DLR Joins EnergyCloud to Deliver Free Hot Water to Homes

EnergyCloud Ireland, in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and SSE Airtricity has officially launched a €2.5 million initiative to advance energy equality by delivering free hot water to households using surplus renewable electricity.  Made possible by a €2.5m donation from SSE Airtricity, pledged in 2023, EnergyCloud smart devices are being rolled out to thousands of homes experiencing energy poverty across Ireland. These devices redirect surplus renewable electricity, such as wind energy generated during off-peak times, which would otherwise be wasted, to heat immersion tanks. This helps vulnerable households reduce energy costs while supporting Ireland’s climate goals.

At a launch event this week, hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Gildea and Chief Executive Frank Curran were joined by representatives from EnergyCloud and SSE Airtricity to celebrate this milestone. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is the first local authority to benefit from this funding initiative, with up to 20 council homes already equipped with EnergyCloud technology, providing residents with free hot water. Further installations are planned for completion in 2026.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:

“We are proud to be the first local authority to partner with EnergyCloud and SSE Airtricity on this forward-thinking initiative. By harnessing surplus renewable energy to provide free hot water, we’re delivering real, practical support to residents while advancing Ireland’s climate goals. This project shows how innovation and collaboration can tackle energy poverty and promote sustainability, social inclusion, and a greener future for all”.

Esther Collins, a Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown resident taking part in the initiative, said:

“Having the EnergyCloud device installed has made a big difference for me. I no longer worry about the cost of heating water, and it feels good to know that renewable energy is being used instead of going to waste. It’s a simple change that has really helped my household.”

The initiative will expand to up to thousands of homes nationwide, prioritising households at risk of fuel poverty. EnergyCloud is also piloting new technologies including battery storage, smart storage heaters, and heat pump systems to extend heat retention and provide consistent home heating. Additionally, the donation has funded four new full time employment roles at EnergyCloud, strengthening its operational capacity.

Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud, highlighted:

“This €2.5 million donation from SSE Airtricity has already been transformative for EnergyCloud and the households we support. With SSE’s backing, we’re now scaling up our impact, delivering free hot water powered by surplus renewable energy to thousands more homes across Ireland. It has enabled us to bring Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on board, create new operational roles, and pilot technologies that allow customers to store hot water and benefit from home heating. It’s a win-win for people and the planet, showing how collaboration can drive real social and environmental change.”

Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, added:

“SSE Airtricity has been involved with EnergyCloud since its foundation, recognising the vital role it plays in supporting vulnerable households across Ireland. I’m proud to see the impact of this donation coming to life, as we begin to see the rollout of these `              supports and welcome Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to the EnergyCloud initiative. We look forward to seeing the rollout extend to more counties across Ireland, helping to improve energy inequality in our communities.”

The EnergyCloud initiative directly supports the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2024 and the National Energy Poverty Strategy, which aim to reduce energy inequality and promote the efficient use of renewable energy.