Tuesday 19 June 2012

Are you more energy efficient than your neighbours?

You can now find out if your neighbours are saving more on their energy bills than you, thanks to a new service launched by a UK energy firm with the help of a US energy software company.

First Utility announced its my:energy programme today, which helps consumers compare their energy usage against their neighbours and get personalised tips on how to reduce their energy consumption. The company hopes its initiative will save UK households up to £1.7billion and three million tonnes of carbon emissions in the next three years.

Ian McCaig, CEO of First Utility (pictured) said: “Encouraging and helping our customers to reduce energy consumption with insights and advice tailored to their own households and daily habits, may initially appear to go against our commercial sensibilities as an energy company, but we believe that empowering customers in this way will lead to longer-lasting relationships with them.”

The firm will use Opower's software, which will help warn its consumers when their energy usage is higher than normal. Customers will also be able to sign up to receive text message reminders to alert them to turn down their thermostats when warmer weather is forecast.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker welcomed the programme in a speech in April and said it showed the market was gearing up for the Green Deal later this year.