Climate technology company Plentify and independent dealer Cellucity have announced a partnership to bring Plentify's flagship energy-saving HotBot product to select Cellucity stores nationwide, as well as its online e-commerce website.

HotBot is a smart energy device that uses machine learning and Internet of Things technology to control electric geysers, intelligently turning them on and off, reducing energy use by about 30% while still providing hot water when needed.

The device also works with home solar systems to boost the energy demanded by geysers during the day, enabling higher use of the solar system.

“The real magic is that HotBots talk to each other to eliminate loadshedding by shifting demand away from congested times. HotBots in just 10% of homes would prevent 2 hours of blackouts per day in South Africa,” says Plentify cofounder and chief growth officer Kailas Nair.

The partnership with Cellucity is a significant milestone for Plentify as it brings HotBots to brick-and-mortar retail stores and furthers the company’s aims of becoming a household brand in South Africa.

Plentify builds smart energy products for residential homes and was a prior winner at both the African Entrepreneurship Awards as well as being named South African Startup of the Year.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with a company like Cellucity that shares our passion for bringing innovative technology that solves a real need. We look forward to expanding our partnership with them in the future,” says Nair.

Cellucity, the largest independent dealer for Vodacom in South Africa with over 30 stores within the group nationwide, is known for bringing innovative technologies to their customers, and exceptional customer service, helping them gain local acclaim, a loyal customer base and to stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive industry.

“At Cellucity, we are always looking to bring our customers the latest and most innovative technology. We are proud retailers of the HotBot product and believe it will not only help our customers save on their electricity bills but also help the fight against loadshedding,” adds Cellucity head of marketing Gavin Geldenhuys, noting that the company is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting a range of causes and organisations that are making a difference in South Africa.