Clare County Council has teamed up with EnergyCloud and FuturEnergy Ireland on a trial that redirects excess green power from the national grid to provide free hot water for social housing tenants near the Carrownagowan Wind Farm.

Under the scheme, EnergyCloud smart devices will be installed in 40 council-managed properties in Broadford and Scarriff. The units automatically switch on immersion heaters when surplus renewable electricity is available, delivering hot water at no cost to residents.

EnergyCloud, a registered charity and not-for-profit whose mission is to end energy poverty, says oversupply on the grid typically occurs one night in three, meaning participating households can expect a free tank of hot water on those occasions.

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Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Joe Killeen, said: "This partnership shows how local government, a community-focused organisation and the renewable energy sector can work together to deliver practical benefits. By using surplus renewable electricity, this pilot programme will help tenants reduce household costs while supporting Ireland's transition to cleaner energy. I look forward to seeing its impact for participating households in County Clare."

Clare County Council Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation, Alan Farrell, added: "The EnergyCloud initiative aligns strongly with our objective of improving the quality of life for our tenants. The potential savings, and access to hot water, can make a meaningful difference for participating households. We will closely monitor this pilot’s outcome with a view to wider rollout across the county."

Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, Mary Lynch, said: "FuturEnergy Ireland is proud to support this EnergyCloud initiative, which will help participating households near Carrownagowan Wind Farm reduce their energy bills in time for winter and its colder conditions. We look forward to seeing its positive impact and exploring opportunities to support similar projects in the future."