The Irish electricity market has been going through a process of liberalisation since 1998. Prior to this ESB operated as a vertically integrated state owned monopoly. The liberalisation has happened in phases with sectors of the market being progressively opened for competition, with the market wholly open since 2004. In the early years competition was slow to take hold especially in smaller business and domestic customers.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is the body responsible for regulating the Irish electricity market and as such has been promoting competition in the market since its inception in 1998 and up until recently set regulated tariffs for the ESB.
In recent years competition has increased from independent suppliers such as Airtricity, Energia and Bord Gáis Energy and has enabled the full deregulation of the market for small business in October 2010 followed by the recent full deregulation for domestic customers in March 2011, with the ESB being required to rebrand the supply business to enable full competition.

In a competitive market, energy consumers are advised to shop around to ensure they are getting the best deal. Energy Solutions can help its clients in this ever growing market to discern between the various products and providers, thus helping them achieve the best and most cost effective tariff for their individual needs.