Irish households are using up to 30% more energy between 9am and 5pm as employees around the country work from home.
A new study shows overall consumption in family homes has risen by 11% to 20% since stay at home measures were brought in.
Energy use traditionally peaks in the mornings but has fallen by as much as 30% in recent weeks as people take advantage of having no morning commute and get out of bed later.
Meanwhile, consumption throughout the evening after 6pm is also down by between 10% and 20%, with families cooking dinner and going to bed earlier.
However, normally low consumption levels during the working day have jumped as people use computers and other devices to work remotely and take part in virtual meetings.
The research by property company Savills and smart energy providers Pinergy compared customer meter data between the first two weeks and the second two weeks of March.
Savills Ireland spokeswoman Sharyn McAndrew said: “The data from Pinergy reveals a drastic change in working patterns over the past month.
“We are getting more sleep, we are less engaged in electronic devices in the evening, and hopefully getting more exercise.
“Going forward, the challenge for employers will be to ensure some of this new-found balance in our day can be maintained once the current restrictions come to an end.”
The study also shows a 22.9% drop in energy consumption in student accommodation as many return to the family home while universities and college campuses are shut.
Young renters are using 12.2% less energy on average, while consumption amongst city dwellers has fallen by 4.2%.
