British Gas customers trial in-home display alternative

British Gas customers in Bristol are trialling a free smartphone energy app that could replace the in-home display for British Gas customers upgrading to smart meters.

The ‘my energy live’ app shows customers the same information as is displayed on the in-home display that suppliers must offer when a smart meter is installed.

Customers using the app are given a live feed on energy use, including how much energy appliances cost to run, a predicted daily energy spend and the total of how much energy is being used by day, week or month.

As part of the national rollout of the trial later this year, British Gas customers upgrading to a smart meter will be offered the choice of either the app or the in-home display. 

British Gas’ smart energy expert Matthew Wright said: “Customers with smart meters can see exactly how much energy they’re using, almost as they use it; it also means an end to meter readings and estimated bills.”

“My energy live is ideal for people who like to manage their household costs by smartphone. The added bonus is that the account can be downloaded on more than one smartphone, giving even more flexibility to customers.”

Energy suppliers are to be allowed to run trials of alternatives to in-home displays, such as smartphone apps, in trials during the smart meter rollout under proposals put forward by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today.

It is also strengthening license conditions to ensure suppliers must offer customers not in trials an in-home display before alternative devices, and that they can receive both.

Last month independent supplier Ovo Energy extended its existing smartphone app by offering an app for the Apple watch, making it the first supplier to do so.