UK utility Ovo Energy is seeking beta testers among its customers to install a smart thermostat linked to a smart meter to explore the energy saving potential.

Emails have been sent to potential beta testers offering them a smart thermostat from German firm Tado˚ that is linked to their smart meter and able to extrapolate data to provide bespoke advice on how much money can be saved.

By reducing the amount of energy used, consumers will also reduce their carbon footprint. The initial beta test will be rolled out and available to all Ovo Energy users in the UK in autumn 2021.

Once the smart thermostat has been installed by an Ovo engineer, users will be able to sync their Tado˚ account with their Ovo account. This enables the energy usage to be matched against the choice of temperature controls. The second phase of the beta trial will involve self installation of the smart thermostat.

Features include:

• Scheduling: Schedule, and control of heating and hot water from anywhere, via the My Ovo and Tado˚ apps.
• Location-based control: Geofencing reminds users to turn down the heating when the last person leaves home, and to turn it up in time for the first person’s arrival.
• Weather forecasts: Tado˚ smart thermostats adapt to local weather to increase heating efficiency.
• Platform compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant are integrated into the smart thermostat.

Once installed, a smart thermostat option will appear in the My Ovo app and provide the user with personalised advice using the data from both devices. For example, based on energy usage in the home, it will be able to tell them the exact amount of money they could save if they turned down their heating at specific times of the day.

“Making homes more energy efficient is a key part of lowering carbon emissions and we’re thrilled to partner with Ovo Energy,” said Toon Bouten, CEO of Tado˚. “The partnership brings together two companies at the forefront of the digital energy transition and, as a cross-manufacturer platform, Tado˚ connects with any kind of heating system to serve all kinds of homes. Together with Ovo Energy, we are demonstrating how customer-friendly technology can have a positive impact on the environment as well as home finances and comfort.”

This winter, boiler usage is likely to rise by 56% due to more people working from home. By being able to see the cost implications of setting various temperatures, householders will see the value of temperature controls. And because using less energy means less carbon, they will also reduce their carbon footprint.

“For too long customers have been in the dark on how much they spend heating their homes,” said Jessica Tan, managing director of smart homes for Ovo Energy. “By partnering with Tado˚ smart thermostat, we’re going to change that, giving our members ultimate control over their heating and bespoke advice on how to lower the cost of their energy usage and cut carbon. We’re excited about this launch, which is the first of many exciting propositions we’re working on to give consumers the data they need to reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

For the beta launch, testers need to be an Ovo customer with dual fuel and a direct debit set up. They must have 12 months or more left on their Ovo contract and be based in England; customers in Scotland and Wales cannot be beta testers. They must also have an existing thermostat and smart meter installed at the property.

For the beta phase, it will cost £15 per month over a 12 month period. The cost will be added as an additional line within customers’ bills.

Ovo Energy was founded in 2009. Today, Ovo Energy and its retail partners serve nearly five million users. Retail businesses include Ovo Energy, Boost, Spark Energy, Corgi HomePlan and SSE Energy Services.

Founded in Munich in 2011, Tado˚ specialises in intelligent home climate management. It has secured over US$100m in funding and has 180 employees.