Energy provider SSE Airtricity announced on Wednesday that it will be making a €2.5 million donation which will be used to provide support for 10,000 homes across Ireland.
The donation, which will be made through its partnership with EnergyCloud Ireland, will enable thousands of households experiencing fuel poverty nationwide to have their homes fitted with smart technology that uses surplus renewable energy, which would be otherwise wasted, to heat tanks of water for free.
Fuel poverty, or energy poverty, is defined as households spending more than 10 per cent of their net income on energy, excluding motor fuel.
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It impacts thousands of Irish households every day, with 2020 figures showing that 1,448 GWh of zero-carbon energy from wind generation alone was dispatched down.
Working with approved housing bodies and local authorities, EnergyCloud will be able to help give homes this surplus of renewable energy, with the €2.5 million from SSE Airtricity being used to support the rollout and installation of the equipment to do this.
The donation from SSE Airtricity comes following the previously announced commitment to forego profits this financial year and invest in supporting customers around Ireland who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity said: “SSE Airtricity has been working with EnergyCloud since its foundation, recognising the innovative role that it plays in supporting fuel-poor households.
“At SSE Airtricity we have committed to helping those who need it most and we’re delighted today to be expanding our support for EnergyCloud, helping to provide much-needed relief to homes across Ireland who are experiencing fuel poverty while also delivering a more sustainable use of green energy for the future.
“No-one should be left behind on the journey to net zero and we value having a partnership with this organisation that shares in our values of supporting consumers and providing greater access to sustainable, clean energy.”
EnergyCloud Ireland Chairperson Gabriel D’Arcy, added: “This is a very significant commitment from SSE Airtricity and is reflective of the leadership shown by the company in rolling out the original EnergyCloud pilot project with Clúid Housing. EnergyCloud in Ireland has an important role to play in helping to support the decarbonisation of our society while helping to tackle energy poverty."
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