Overview

Introducing the PowerCue Smart Plug – save money by using electricity when it’s cheapest. Automatically.

Our Vision

We believe smart energy use should be easy for everyone — not just for tech experts or homeowners with complex systems.
Because energy is truly sustainable only when it’s actually used wisely.
Our goal: to boost self-consumption, lower electricity costs, and make the energy transition part of everyday life.

What is PowerCue?

PowerCue is a smart plug that helps you save energy and money — automatically.

It turns your devices on and off at the perfect time: when electricity is cheapest, or when your solar panels are producing excess power. Whether you have a flexible electricity tariff, a plug-in solar panel system, or both – PowerCue helps you get the most out of it.

No need to be home. No complicated setup. Just plug it in, connect to the device, and let it work for you.

Why you need PowerCue

Problem: Cheap electricity – when nobody's home

More and more energy providers now offer flexible electricity tariffs, where prices change hourly.
The lowest rates are usually around midday – but that’s also when most people are away from home.
So even though cheap electricity is available, it often goes unused.

Solution: Let your devices run when power is cheap

With smart scheduling and automated control, appliances can run exactly when electricity is affordable – even if no one is home.
That means you save money, without having to think about it.

Problem: Solar energy – when no one’s around to use it

Solar panels produce the most energy during the day – just when homes are usually empty.
As a result, a large portion of your solar power is sent back to the grid instead of being used in your home.
In the evening, you need power again – but now you're buying it at a higher price.

Solution: Use your solar energy directly

Instead of storing energy in costly and hard-to-recycle batteries, just use it right away – for your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, or e-bike.
PowerCue can automatically run your appliances when your solar panels are producing electricity.
No need to monitor anything – your devices just work smarter.

The solution: PowerCue Smart Plug

PowerCue is a smart plug that goes between your appliance and the wall.
It knows when your electricity is cheapest or when your solar system is generating power – and switches your device on at the perfect time.
It works automatically or can be controlled through an app. Just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.

Whether you have a solar system, a flexible tariff, or just want to use electricity more efficiently – PowerCue helps your home use energy at the best time.

Save energy. Save money. Reduce your impact.

Who is PowerCue for?

PowerCue is for anyone who wants to save energy and money – without changing their daily routine.

✔️ You have a flexible electricity tariff
→ Let PowerCue run your devices when power is cheapest.

✔️ You have solar panels
→ Use your own solar power directly instead of feeding it into the grid.

✔️ You want things to work automatically
→ Just plug in and let PowerCue handle the rest – no tech skills needed.

✔️ You use devices like...
Washing machine, dishwasher, pool pump, e-bike charger, electric heater – and more.

Why PowerCue is a Game-Changer

Most smart plugs can be turned on remotely.
Some of them let you create simple schedules.
A few can even connect to your solar inverter or electricity provider.

PowerCue does all of that – and goes one step further.
It automatically detects when it makes sense to run your devices – and does it for you. No manual switching. No complex setup. Just plug it in and start saving.

Here’s what makes PowerCue unique:

• Smart automation
  PowerCue turns devices on only when energy is cheap or coming from your solar panels. It reacts in real time – so you don’t have to.
• Two sources, one solution
  Whether you have a flexible energy tariff, a solar panel, or both – PowerCue supports it. One plug, many savings.
• Fine-grained Settings + Autopilot
  Prefer full control? Use the web interface or Home Assistant. Want to set it and forget it? Use the default settings. PowerCue adapts to you.
• Made for your daily life
  Washing machine, dishwasher, pool pump, EV charger – PowerCue handles them all. No rewiring, no tech skills required.
• Local and privacy-friendly
  Developed and hosted in Europe. Your energy data stays with you.
• No need for expensive batteries
  Why store your solar energy when you can use it right away?
  PowerCue helps you consume energy when it’s available – instead of paying for storage.
  That means less equipment, less cost, and a lighter environmental footprint.

How it works

PowerCue makes your outlet smart – no installation needed.

Just plug it in between your appliance and the wall. PowerCue automatically detects when your solar panels are generating power or when electricity prices are low – and switches your device on at the best time.

With the detailed settings, you can:

• Set time windows for your devices (e.g. “finish by 5 PM”)
  
• Adjust every controller parameter to your need
• See forecasts for solar production and electricity prices

Prefer to keep it simple?
Use the default settings and let PowerCue do the work for you.

PowerCue connects via Wi-Fi, stays up to date automatically, and adjusts when energy prices change.

Where PowerCue helps – and what you can save

PowerCue works with everyday appliances – the ones that use the most energy in your home.
Many of them don’t need to run at a specific time – just sometime during the day. That’s where the savings start.

Common use cases:

• Washing machine – start automatically at noon, finish before you get home
• Dishwasher – run after breakfast when your solar panels are most active
• Pool pump – runs for hours anyway, so why not during the cheapest hours?
• Heaters – like hot water boilers or infrared panels, perfect for low-price periods
• E-bikes or EVs – charge when the sun shines or prices drop

You don’t need to buy new appliances – just use what you already have, smarter.

How much can you save?

The exact savings depend on your devices, electricity plan, and solar output –
but here are some real-life examples:

These savings add up – for your wallet and for the planet.

Why is this sustainable?

With the PowerCue socket, you can make clever use of the solar power you generate yourself – without expensive power storage systems or new devices. This is not only good for the climate, but also for your wallet.

• No power storage required
  The socket uses cheap or surplus energy exactly when it is available – thus replacing the function of a power storage system to a certain extent. This saves resources, energy and costs.
• Existing devices can still be used
  You don't have to buy new devices. Whether it's an old washing machine, water boiler or e-bike charger: anything that can be plugged in can be controlled with PowerCue – which protects the environment and avoids electronic waste.
• Higher self-consumption = less grid expansion
  By making optimal use of your own electricity, you relieve the burden on the public grid. If many people do this, it can help reduce the need for grid expansion in the long term.
• Alternative to batteries
  Batteries have the problem that you have to buy them separately, they are not recyclable and their disposal is very problematic for the environment. PowerCue is a real alternative here, as it does not store cheap or self-generated solar power, but uses it when it is cheap and available, without having to store it.

This idea specifically supports Goal 7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Access to affordable and clean energy for all – as well as Goal 11, which promotes sustainable cities and communities.

What you get – and what we produce

We developed the software running on the PowerCue – a smart adapter plug that you simply plug between the wall socket and your household appliance. 

You can order as many as you want:

• one for the washing machine,
• one for the dishwasher,
• one for the pool pump,
• one for the e-bike, 
• or other appliances.

What we build – and what we don't

We don't manufacture the smart plugs ourselves – we use high-quality, certified hardware from trusted suppliers.
Our contribution is the software: we develop the intelligent control system, connect it to real-time electricity data and PV generation.
This approach ensures maximum safety and compliance with all EU regulations – and lets us focus on what we're best at: making energy use smart, simple, and efficient.

PowerCue – A Smart Solution in a Nutshell

• Use more of your own solar energy – even when you're not at home
• Take advantage of flexible electricity tariffs – and save money automatically
• Works with your existing devices – no need to buy anything new
• Fully automatic or adjustable via web interface – you choose your level of control
• Quick to install, easy to use – no technical skills required
• Ideal for renters and homeowners alike – no rewiring or smart home system needed
• Saves energy, reduces costs, supports the energy transition

Technical details – for those who want to know more

PowerCue Smart Plug is designed for simplicity, safety, and maximum compatibility in everyday households.

• Plug type: Europlug (Type C / Type F)
  This is the standard plug system used in most European countries.
  For safety and compatibility reasons, we only ship to Germany and Austria.
• Voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Maximum load: [3,680 W or 16 A]
  Suitable for most household devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, etc.
• Connection: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
• Web-App support: Android and iOS
• Data protection: Local control, GDPR-compliant

Our Team

PowerCue was founded in April 2024 by Valentin Gritsch and Georg Rudelstorfer – two academics with start-up experience and a shared history: they have known each other since their studies and were already involved as student representatives at Graz University of Technology. The company is based in Graz, Austria.

The project team combines technical expertise with a collaborative, solution-oriented approach. While the company has not yet been founded, the current plan foresees Georg joining as a co-founder. Both bring different, complementary skills to the table.

• Valentin Gritsch is a graduate electrical engineer, master mechatronics engineer and founder of the Graz-based IT service provider eco IT GmbH. He is responsible for the hardware and software design of the PowerCue Smart Plug. 
• Georg Rudelstorfer holds a doctorate in chemical and process engineering and is co-founder of the successful SPG alumni spin-off Ecolyte GmbH. He is responsible for product development, marketing, finance and management for the PowerCue. 
• Also part of the team: Carina
  Carina supports the project with visual design and communication. She helps make PowerCue clear, accessible, and user-friendly – both in words and visuals.