This collaboration builds on Vodacom’s nationwide connectivity, already powering Sensor Networks’ smart devices in homes across the country.

By combining Sensor Networks’ innovation in smart appliance technology with Ariston’s global expertise in water heating, the partnership enables intelligent control of one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home: the geyser.

“Geyser technology is evolving to meet the energy challenges South African households face. With a connected controller installed on the geyser, homeowners can manage hot water heating directly from their smartphone: switching it on or off, adjusting temperatures, and setting advanced schedules with multiple time and temperature blocks throughout the day,” says Mark Allewell, founder and CEO at Sensor Networks. 

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

Through an installed fleet of over 12 000 smart geysers with Sensor Networks technology, average data indicates that large households are saving on average over R400 per month in electricity costs. This equates to approximately 50,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity saved each day – roughly 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) per month and over 18 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year.

At an average electricity price of R3 per kilowatt-hour, these savings translate into nearly R55 million a year in reduced energy costs for consumers.

Sensor Networks, South Africa’s leading manufacturer of connected geyser devices and home energy management solutions, first partnered with Ariston, one of the world’s largest geyser manufacturers, to distribute select Ariston geysers bundled with Sensor Networks’ smart technology through major retailers across South Africa.

The partnership has now formally expanded to include Vodacom Business, a long-standing connectivity partner to Sensor Networks.

Leveraging their Global Data Service Platform (GDPS) connectivity and extensive network infrastructure, Vodacom Business provides the secure, scalable backbone required to ensure uninterrupted access to smart geysers – whether installed inside ceiling cavities, behind walls, or in remote areas.

As Sensor Networks prepares to roll out its energy management platform across the African continent, Vodacom’s network scale and reliability will be critical to 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 accessible and immediate way for households to cut energy costs,” says Wayne Vertue, country manager at Ariston SA. “With full control via smartphone – scheduling, temperature settings, and remote switching – South Africans can start saving from day one.”

Malcolm Subramony , Executive Head of Department, IoT Connectivity at Vodacom Business, adds:

“If this technology were adopted at scale across the country, the impact could be enormous. It would take real pressure off the grid, and do so at a fraction of the cost of building new power infrastructure. This is a proven, home-grown solution that delivers results.”

In South Africa, geysers are not only among the highest consumers of household electricity – they’re also one of the most frequent sources of insurance claims, often resulting in costly water damage.

Connected geyser technology addresses both challenges.

Proven through years of deployment with leading insurers, Sensor Networks’ solution detects early signs of failure – such as leaks, pressure build-up, or overheating – and automatically shuts the geyser down before damage occurs.

This reduces claims, lowers insurer payouts, and improves customer experience. As part of this broader role, Sensor Networks will be rolling out additional sensors through its energy management platform to fully automate and optimise energy use across the home.

“The rapid rollout of home energy management technology offers a practical, scalable solution to South Africa’s energy demands,” concluded Subramony. “By giving households real control over how and when they consume electricity, platforms like Sensor Networks are helping to stabilise the grid, reduce pressure during peak times, and bridge the gap while broader structural reforms take effect.”

Building on several months of product development, refinement and certification.

The announcement culminates in the distribution of Ariston geysers equipped with Sensor Networks’ smart geyser devices, across leading South African plumbing retailers in 2025.

Consumers in South Africa will benefit from Ariston’s ability to deliver superior comfort at home while making use of Sensor Networks advanced smart-geyser devices, designed to improve energy use and secure insurance savings in households across the country.

Paired with the smart geyser from Ariston, the Sensor Connect mobile application will allow users to monitor, manage, and reduce their household energy use seamlessly.

The partnership underscores a mutual commitment by both companies to improve energy savings and consumption for South Africans which aligns with their vision to reduce environmental impact and promote energy independence through smart scheduling.

“As a leader in water heating globally, Ariston is dedicated to providing efficient, eco-friendly solutions to its customers,” shares Wayne Vertue, country director at Ariston. “With Sensor Networks’ expertise in smart geyser technology, we can now expand the value of our service offering in a manner that enables consumers to make more sustainable energy choices, easily.”

“Partnering with Ariston allows us to deliver our smart technology at an unprecedented scale,” added Mark Allewell, CEO at Sensor Networks. “Our smart geyser solutions have been rigorously tested by Ariston and certified for their unmatched reliability. The Sensor Connect app will also play a key role in assisting Ariston customers with the digital tools they need to conveniently, efficiently and remotely control their energy use, in a play that will save users a significant percentage of their monthly energy bills, while reducing their carbon footprint.”

The launch of the Sensor Networks’ smart geyser device also offers property developers with a new tool they can use to incorporate smart geyser systems into their building projects en masse, allowing for easy, remote management of large properties.

Over 12,000 South African households are already using the Sensor Networks’ smart geyser device.

The company expects these numbers to increase following the announcement of its successful partnership with Ariston South Africa, the second biggest water heating manufacturer in South Africa.