Captain O'Connell's electric surge

Munster and Ireland rugby international Paul O’Connell with Pinergy staff in Tipperary town where the energy provider announced the creation of 46 jobs.

Paul O'Connell at the launch

thumbnail: Munster and Ireland rugby international Paul O’Connell with Pinergy staff in Tipperary town where the energy provider announced the creation of 46 jobs.
thumbnail: Paul O'Connell at the launch
Conor Kane

The electricity provider which boasts Irish rugby captain Paul O'Connell as an investor is creating 46 jobs in the coming months - and hopes to add a further 30 in the next two years.

Pinergy, which supplies smart-meters to allow customers to control electricity use, said the positions will be sales-related across Tipperary town and Limerick.

The company has attracted more than 15,000 customers since its foundation in 2012, with plans for up to 70,000 by the end of 2017.

"We're experiencing huge growth," said Mr O'Connell. "It is as a result of identifying and satisfying a key customer need. It's a very exciting day for Tipperary town and for Pinergy."

Pinergy founder Enda Gunnell said one in three households in the North were on "pay-as-you-go" electricity and the trend would continue. "We're confident that people down south will come to the service in similar numbers," he said.

The job announcement in Tipperary town was made in association with sales management company DSM and attended by Environment Minister Alan Kelly, who said it was important to bring employment to "the regions".