Samsung Expands Global Energy Partnerships, Offers Free Electricity for Washers in Italy

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) is expanding electricity bill benefits for its home appliance users through partnerships with global energy companies. The company plans to expand its strategy of enhancing both energy efficiency and user convenience through its home appliance hub SmartThings across global markets.

Samsung Electronics announced Wednesday that it has partnered with Enel, Italy's largest power and energy company, to provide customers who purchase Samsung washing machines with up to 180 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of free electricity for laundry over two years. The 180 kWh is enough power to operate a Samsung A-rated washing machine in Europe for approximately two years. Customers in Italy who purchase a Samsung washing machine and connect it to SmartThings can receive the free electricity benefit from Enel.

This service is an extension of Samsung's recent strategy to reduce electricity bills for home appliance consumers through partnerships with global energy companies. Last month, the company partnered with British Gas, a UK energy company, to launch the "Samsung Weekend Saver Fixed Tariff," which offers a 50% discount on household electricity bills from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Samsung has also partnered with Dutch energy company CoolBlue to provide free electricity benefits when using Samsung washing machines from noon to 3 p.m. starting in June this year, and for dryers starting in September.

In the United States, Samsung has been operating the "Flex Connect" program since July last year in collaboration with energy company Leap, which optimizes power consumption of appliances connected to SmartThings. The company also provides points redeemable at Samsung.com each time users utilize the SmartThings "AI Energy Mode."

Electricity savings benefits can be utilized more efficiently through the "Energy" feature in the SmartThings app. The all-in-one washer-dryer "Bespoke AI Combo" is equipped with a custom scheduling feature that automatically starts washing and drying when users set alerts for times when electricity benefits are available.

"We are expanding our energy partnerships to provide various electricity bill benefits," said Park Chan-woo, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' B2B Solutions Team. "We will continue to enhance SmartThings and strengthen connections with smart home appliances to improve both energy efficiency and user convenience."