night. It took me about five minutes to switch over. All you need is your MPRN number and bank account. It’s all online and you’re done. The average savings we are quoting are €215 for a three-bedroom house. So, if you’re still on the standard rate, if it says ‘standard’ anywhere on your electricity bill, you’re on the highest rates and you’ll save average of about €215,” he said.

The other co-founder of the campaign Lachlan Harris said he felt the offer was the best on the market but hoped that it would help to increase competition.

“We came here to increase competition, to drive down prices and to use people power to do that. We don’t think there is an offer out there on the market that can compete but, if that changes today, and everyone drops there prices, no one will be happier than me,” he said.

Consumers can see the full details of the offer, and use the savings calculator on www.onebigswitch.ie.

Householders who are not yet registered can still do so at no cost and with no obligation. The offer is for electricity only, with gas offers are expected to be available in the near future. The offer is open to members until April 17.