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Anyone concerned about GivEnergy?

DREI · 2026-04-02T10:13:23Z

I’ve only just become aware of GivEnergy’s proposed move to put cloud/app access, automation/API usage, and potentially smart-tariff functionality behind a subscription based service. If implemented as described, I think this raises serious consumer-law questions. For most customers, these systems were sold not just as batteries, but as connected products with app access, remote control, historical data, and smart-tariff optimisation forming part of the value proposition. If those features are later put behind a paywall, the issue is not just inconvenience, it may materially reduce the value and functionality of hardware people have already purchased. I only selected GivEnergy because I wanted access to OIF. In my view, the key questions are: Were customers clearly told at the point of sale that these features could later become chargeable? Were any such terms fair and transparent? Is it reasonable to charge extra for access to functions that many people would consider part of the original product? What happens to access to smart tariffs and optimisation if customers do not pay? I’m interested in hearing from other GivEnergy owners, especially anyone who still has original sales material, installer emails, brochures, screenshots, or T&Cs referring to app access, cloud control, API access, or tariff compatibility. If enough of us are affected, it may be worth taking specialist consumer-law advice and approaching this collectively. P.S. I am wondering if this is a last effort of generating revenue, before going into administration. I've also checked and GivEnergy has previously described its monitoring portal in marketing materials and documentation as "free forever," promising users "unparalleled data access," easy remote management, and continuous, free updates. and from the 2025 brochure:

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Energy Storage

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JamesPa

(@jamespa)

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Joined: 3 years ago

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26/04/2026 10:08 am

Posted by: @majordennisbloodnok

↑

I have a feeling you misunderstand me, @jamespa. I don’t advocate regulation here at all. What I advocate is that consumers be made aware of what’s easily possible so they can start demanding the manufacturers do better. That’s one of the fundamental reasons I’ve written as much as I have about Home Assistant; not because I think it’s the mainstream answer but because it demonstrates what is not only achievable but also practical.

Fair enough.

Its interesting that opentherm (for boilers) has been around for decades but several large manufacturers, eg Vaillant, didn't adopt it because the universal interface (ie an on/off contact) is easier*, albeit not as functional. I strongly suspect that the same will occur with heat pumps unless it is mandated.

* that said Mars' installer still, as I understand it, managed to mess up even this simple interface this up by connecting 240V logic to a 5V logic contact. Ho-hum

This post was modified 2 hours ago by JamesPa

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.

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