Study: Real Time Energy Monitoring Cuts Bills

According to a new study by Edinburgh Napier University, households could save significantly on their energy bills by using a real-time energy monitor – and with prices rising, there’s every reason to do so.

If you knew how much energy you were using at any time during the day, would you change your energy consumption habits?

That’s the question that was posed by a team from Edinburgh Napier University – and the answer is very encouraging.

During a six-month trial, researchers looked at the energy consumption of 65 housing association homes which had been fitted with an Ewegco real-time energy monitor.

They found that of the 65, the 43 households that could see and use the monitor used up to 20% less gas and 7% less electricity compared to the remaining 22 households in which the monitor was hidden.

The Ewgeco monitor uses a traffic-light display system of green, amber and red lights to indicate in real time whether your household’s energy use is low, medium or high.

In interviews conducted with the tenants using the Ewgeco monitor, 94% said it made them more aware of the energy they were using, while 73% said it made them reduce their energy consumption.

John Currie, the director of the Scottish Energy Centre at Edinburgh Napier University and author of the study, commented, “Our findings demonstrate that in-house utility displays can offer a tangible means of energy reduction by enabling behavioural change.”

Moneyhighstreet comments: “The Ewgeco is said to work with ordinary utility meters – so most households can take advantage of the device now and get real-time information on their gas, electricity and water use.

“Moreover, with smart meters slated to be in all homes by 2020, starting now can help you keep up with requirements and save more for longer.

“With British Gas recently raising its prices and other companies likely to follow suit, it’s important to take advantage of all the opportunities to keep your bills as low as possible – potentially including British Gas’s own electricity monitors, provided as part of its EnergySmart package.”