A new app has been launched to help households keep on top of their energy consumption. It comes after energy prices rose at the beginning of October, with an average household bill jumping from from £1,971 to £2,500.
The equiwatt app will help people take control of appliances by linking up to smart meters, smart plugs and smart EV chargers. It will then ask users to reduce consumption during peak energy hours, which could lead to money-back on bills.
As reported by the Express, users who choose to link the app with their smart meters will be able to support the National Grid demand flexibility scheme. The energy bill discount plan will start in November and will see households benefit from £3 per kWh for off-peak energy use.
National Grid ESO’s incentive encourages people to use electrical appliances outside of peak hours, paying the equivalent of £3 per kWh in credit. The scheme is said to have the potential to free up around two gigawatts (GW) of power, enough for about one million homes.
The incentive comes as National Grid ESO issued warnings that blackouts could be imposed on British households between the peak times of 4pm and 7pm if the country is unable to import enough gas from Europe this winter. App users will also continue to earn points and rewards with equiwatt, such as vouchers to use with big brands.
How does the equiwatt app work?
To help households save, the equiwatt app sends notifications to take part in energy-saving events at peak times by turning off or avoiding the use of appliances – anything from fridge freezers to washing machines and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Participation can even be automated by connecting the app with smart plugs and smart EV chargers, and energy savings are tracked by connecting with a smart meter.
Johnson Fernandes, equiwatt CEO said: “The equiwatt app couldn’t come at a better time when people are seeking ways to reduce their energy consumption and juggle the rising cost of living.
"The more people come together to reduce energy demand at peak times, the greater impact we will have on reducing strain on the electricity grid and avoiding disruption to our energy supply this winter. Better still, householders can do their bit to help reach the UK’s Net Zero targets."
The equiwatt energy saving events last for up to one hour and users are rewarded for the energy and CO2 savings they make with points that can be redeemed for vouchers on Amazon, John Lewis and other big brands.
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