British Gas customers can now use some clever technology from Samsung to help reduce their monthly energy bills. The two companies have confirmed a joint partnership which uses Samsung’s SmartThings app to alert homes about the cheapest times to switch on the cooker or power up the tumble dryer.
British Gas already has a service called PeakSave which offers discounted prices during less busy times of the day – there’s even half-price usage on Sundays until the end of February.
Now it’s possible to get instant alerts about cheaper energy pricing via smartphones and TVs thanks to that SmartThings integration.
“The collaboration will see British Gas integrate with Samsung’s SmartThings app to help customers optimise their home appliances to use energy when the cost and demand are lower,” the firms explained.
“This is now possible through the integration of SmartThings Energy and British Gas’ PeakSave demand flexibility scheme.”
The app is totally free and works on both Android and iPhone as well as Samsung’s televisions. Along with alerting you about energy prices it also offers real-time usage tracking as well as the ability to control a swathe of connected devices including smart lighting, heating and cameras.
Another feature of the new partnership is the ability to buy a Samsung heat pump directly through British Gas. These new systems, which help support the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050, will be available from early 2024.
The venture will also see specially trained British Gas surveyors and engineers working with consumers to explain the benefits of heat pumps and then conducting the installations on-site.
Speaking about the update Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, said: “This collaboration will help educate consumers on the benefits of moving to heat pumps as well as how to manage their overall energy use through our leading home management app, SmartThings.
“It is an exciting moment for the technology and energy sectors to offer innovative ways for customers to manage their energy with less effort. Through SmartThings, we are putting the power directly into the customer’s hands so they can take greater control of how they manage their homes and energy use more efficiently. There are also many more exciting possibilities for us to help customers reap the multiple benefits of a connected home, moving forwards.”
And Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director of British Gas Energy at British Gas added: “This venture is a big milestone in providing British customers with simple and affordable ways to help save money on their energy bills and cut carbon.
“At the core of this venture is a shared commitment to helping customers manage their energy usage and carbon emissions through new technologies which will play an integral role in supporting the UK’s net zero drive.”
