The billion-pound company have teamed up with EnergyCloud and YES Energy Solutions CIC to deliver a first-of-its-kind scheme.
There’s growing concern about the number of English households that are living in fuel poverty. The latest data from the government shows 3.17 million households were in fuel poverty in 2023, a statistic that remained virtually unchanged from 2022.
There’s an endless list of reasons as to why so many households are struggling. Whether it’s the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic or the rising cost-of-living. Since 2020 organisations across the UK have been working tirelessly to enact positive change.
The most recent attempt to help comes from the not-for-profit organisation, EnergyCloud, award-winning Community Interest Company, YES Energy Solutions and Amazon. Together they have launched a first-of-its-kind project in England that will see deprived households receive free hot water.
The programme, which is due to be piloted this year, works by using excess renewable energy, which otherwise would have been wasted. Households that are taking part in the scheme’s initial testing period will be given an EnergyCloud-enabled smart device – a technology that uses green energy – energy that is generated from a natural source that never depletes such as wind, produced during off-peak times to heat immersion tanks.
‘This launch marks a significant milestone for EnergyCloud as we expand into England,’ David Nicholl, chair of EnergyCloud England, said. ‘By collaborating with Amazon and YES Energy Solutions, we are demonstrating how technology and cooperation can deliver tangible benefits at the household level. This builds upon the impactful work already achieved with Amazon into Ireland and showcases the potential of turning surplus renewable energy into a valuable social resource.’
During 2023 a similar scheme was lunched in Ireland and the results, it’s safe to say, were more than satisfactory. Household that were equipped with EnergyCloud devices were able to receive a free tank of hot water for nearly one third of the year.
Alison Kay, vice president and managing director, UK and Ireland at Amazon Web Services, claimed: ‘We’re proud to support EnergyCloud and bring this innovative solution to England to help address energy poverty, and reduce energy waste. This initiative is a great example of how cloud computing, renewable energy, and technology can be harnessed to drive innovation and create positive social impact.
‘We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities and countries in which we operate, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with EnergyCloud.’
On the subject of making a difference in relation to energy, news of this new scheme comes as prime minister Keir Starmer announces plans to slash energy costs for over 7,000 businesses.
Photo by Ashes Sitoula via UnSplash
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