metering.com February 16, 2015
One of the UK’s major energy suppliers British Gas has bought out connected homes technology company AlertMe.
In the deal estimated at GBP65 million (US$100 million), the two companies aim to expand their foothold in the intelligent connected home market, said Nina Bhatia, commercial director for British Gas.
Ms Bhatia said: “We are very excited at the potential we’ve now got through technology, to help people manage their homes and lives more easily.
“With access to new technology and skills we’re strengthening our capability at British Gas to develop a family of products that will put people in control of their homes in a way that’s simply never been possible before.”
Single interoperable home platform
Founded in 2006, AlertMe provides a single interoperable home platform to connect difference devices and appliances, as well as data analytics and user experience.
The company estimates that its products and services are in more than 200,000 homes and personalized energy data services to 500,000 homes.
The two companies have worked together since 2009 when they began trialling home energy management technologies to help British Gas customers cut their energy consumption, save money and reduce their household carbon emissions.
British Gas used AlertMe.com online portal to allow customers to measure and control individual appliances within the home as well as measure and manage the home’s overall energy usage. The home-owner can then conveniently view this information and change settings.
Mary Turner, CEO of AlertMe says: “AlertMe has been the pioneer in establishing and growing the Internet of Things commercially in the UK and USA.
“We have created a market-leading Internet of Things platform and a highly experienced team of technologists and operational capability, which together have given us proven ability to serve mass market customers.
“We are excited to move forward with British Gas, with an opportunity to roll out service for tens of millions of homes, and to realise our ambition for further global distribution.”
Expanding into smart home market
British Gas has expressed its ambitions to accelerate the development of new connected home services in the UK and worldwide.
In July 2014, Ms Bhatia told an Ofgem Smart Energy Conference that the British Gas will trial smart prepaid meters and connected boilers as part of a move towards a full connected home offering.