Ireland electricity prices highest in the EU, Eurostat figures show

Irish households pay almost 40 cent per unit of electricity

Ireland remained the most expensive country for domestic power, with consumers paying considerably more than the European average.

Eurostat's latest figures, released on Friday, October 30, show Irish households were charged an average of €0.39 per kilowatt hour (kWh). 

Germany and Belgium came next, both recording €0.36 per kWh.

By comparison, the EU average stood at €0.28, following a 2.2% fall from the previous six-month period. 

The figures include taxes and levies, giving an indication of what households actually pay on their bills.

Five EU countries pay less than 20 cent per unit of electricity

The gap between countries was particularly striking at the cheaper end of the scale. Hungary had the lowest electricity costs, averaging €0.11 per kWh, while Malta and Bulgaria both recorded €0.13. 

Overall, six member states had prices above €0.30, while five remained below €0.20, RTÉ reported.

Ireland's average was almost four times the Hungarian figure, putting it firmly at the top of the European rankings.

The latest comparison also highlights how much energy costs have changed since the crisis of 2022. Despite the recent dip in the EU average, prices have yet to return to their earlier levels.

"Prices remain well above levels from before the 2022 energy crisis," Eurostat said.

Electricity prices for households, first half of 2026 (purchasing power standards (PPS) per 100 kWh) (Image source: Eurostat)

Irish households face another year of rising electricity costs

Some countries have experienced particularly steep increases over the past year. Romania recorded the sharpest rise, with household electricity prices jumping by 51.6%. 

Ireland followed with an increase of 19.8%, while Finland saw costs climb by 18.4%.

There were also notable reductions elsewhere. Denmark recorded a 31.7% decrease, the largest fall across the bloc, while Luxembourg saw prices drop by 24.1%.

Eurostat publishes household electricity price comparisons twice a year, tracking the cost of power across all EU member states, including the taxes and additional charges passed on to consumers.

Although the latest figures show a slight easing in average costs, Ireland's position at the top of the table underlines the pressure households continue to face.