- ‘Energy Saving Scheme’ to support Society’s most vulnerable customers with installation of 5,000 Free Remote Heating Control Devices
- Electric Ireland and climote continue to deliver latest energy efficient technology to contribute to sustainable energy consumption behaviours
Monday October 21
Electric Ireland and climote have announced the extension of the ‘Energy Saving Scheme’ which sees the collaboration of the public and private sectors in delivering an innovative energy efficient initiative based on the use of smart technology. The announcement was made at the 8th annual Energy Action Fuel Poverty Conference, held in Croke Park, and attended by The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton T.D, industry representatives, stakeholders and leading energy provider Electric Ireland.
The ‘Energy Saving Scheme’ will see 5,000 fuel poor homes have their heating controls upgraded. The upgrade will allow homeowners to control their heating timings and temperature via a smartphone, text message or online. This type of technology has been proven to reduce energy consumption by up to 20% every year. The project is a real-life example of how collaboration between Local Authorities and energy providers can bring positive change for the fuel poor.
This ‘Energy Saving Scheme’ is:
- Funded by Electric Ireland with no cost to the Exchequer, Local Authorities or Housing Associations
- Tackles fuel poverty by reducing energy costs by up to 20% every year
- Reduces the energy intensity of the Local Authority housing stock
- Lowers carbon emissions
- Promotes more sustainable energy practices in wider Irish society
Scheme Already Proven to Work
Since 2013, more than 12,000 Local Authority and Housing Association homes nationwide have been upgraded with climote’s remote control heating system. Not only have families in Local Authority homes seen a significant reduction in their energy costs, but crucially, climote’s technology allows its customer support service to resolve 95% of customer issues remotely so families no longer must wait for someone to turn up to fix their heating.
Clúid Housing, Ireland’s largest housing association, has committed to upgrading its entire housing stock by the end of 2020. Brendan Cunningham, Head of Investment Planning for Clúid Housing comments, “climote offers our residents greater control of their heating systems, through both mobile and digital access. Our residents find the controls extremely easy to use, and so are encouraged to adjust their heating without the fear of being overcome by technology. This means that families can reduce the overall heating cost, giving them an affordable and sustainable place to live.”
Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, Customer Solutions, ESB added, “At Electric Ireland, we are really pleased to announce the continuation of this valuable project which, to date, has helped over 12,000 customers better control their energy use, thereby reducing their bills and at the same time, helping the environment. This is another way in which we support customers who may be struggling with their fuel costs, as well as providing them with the convenience and flexibility of a smart energy controller, and it also underpins our commitment to a low carbon future.”
Eamon Conway, Managing Director of climote comments: “The real benefit for consumers and Government is that the entire scheme is funded by industry. The project focuses on families in the fuel poor category. So, it gives this proportion of society the ability to reduce energy costs by up to 20% every year with little or no intrusion to their home. Installation is complete in 30-40 minutes and each approved installer provides a full demonstration at installation.”
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ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Fuel Poor definition
The industry definition of a fuel poor or vulnerable customer is a person who spends more than 10% of their disposable income on heating and powering their home adequately.
About Electric Ireland
Electric Ireland was launched in 2011 as the retail arm of ESB Group, supplying electricity, gas and energy services to the business and residential markets in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Electric Ireland is recognised as Ireland’s leading energy provider, with a mission to create a brighter future for the customers and communities it serves.
www.electricireland.ie
About Climote
Climote is a leading home technology company founded in 2011 by Derek Roddy and Eamon Conway, as an evolution of Ireland's largest home technology company Smarthomes. climote is dedicated to the innovation of energy and home technology and their climote Hub product allows users to control and set their home heating straight from their phone, no matter where in the world they are. Whether it is to heat the home remotely during a cold spell or ensure it is warm when waking up, climote enables customers to control their heating timings and temperature via smartphone, SMS or online, increasing efficiency and reducing wastage.
www.climote.ie
About Energy Action
Energy Action CLG is a Dublin based charity that provides home insulation at no cost to vulnerable people. The service is provided under SEAI’s Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Energy Action has been advocating on behalf of people living in fuel poverty for three decades. Over 360,000 households in Ireland live in fuel poverty, unable to heat or power their homes adequately. This has a serious impact on peoples’ health and wellbeing. Energy Action has insulated over 34,000 homes since it was established in 1989. Energy Action also advocates on behalf of people living in fuel poverty and hosts annual Fuel Poverty Conferences to help raise and maintain awareness of the problem.
www.energyaction.ie
About Clúid Housing Association
Clúid Housing is an independent, not-for-profit charity, and is the largest approved housing body (AHB) or housing association in Ireland. Established in 1994, Clúid leads the way in providing high quality, affordable rented homes to people in housing need. They work in partnership with local authorities to provide housing to those on social housing waiting lists. Their team of over 200 highly qualified professional staff are committed to providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities.
www.cluid.ie