British Gas engages with Samsung for energy management for customers

British Gas and Samsung have announced partnering to help customers better manage their energy use and increase the adoption of low carbon heating in Britain.

Described as “the exciting first step in a long-term venture”, the collaboration sees British Gas’ PeakSave demand flexibility scheme integrate with Samsung’s SmartThings Energy in its SmartThings mobile app.

Through this customers can stay informed via notifications of for example, the best times to use household appliances to save money.

Currently 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 encouraging customers to move their electricity use out of peak times when there is high demand on Britain’s energy grid.

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The collaboration also intends to help support customers in their journey to decarbonising their homes by introducing smart technologies in a way they call “simple and empowering”.

As example, from early 2024, British Gas will include Samsung heat pumps in its offering to households.

The venture will see specially trained British Gas surveyors and engineers working with consumers to explain the benefits of heat pumps and then conducting the installations on-site, while Samsung will support workforce training as part of efforts to upskill installers to service the expected growing demand.

British Gas also offers customers the chance to purchase heat pumps through flexible financing methods and coupling with the recently increased government boiler upgrade scheme grant of £7,500 (US$9,500).

“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,” stated Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director of British Gas Energy at British Gas.

“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.”

Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, adds that 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.”