Energy News

British Gas offers free electricity monitors

Monday, 16 November 2009

By Hazel Cottrell - hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

Customers could save up to £150 with a free EnergySmart monitor, according to British Gas.

British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) is offering free electricity monitors to new and existing customers that could save households £150.

The EnergySmart monitors show people exactly how much electricity they are currently using. Customers can then use a range of online tools to track their energy consumption and set targets to reduce their energy bills.

The energy giant has estimated that customers can save £110 by reducing their energy consumption by 12% and it is offering a £40 discount to new customers who switch to dual fuel.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “Several studies have shown that seeing your energy usage live helps you to reduce it and thus cut your energy bills.

“If you are with British Gas, it’s definitely worth requesting an EnergySmart monitor, and if you’re not, you should do an energy comparison to see how their prices compare with your current tariff.

“However, it’s worth noting that EnergySmart monitors are not available on all tariffs – for example, you cannot get one with British Gas’ cheapest tariff, Websaver 4.”

EnergySmart monitors are available to customers who are on, or switch to, British Gas’ Standard, Online Saver, Track and Save 2011 or Zero Carbon tariffs or the electricity-only Future Energy tariff.

Customers with EnergySmart monitors need to submit their own meter reading each month. They also need to manage their account online and pay their bills monthly by direct debit or by credit or debit card.

The main advantage to this is you can now pay for the energy you actually use. By submitting your monthly meter reading and paying by variable monthly direct debit you will only pay for the energy you use each month and you can even check in advance what your bill is going to be.

More information on British Gas EnergySmart monitors