Our Nevo experts recently met with Rob Silvester, Project Director of SSE Energy Solutions to learn more about the new product, EnergiHub. By bringing together data from all of your devices, including your smart meter, electric vehicle, vehicle charger, solar panels and batteries you can now conveniently control your energy use from your phone. But how does this all work and what are the real benefits? Let's find out.

Hi Rob, thanks for taking the time out to meet with us. EnergiHub sounds exciting, can you tell us what it is?

No problem, Justin. It is very exciting. EnergiHub, is our new intelligent energy app where you can seamlessly connect your devices like your solar panels, electric vehicle, vehicle charger and home batteries. You can see the energy consumption of your devices within the app, and then allow the EnergiHub artificial intelligence to optimise your usage and reduce your costs. It works as a virtual power plant (VPP), EnergiHub will take external factors into consideration such as energy prices and the weather forecasts to ensure you’re getting the best value and that you’re using energy when there is excess renewable energy available to the grid.

How can our readers benefit from using EnergiHub?

Well first of all, EnergiHub customers can avail of a market leading low rate of 5 cent per kWh (ex Vat) for at least four hours, when you charge your car with EnergiHub optimisation between 11pm and 8am. To do this you go to the SSE EnergiHub website and fill in the eligibility form; if you’re eligible you’ll be prompted to download the app and connect to your car. You can then choose when you want your car to be charged by and how much battery you need and we’ll take care of the rest.

This week we have the new Volkswagen ID.7 on test. How does EnergiHub work specifically in relation to this vehicle?

The ID.7 is one of over 300 EV models that EnergiHub is compatible with. Once you create an account on the EnergiHub app, you’ll be prompted to connect with the vehicle via your VW app and run a quick test charge. After the successful test charge you can set up an ‘event’ where you tell us what state of charge you’d like your car to be at and for what time in the morning. For example, you can set your car to be at 80% charge by 8am. Once set up, the rest is easy – plug your car in after work let’s say 6pm and after a short period, EnergiHub stops the charge and creates the schedule for that evening. The car will then charge on and off between 11pm and 8am until your state of charge is met. Up to four of those hours will be at the EnergiHub rate of 5 cent per kWh (ex Vat).

What excites you about the future of electric mobility here in Ireland?

The future of electric mobility in Ireland is incredibly promising. One of the most exciting aspects is the interplay between the integration of smart grid technology with EV charging infrastructure, boosting the ability to fully utilise the home grown renewable energy on the island. I'm particularly enthusiastic about vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions, which let EVs act as mobile energy storage units, providing flexibility and resilience to our energy system. This connection between transportation and energy sectors will be a game-changer, enabling a cleaner, more sustainable future for Ireland.

SSE Airtricity’s EnergiHub is a fantastic example of innovation in this area. It’s more than just an app; it's paving the way for future flexibility and V2G capabilities. By optimising charging times and integrating with renewable energy sources, it's helping build a more resilient and adaptable energy system in Ireland. This type of innovation is key to supporting widespread EV adoption and ensuring our energy infrastructure keeps pace with technological advances. Our progress as a sector with EV technology and infrastructure, combined with Ireland's commitment to renewable energy, sets a promising path for a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Rob thanks so much for your time, where can our readers find out more?

Well right now there is an exclusive 12-month deal for first 500 customers which could save you €585 compared to our standard tariff. All you have to do is visit our website to find out if you are eligible.

Information correct as of 19 February 2025.