Media

First Utility praised for ‘pioneering’ smart meter work

Lord Hunt, Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), has praised independent energy firm First Utility (www.first-utility.com) during a visit to the company’s Warwick HQ today.

 

Speaking during the visit, Lord Hunt said: “Encouraging greater competition in the UK’s energy market is a key part of Labour’s green manifesto and innovative new suppliers such as First Utility are a key way of achieving a more competitive energy landscape.

 

 “Smart metering in the energy sector is vital if we are to achieve our environmental targets as a country. Smart meters are arguably the most critical element of a green infrastructure of the future and it’s extremely encouraging to see a smaller supplier challenging the current status quo in the marketplace and using more modern technology to solve some of the key issues for consumers.”

 

Lord Hunt’s comments come just days after the Labour party pledged to end the dominance of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers in the UK. In launching its green manifesto, the Party also stated that it would ‘consider measures such as limiting the ability of energy companies to generate electricity solely for themselves and reducing the barriers to the changing of licence conditions’.

 

Darren Braham, Chief Financial Officer at First Utility adds: “It’s very positive to see the issue of competition in the energy marketplace being taken seriously. The UK’s energy market has been dominated for far too long by a small number of suppliers, and there are a range of barriers to entry that make it very difficult for new entrants to succeed. We are very fortunate to have the backing that we do to allow us to overcome these barriers, but the fact is that UK consumers have had a poor deal for far too long now. Our use of more modern technology, including smart metering, means that not only do customers have a real alternative when it comes to choosing a supplier, but that we can actively empower people to reduce energy consumption and bills.”

 

James Plaskitt, Labour candidate for Warwick and Leamington Spa said: “First Utility’s pioneering smart meter roll out in the Midlands has led to many business and households getting a much clearer picture of their energy usage, allowing them to take action to reduce their consumption. I work closely with many of our local companies who are creating the new technologies to help us achieve far greater energy efficiency, and First Utility is an exciting example.”

 

About First Utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity and gas services to a range of consumer and business customers. It is the only energy provider to roll out smart meters to all its customers, starting with the East and West Midlands. It is through the use of smart metering technology that First Utility can empower consumers to manage and reduce their own energy consumption and bills. First Utility is headquartered in Warwick.

 

www.first-utility.com

 

Further information and interviews

 

Please contact CubanEight:

-  Rachel Brewin – 01869 238089 / 07879 997 886 / rachelbrewin@cubaneight.com

-  Sian Gaskell – 01869 238089 / siangaskell@cubaneight.com 

-  Abigail Mills – 01869 238089 / abbymills@cubaneight.com

First Utility celebrates 150 developments signed up to developer-friendly energy supply

First Utility, the independent energy provider, today celebrated  the 150th housing development signed up to its brand new Smart Meter Supply service, as Cuckoo Point, Colchester, developed by Andersons Design and Build.

 

As a result of reaching this milestone, First Utility is now contracted to supply over 12,000 Smart Meters with leading UK house builders.

 

First Utility provides gas and electricity with a more intelligent approach  - at the heart of the proposition are Smart Meters which enables consumers to more easily manage their energy usage and bills.  This approach has appealed to house builders due to the benefits it brings to them on a number of levels. Smart Energy Supply helps house builders to manage energy supply from plot up to sale, it enables them to be active in responding to government directives on energy efficiency and also makes their end-product more attractive to potential purchasers, differentiating them from the competition.

 

Martin Moir, Head of Sales, First Utility, said: “For a long time now developers have had real issues with utilities within new developments. Take for example a development with tens or hundreds of different plots and as many different activation dates for new accounts; it can create an administration nightmare for developers, not to mention huge costs involved in sorting it out.”

 

First Utility has amassed a great deal of experience in shaping an energy supply which takes away the usual headaches related to energy supply on developments and enable them to focus on their job of construction and selling houses.  The key benefits include:

•    Modern metering for modern houses without any addition costs
•    Billing: first:utility provide consolidated accurate and regular billing on developments taking away the need to spend man-hours on reconciling multiple estimated bills and eliminating the probability of over/under payments on accounts.   Developers receive one monthly bill from first:utility with accurate readings and breakdown of energy use from all the meters on site.
•    Smart Meters contribute to the Code for Sustainable Homes:  Smart Meters installed on each supply point will provide accurate and detailed online visibility of use every half an hour.  It is this ‘every 30 minutes’ management of energy used during construction that is recognised as the criteria contributing points towards code levels.
•    Installation and project management: Each developer is assigned a first:utility dedicated New Build Manager who will make  will make proactive contact to plan meter installations in advance and react to changing circumstances. Meters are fitted within schedule by first utility’s own meter installers.
•    Show home support package: first:utilty work with show home staff to explain the benefits of smart energy supply and provide sales literature and handover packs.

 

Martin Moir at First Utility comments: “We have always been convinced that our Smart Energy offering will resonate well with developers and the fact that we have now reached 150 housing developments is testament to this.   Our more intelligent approach to energy provision enables developers to focus on their main priority of building houses and selling them, which in this current climate is even more important.  The benefits of the first:utility offering extend across the build stage and can be passed onto the homeowner once they take the keys to the door.   With Smart Meters at the heart of the offering it provides developer and homeowner alike with the ability to take control, once and for all, of their energy management.”

 

Notes to Editors

 

About first:utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity, gas, phone and broadband services to a range of consumer and business customers.

 

It is the only energy provider to provide smart meters to all its customers, and therefore the only utility company to ensure 100% accurate billing across all its services. It is through the use of smart metering technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills.

 

First Utility is a CarbonNeutral® company.
www.first-utility.com

 

Further information

 

Please contact Abbie Strudley, Rachel Brewin or Sian Gaskell at BOTTLE PR.
Tel: 01865 882988
Email: abbiestrudley@bottlepr.co.uk siangaskell@bottlepr.co.uk or rachelbrewin@bottlepr.co.uk

 

First Utility announced as first UK utility partner for Google's PowerMeter

First Utility, today announced a partnership with Google to bring Google PowerMeter to the UK.

 

Google PowerMeter is a software tool that allows users to see a near-real-time display of their energy usage through their iGoogle account on their computer or mobile phone, all enabled by first:utility’s innovative smart meter technology.

 

First Utility is the only energy supplier in the UK to provide free smart meters to its customers, rolling them out across the UK in a region-by-region approach, starting with the Midlands. To date first:utility, which launched to the residential market in September 2008, has over 30,000 customers signed up to its service.

 

Crucially, and unlike other systems, first:utility’s Google PowerMeter service is free, and is due to go live in early November (2009).

 

Mark Daeche, first:utility’s Chief Executive, said: “Ever since first:utility launched, it has been our intention to overhaul the UK’s outdated energy supply industry to give customers better service and lower cost energy.  We are the only energy supplier in the UK to provide smart meters for free and this partnership with Google is testament to our commitment to be an innovative and customer-focused energy company.  This latest step in offering Google’s PowerMeter is an exciting new way in which our customers can get better control over their energy consumption. At the end of the day, if you can’t measure and view your energy use, it’s very difficult to make savings and this iGoogle gadget puts the information right in front of the customer on their desktop”

 

Ed Lu, Google PowerMeter’s lead engineer, said: “We share a vision with first:utility of providing consumers with access to information about their own home electricity use that will help them save energy and money. We need the help of innovative utility companies like first:utility to get Google PowerMeter into the hands of consumers, and we are delighted about this very first UK utility partnership.”

 

Currently, first:utility customers can get access to their up-to-date energy usage and cost information online 24/7 via the first:utility customer web site or view their energy usage patterns on a Home Display Unit.  Google PowerMeter, which relies on the accurate energy data relayed from first:utility’s smart meter technology, is a complimentary means through which first:utility customers will be able to manage their energy consumption, empowering them with the information to help lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

 

First Utility expects to be offering the Google PowerMeter service to customers by early November 2009. Please see www.first-utility.com to register interest.

 

-Ends-

 

Notes to Editors

 

About first:utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity and gas  services to a range of consumer and business customers. It is the only energy provider to roll out smart meters to all its customers, starting with the East and West Midlands. It is through the use of smart metering technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills. It is headquartered in Warwick.

 

www.first-utility.com

 

About Google, Inc.

 

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day.  Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.google.com.
 

First Utility reaction to DECC smart meter probe announcement

Attributed to: Darren Braham, Director, First Utility

 

First Utility is the only UK energy supplier to provide smart meters to UK consumers and businesses as standard. first:utility has installed over 10,000 smart meters UK-wide since its launch in September 2008.

 

“We welcome today’s announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) regarding the proposed national rollout of smart meters. We hold real hope that the proposed roll out will help promote increased competition in the energy marketplace, which can only ultimately benefit the consumer.

 

“However, we urge a note of caution to the DECC’s announcement regarding the proposal for a single provider of communications services for all smart metering. We are concerned that this system may take control and accountability away from energy suppliers and thereby stifle innovation. In addition, our experience shows there will be a requirement for the deployment of multiple communications technologies to ensure national coverage of all UK households. As a result, it’s imperative that there is further consultation with suppliers such a first:utility that have real and active experience of smart metering and the relevant technologies involved.

 

“The DECC’s proposed model for the national provision of smart metering will take some time to come into effect. If the consumer’s interests are to be best represented it is essential that Government plans continue to support current suppliers such as first:utility in the roll out of this technology.

 

“We now encourage the government to push forward in the implementation of the roll out as soon as possible so that consumers across the country can start to enjoy the significant benefits of smart metering, and to close the gap between the provision of this service in the UK and other European countries where in many cases we lag considerably behind.”

 

To speak to Darren Braham today, please call Rachel Brewin, Sian Gaskell or Abbie Strudley on 01865 882988.

 

– Ends –

 

Notes to Editors

 

About First Utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity, gas, phone and broadband services to a range of consumer and business customers.

 

It is the only energy provider to provide smart meters to all its customers, and therefore the only utility company to ensure 100% accurate billing across all its services. It is through the use of smart metering technology that First Utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills.

 

www.first-utility.com

Independent energy company First Utility plays trump card with new energy deal that undercuts 'big six' by 14.5%

First Utility (www.first-utility.com), the independent energy supplier, today announced its new dual fuel iSave deal which undercuts every other UK energy tariff and offers customers savings of 14.5%, compared to the established players such as British Gas.

 

The move is the latest in First Utility’s continuing attempts to shake-up the UK energy market and demonstrates its commitment to making lower prices available to UK consumers today.  Customers will be incentivised to submit regular meter readings, with financial rewards for doing so; they will also receive monthly bills - the benefits being more control for the customer as they will have an accurate bill and greater knowledge of their monthly energy spend, instead of waiting for a quarterly bill (which is usually inaccurate if it is estimated). 

 

As a leading independent energy supplier, first:utility is able to flexibly react to the decreases in the wholesale energy market and pass on these savings directly to the consumer.  The iSave tariff provides significant savings to UK households compared with other suppliers; for instance the average bill at medium consumption on a British Gas standard dual fuel tariff is £1,127; First Utility’s average bill is £964.  This equates to a saving of £163 or 14.5% saving a year.

 

Mark Daeche, Chief Executive of First Utility, commented on the launch of the deal: “Our goal is to provide consumers with a real alternative to the ’Big Six‘ energy players today.  iSave offers the cheapest dual fuel deal across the UK and a real reduction in household energy spend whilst  encouraging and rewarding them to regularly submit their meter readings, which means we can provide them with accurate monthly bills.”

 

“As a growing but nimble independent player in the energy market, we’re able to react quickly to the fluctuating changes of the wholesale energy market and pass on the benefits to those customers out there who are looking for the most cost-effective energy deal for their homes.”

 

The iSave tariff is an online tariff only.  Customers will be encouraged to register via first-utility.com or through one of the many switching sites. Customers will have the ability to submit monthly meter reads via the first:utility customer portal and will be prompted to do so by email.

 

This tariff does not include a smart meter.

 

Notes to Editors

 

About First Utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity and gas  services to a range of consumer and business customers. It is the only energy provider to roll out smart meters to all its customers, starting with the East and West Midlands. It is through the use of smart metering technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills. It is headquartered in Warwick.

 

www.first-utility.com

 

About iSave tariff

•    This is an online tariff only and consumers can register via first-utility.com or through a switching site.
•    Monthly online billing only
•    iSave customers will be eligible to receive a dual fuel discount of 12.5% after 12 consecutive direct debit payments.
•    A further £20 reward is given at the end of the first 12 months based on the customer submitting at least one meter reading per quarter

 

For further details or to speak to first:utility please contact:
Sian Gaskell on 01869 238089 or press@first-utility.com
 

First Utility set to make the Midlands UK's first smart metered energy hotspot

Warwick-based First Utility, the UK’s first smart meter energy supplier, has today announced plans to make its local area a smart meter hotspot.

 

To launch the campaign, it is offering Midlands customers an exclusive energy deal which includes a free smart meter – a revolutionary device that enables people to save on their energy bills and which facilitates accurate billing.

 

Independent trials have shown that smart meters can cut energy bills by 10%.

 

Based in Warwick, First Utility is an innovator in the energy marketplace having launched in 2008 to compete with the ‘Big Six’ energy companies and offer consumers a genuine alternative to the poor service and lack of competitiveness that exists in the energy market.  It is currently the only energy company in the UK to have rolled out smart metering. The Government recently set a target for all UK households to have smart meters by 2020.

 

Smart meters revolutionise the way in which consumers manage their energy consumption by enabling greater control; research has shown that they can reduce energy usage by 10%.

 

First Utility’s smart meters take automated readings of energy consumption at half-hourly intervals throughout the day; these are sent wirelessly to first:utility’s Warwick-based head office.  As a result of this up-to-date data, accurate monthly bills showing combined gas and electricity usage and cost are generated, meaning First Utility customers never receive estimated readings and there are no more surprise ‘reconciliation’ bills. The data from the smart meters also enables customers to view a detailed breakdown of their energy usage online.

 

Mark Daeche, CEO of First Utility, comments on the local campaign: “The Midlands was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and we now hope to put it at the heart of today’s Energy Revolution.

 

“As a successful and growing company based in the Midlands, we wanted to give all households across our region the opportunity to be some of the first people to use smart metered energy. Our hope is that the take-up will be such that the Midlands will become recognised as a smart meter hotspot and can be held up to the rest of the country and the Government as a forerunner of the smart meter 2020 deadline.”

 

First Utility is based at Tachbrook Park in Warwick and employs 104 people from across the Midlands.

 

This exclusive offer for the East & West Midlands, which is one of the cheapest energy deals in the UK, is available via www.first-utility.com.

 

Notes to Editors

 

About First Utility
First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity and gas  services to a range of consumer and business customers. It is the only energy provider to roll out smart meters to all its customers, starting with the East and West Midlands. It is through the use of smart metering technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills. It is headquartered in Warwick.

 

www.first-utility.com

 

For further media information please contact:
press@first-utility.com
 

First Utility announces first national three-year contract with house builder Miller Homes

First Utility, the independent energy provider, today announces a national deal with house builder Miller Homes. The three year contract means that first:utility will supply all new-build Miller Homes with energy and dual fuel smart meters. The award winning housebuilder is the sixth largest in the UK and is aiming to build over 2000 homes by the end of 2010.

 

First Utility won the business as part of a competitive tender, against nine other companies. Miller Homes’ brief demanded a national smart meter supplier which would be scalable and able to meet their energy supply needs as a developer and house builder of energy efficient homes.

 

First Utility provides gas and electricity with a more intelligent approach - at the heart of the proposition is Smart Meters which enable consumers and businesses to more easily manage their energy usage and bills. This approach has appealed to house builders due to the benefits it brings to them on a number of levels. Developers can manage energy supply from plot up to sale; it enables them to be active in responding to government directives on energy efficiency and also makes the finished homes more attractive to potential purchasers, differentiating them from the competition.

 

Miller Homes is the UK’s largest privately-owned house builder and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

 

Martin Moir, Head of Sales, first:utility, commented on the deal: “We are pleased to have been selected to work with Miller Homes, and supply their sites and homes with smart meter energy.  We recognised that Miller Homes, with its focused commitment to customer care and innovative approach to communicating with its customers, held a lot of synergy with what first:utility’s aims are. 

 

“Since our launch, first:utility has always aimed to provide our customers with a real alternative when it comes to a more intelligent approach to energy – and with smart meters at the core of the offering it enables businesses and consumers to better manage their energy usage, change their behaviour and ultimately reduce energy wastage.”

 

Garry McDonald, Head of Procurement at Miller Homes, said: “Providing our customers with a high-level of customer care is at the heart of what we do at Miller Homes.   In First Utility we have found a smart meter provider which enhances that level of customer commitment.   No other contenders for the business came close to being able to provide level of detail and usability that first:utility’s solution can.   First:utility have taken into the account the needs of the house builder from plot-to-sale.  The offering caters for our energy needs on site – and more importantly simplifies them.  And from a customer perspective the smart meters provide a competitive advantage when it comes to marketing and selling the homes.”

 

First Utility already works with over 200 UK developers and has refined its offering to the house building community so that it takes away the usual headaches related to energy supply and enables them to focus on their job of construction and selling houses. The benefits of modern metering for todays houses, without additional costs, include:

•    Billing: First Utility provide consolidated accurate and regular billing on developments taking away the need to spend man-hours on reconciling multiple estimated bills and eliminating the probability of over/under payments on accounts. Developers receive one monthly bill from First Utility with accurate readings and breakdown of energy use from all the meters on site.
•    Smart Meters contribute to the Code for Sustainable Homes: Smart Meters installed on each supply point will provide accurate and detailed online visibility of use every half an hour. It is this ‘every 30 minutes’ management of energy used during construction that is recognised as the criteria contributing points towards code levels.
•    Installation and project management: Each developer is assigned a first:utility dedicated New Build  Manager who will make will make proactive contact to plan meter installations in advance and react to changing circumstances. Meters are fitted within schedule by first utility’s own meter installers.
•    Show home support package: first:utilty work with show home staff to explain the benefits of smart energy supply and provide sales literature and handover packs.

 

Notes to Editors

 

About First Utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity and gas services.  It is the only energy provider to roll out smart meters to all its business customers.  First Utility is rolling out smart metering to all domestic customers starting with the East and West Midlands.  It is through the use of smart metering technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills. It is headquartered in Warwick.

 

www.first-utility.com

 

For further information regarding Miller Homes, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk