Free hot water to tackle energy poverty in Cork

Cork City Council have launched a Pilot Project to give vulnerable households free hot water generated from sources that would otherwise be wasted. Working with Energy Cloud, the move ensures that excess wind energy generated is not wasted when the demand is low.

Since 2018 Eirgrid, the organisation charged with managing Ireland's energy grid, have wasted 5000 gigawatts of clean energy. This occurs when the energy generation surpasses the energy that the grid can safely handle. As a result, Eirgrid switches off or curtails the generation ability resulting in wasted energy and resource loss.

With the work that Energy Cloud are carrying out, this excess energy can now be delivered free of charge to vulnerable citizens reducing their heating costs and tackling fuel poverty. By installing an Energy Cloud Smart Immersion Controller, citizens can save up to €150 a year on energy costs. The controller can be remotely activated by Energy Cloud when there is excess energy generated on the grid giving the individual a free tank of hot water. In addition, Cork City Councils pilot project is the first time that Energy Cloud is working with privately owned homes as well as social housing increasing the benefit from the initiative.

Energy Cloud is a social enterprise Energy Cloud working with multiple government, commercial and community agencies including the Electrical Supply Board (ESB), Eirgrid, Local Authorities, Energy Providers and multiple Approved Housing Bodies to achieve their mission of tackling fuel poverty. In Ireland, over 550,000 homes are struggling with or close to energy poverty.

The initiative is a collaboration between Age Friendly Cork, Cork City Council and Energy Cloud. Improving the management of our resources to reduce unnecessary waste is a key aspect of the Frugal Cities Project. By offering the excess generated energy to vulnerable households, Cork City are optimising the management of our resources and supporting at risk households.