Monaghan County Council, in partnership with EnergyCloud Ireland and SSE Airtricity, has officially launched the Monaghan Eco Energy Project (MEEP) at an event held on Friday, 29 May 2026 at the Peace Campus, Monaghan.
The innovative initiative will initially see 70 Council homes benefit from free hot water generated using surplus renewable energy, with installations to be completed over the coming months, helping to reduce household energy costs while supporting national climate action targets.
The launch event brought together representatives from Monaghan County Council, EnergyCloud Ireland, SSE Airtricity and elected members to mark the introduction of the pilot programme in the county.
The Monaghan Eco Energy Project forms part of a wider national initiative led by not‑for‑profit organisation EnergyCloud Ireland, which works with energy partners to capture excess renewable electricity that would otherwise go to waste and redirect it to households experiencing energy poverty.
Under the scheme, participating homes will be fitted with a smart EnergyCloud-enabled device, which automatically heats the immersion tank when surplus energy is available on the national grid. Households will receive credits on their electricity bills, meaning the hot water is effectively provided at no cost to tenants.
Speaking at the launch, Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said:
“The Monaghan Eco Energy Project demonstrates how strong partnerships can deliver real and lasting benefits for our tenants. By harnessing surplus renewable energy, this initiative will help reduce energy costs for households while contributing to our climate action objectives.”
Also speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, said:
“This is an important and positive initiative for communities across Monaghan. It ensures that renewable energy is used in a practical way to support those most impacted by rising energy costs, while also strengthening our commitment to sustainability.”
Stuart Hobbs, Director of Energy Services at SSE Airtricity, said:
“From the outset, SSE Airtricity recognised the positive impact EnergyCloud could have in supporting households experiencing energy poverty across Ireland. We are delighted to see the initiative expand further through Monaghan County Council, enabling more families to benefit from free hot water generated from surplus renewable energy. By using surplus renewable electricity to provide practical support to homes across the county, this initiative is helping communities while also contributing to a more sustainable energy system. We look forward to seeing the programme continue to grow in communities across Ireland.”
Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud Ireland, commented:
“EnergyCloud are delighted to launch our first project in Monaghan with the support of Monaghan County Council and SSE. It is a big step forward for EnergyCloud as we seek to roll our initiative out nationally and we look forward to using surplus renewable energy efficiently to help Monaghan residents who may be struggling with their energy bills.”
Initially introduced as a pilot programme for households using oil or gas boilers, the project may be expanded following evaluation, with the potential to extend its benefits to additional eligible households across the county.
In addition to reducing energy costs for tenants, the initiative will also help lower carbon emissions and ensure better use of Ireland’s renewable energy resources.