Shell Energy Retail has launched a trial exploring the effect smart thermostats, combined with energy usage insights, have on consumer behaviour.
The trial, which will last until September 2022, was awarded £300,000 from the government-led Smart Energy Savings (SENS) Innovations Competition and will see Shell partner with Cambridge-based smart energy specialist Green Energy Options (geo).
In total 600 Shell customers will use geo’s Trio + Heating system which combines a smart thermostat with an in-home display. This will gather information about energy usage and determine whether better insights will result in customers taking action to reduce consumption.
The device allows customers to control their heating and hot water via a smart phone and also allows them to set an energy budget to manage their heating within a certain price range.
Elvin Nagamootoo, head of product at Shell Energy, said: “We hope to understand whether combining insights and control together in a single device can lead to effective energy saving improvements for customers, without impacting comfort.
“Adding more flexibility and control into homes and improving energy efficiency is one part of the journey to net zero. But we need to bring customers on the journey and make it a compelling and beneficial experience for them.”
Rik Temmink, chief product officer at geo, said. “Smart devices can play a huge role in helping customers save energy, but they need to be used in the right way.
“Our Trio + Heating solution gives customers visibility of their energy cost and consumption and helps them to understand the direct impact that their heating and hot water control settings have on their overall energy consumption.”