Empowering people to make more mindful energy choices is at the heart of ESB Networks’ flagship initiative, “Is This a Good Time?”. Nearly 40,000 customers are already taking part, earning rewards, and helping Ireland move closer to its climate goals.
What Is “Is This a Good Time?”
This innovative programme encourages households to shift electricity usage away from peak times typically 5pm to 7pm towards periods when renewable energy is more abundant. By making this simple change, customers help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, and support the electricity network during high-demand periods.
Participants receive timely alerts via SMS, email, and dashboards. When they act during designated Energy Events, they earn digital gift cards. These incentives make sustainability practical and rewarding, while real-time feedback and educational content deepen understanding of energy flexibility.
The Impact So Far
Nearly 40,000 households have signed up, collectively shifting over 256MWh of electricity from peak to off-peak times enough to power over 22,000 homes for a day or charge an electric vehicle to circle the globe hundreds of times.
This isn’t just a rewards programme it’s a behavioural change movement. Every action taken by participants helps Ireland move closer to its net zero target by 2050, while supporting the Climate Action Plan’s goal of achieving 30% system flexibility by 2030.
Why It Matters Now
By shifting electricity usage away from peak times, customers reduce reliance on carbon-intensive generation. Flexibility events also enable households to make the most of surplus renewable energy especially when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. This approach supports a cleaner, more resilient energy system while giving customers the chance to actively participate in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.
A Collective Effort
The success of “Is This a Good Time?” reflects the power of collaboration between ESB Networks and its customers. It’s proof that small, everyday actions like running a dishwasher a different time can have a big impact.
Want to join the movement? Sign up via your ESB Networks online account and start earning rewards while helping Ireland achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future.