Samsung and British Gas have announced the first step in a long-term venture aimed at helping customers better manage their energy use and increase the adoption of low carbon heating technologies in homes across Britain.
A statement said 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. It noted that this is now possible through the integration of SmartThings Energy and British Gas’ PeakSave demand flexibility scheme informing customers, by sending notifications via their smartphone, TV or other compatible devices, of the best times to use household appliances to save money.
The PeakSave scheme includes PeakSave Sundays, running every Sunday until the end of February with half-price electricity from 11am to 4pm for British Gas customers and PeakSave Winter events which encourages customers to move their electricity use out of peak times when there is high demand on Britain’s energy grid.
The companies said that the collaboration will also help support customers in their journey to decarbonising their homes by introducing smart technologies in a way that is simple and empowering. From early 2024, British Gas will include Samsung heat pumps in its offering to British households to support the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
The venture will see British Gas surveyors and engineers working with consumers to explain the benefits of heat pumps and then conducting the installations on-site.
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.”
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. This is the first step in our collaboration with Samsung, which will see us combine our strengths and bring more innovative solutions to the market.
“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.”