ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APPLY TO BE PART OF ETHEKWINI’S SMART ENERGY PILOT
Qualifying households across eThekwini are invited to apply to be part of a smart energy pilot designed to help homes use energy more intelligently, support grid resilience, and contribute to a stronger, greener city.
Applications are now open and close at the end of August for Project Smart Solar, an eThekwini Municipality-backed smart energy pilot. There are only 280 spots available.
The pilot project is being delivered by the City in partnership with Plentify, a South African energy tech company, and supported by international development partners, including the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union, and the EU Delegation to South Africa.
Sindile Buthelezi, Energy Efficiency Manager at eThekwini Municipality, said “Project Smart Solar is an important step in exploring how households can become part of a more resilient energy future for eThekwini.”
Project Smart Solar also includes a local skills development component.
Youth recruited via the eThekwini Municipal Academy database will be upskilled by Plentify’s professional installation team and employed to support installations where possible.
“Skills development is an important part of making the energy transition more inclusive.
It offers hands-on experience and transferable technical skills to young people,” said Tumisang Kalagobe, Project Smart Solar Lead at Plentify. “
Homes with solar and battery systems are especially encouraged to apply and may qualify if they have: an electric geyser, solar PV panels, battery storage, a compatible inverter system and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Households without solar, also qualify if they have an electric geyser and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Selected participants will receive the Plentify Home Energy Management System, which includes SolarBot and/or HotBot devices and access to the Plentify Home App.
A SolarBot is Plentify’s intelligent controller for solar and battery systems that help households use more solar energy, rely less on the grid, and stay protected during outages.
A HotBot is Plentify’s intelligent geyser controller that automatically heats water at the right times based on a household’s needs, ensuring hot water is available when needed while reducing unnecessary electricity use.
Professional installation and ongoing support will also be provided at no cost throughout the pilot.
To apply, click here: https://plentify.io/project-smart-solar/
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
