Collaborative Networks Build Smarter Homes and a Stronger Power Grid

Cape Town – Vodacom Business, Sensor Networks, and Ariston are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing smart geyser technology, vital for South Africa’s efforts to improve the stability of the national electricity grid and reduce home energy consumption.

This alliance bolsters Vodacom’s extensive connectivity, which is already enabling Sensor Networks’ smart devices in households across the nation.

By integrating Sensor Networks’ innovative smart appliance technology with Ariston’s vast experience in water heating, this collaboration empowers intelligent management of one of the home’s biggest energy consumers: the geyser.

“Geyser technology is evolving to tackle the energy challenges that South African families face,” remarks Mark Allewell, founder and CEO of Sensor Networks.

“With a connected controller on the geyser, homeowners can manage hot water heating via their smartphones: turning it on or off, adjusting temperatures, and creating complex schedules with various time and temperature settings throughout the day.

“This level of control not only encourages solar integration and energy efficiency but also prepares households to benefit from time-of-use tariffs as they are introduced in the future, reducing costs and easing pressure on the national grid.”

With over 12,000 smart geysers outfitted with Sensor Networks technology, data indicates that larger households are saving an average of over R400 monthly on electricity bills.

This translates to approximately 50,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) saved daily—around 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) monthly and more than 18 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually.

At a typical electricity price of R3 per kilowatt-hour, these savings amount to nearly R55 million annually in decreased energy expenses for consumers.

Sensor Networks, the leading manufacturer of connected geyser devices and home energy management solutions in South Africa, initially teamed up with Ariston, a prominent global geyser manufacturer, to distribute select Ariston geysers bundled with Sensor Networks’ smart technology through major retailers nationwide.

This collaboration has now officially expanded to include Vodacom Business, a longtime connectivity partner of Sensor Networks.

Utilizing their Global Data Service Platform (GDPS) connectivity and extensive network infrastructure, Vodacom Business offers the secure, scalable support necessary for reliable access to smart geysers—whether they are located in ceiling cavities, behind walls, or in remote areas.

As Sensor Networks prepares to launch its energy management platform across Africa, Vodacom’s network scale and reliability will be crucial for delivering seamless, continent-wide control and connectivity.

“While alternatives like solar and gas geysers can be expensive and take years to pay off, connected geyser technology offers a more attainable and immediate solution for households looking to reduce energy costs,” asserts Wayne Vertue, Country Manager at Ariston SA.

“With comprehensive control via smartphones—scheduling, temperature adjustments, and remote operation—South Africans can begin saving immediately.”

Malcolm Subramony, Executive Head of IoT Connectivity at Vodacom Business, notes: “If this technology were widely adopted across the nation, the impact could be profound.

“It could alleviate significant pressure from the grid and do so at a fraction of the cost of developing new power infrastructure.

“This proven, local solution delivers measurable results.”

In South Africa, geysers are among the highest consumers of household electricity and are common sources of insurance claims, often resulting in costly water damage. Connected geyser technology aims to address both problems.

Developed through years of collaboration with leading insurers, Sensor Networks’ technology identifies early signs of failure—such as leaks, pressure build-up, or overheating—and automatically shuts down the geyser before any damage can occur.

This reduces claims, lowers insurer payouts, and improves customer satisfaction.

As part of its broader vision, Sensor Networks will introduce additional sensors within its energy management platform to fully automate and optimize energy consumption throughout the home.

“The rapid rollout of home energy management technology provides a practical, scalable solution to South Africa’s energy needs,” concluded Subramony.

“By equipping households with real-time control over their electricity usage, platforms like Sensor Networks are contributing to stabilizing the grid, easing pressure during peak times, and filling the gap while broader structural reforms are pursued.”