CRU Encourages Customers to Compare Energy Offers and Switch Supplier under Updated Framework

The CRU has today accredited four Price Comparison Websites under its updated framework. The websites give customers trusted and independent tools to shop around, compare electricity and natural gas offers and see if switching supplier could help them reduce their energy costs. Since introducing its Price Comparison Website (PCW) Accreditation Framework in 2011, the CRU has required accredited websites to provide customers with clear, independent and accurate information. These websites help customers compare available offers and identify the price plan and energy supplier that best suits their needs and make an informed decision about whether to switch. The benefits of using an accredited PCW include:

• They can help customers make a more informed choice by comparing tariffs against their energy use.
• PCWs are independent of energy suppliers and give customers clear and trustworthy information.
• Accredited PCWs must take into account all of the offers available in the market.

The CRU has updated the framework to bring it in line with developments in the energy market, including smart meters, microgeneration and new types of tariffs. Under the updated framework, customers can still rely on accredited PCWs for independent and impartial comparisons of all available offers. They can now also:

• Upload their smart meter data to receive a personalised comparison based on how they actually use electricity, helping them identify the tariff that may suit them best.
• If they have microgeneration through solar panels, exported energy can now be factored into the comparison. As a result, more than 200,000 customers with microgeneration can see what the best tariff is for them.
• If a customer is interested in dynamic electricity tariffs, they can compare supplier offers.

At a time of rising energy prices, switching supplier can be one of the most effective actions customers can take to reduce their energy bills. The CRU’s Interim Review of the Electricity and Gas Retail Markets1, published in May 2026, found that many customers could save hundreds of euros by switching electricity and/or natural gas supplier. The CRU is encouraging customers to review their options before winter and use a CRU-accredited PCW to compare electricity and gas offers and see if switching supplier could be a better choice for their household.

The CRU’s Chairperson, Fergal Mulligan, said: “The CRU continues to advise customers to check whether a better deal is available from electricity and gas suppliers. Switching suppliers can potentially save hundreds of euros, and the CRU’s four accredited price comparison websites give customers a trusted, independent way to compare all available offers. ,

Under the updated framework, those comparisons can now be more closely tailored to customers’ circumstances and can use smart meter data, account for electricity exported through microgeneration and include dynamic tariff options. Customers can use their smart meter data to get personalised comparisons, that will show them the best tariffs suited to how they actually use electricity. Using one of the CRU- accredited price comparison websites - Bonkers.ie, Energyswitch.ie, Powertoswitch.ie or Switcher.ie - is a trusted and independent way to compare the offers available, check if there is a better option and make an informed decision about switching supplier.”