Consumers are interested buying their gas and electricity as part of a package of other services such as broadband and TV.
The increasing digitisation of the energy sector, including the current rollout of smart meters, could soon make it possible for a wide range of companies, such as supermarkets, online retailers, film subscription services, broadband providers and banks, to provide energy as part of wider package of lifestyle services.
A survey of 1,500 adults by smart meter agency Smart Energy GB revealed that half (50%) — and 58% of those who already have a smart meter — found the idea of buying energy as part of a ‘lifestyle package’ appealing.
Younger people in particular were more likely to be interested in the idea, with almost two thirds (63%) of those aged 18-34 saying they found it appealing.
And consumers are attracted by possible benefits such as cost savings (81%) or discount vouchers (74%) when buying energy as part of a package.
Smart meters send energy data automatically to suppliers and allow consumers to see how much energy they are using in pounds and pence. In the future, consumers will be able to share this data with firms offering them new lifestyle services, Smart Energy GB explained.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, commented: “This research provides a hugely exciting glimpse, for businesses and consumers, into what a future with a fully digitised energy infrastructure will look like. Not only will our home services become more streamlined, but a world of possibilities will open up when it comes to buying gas and electricity.
“That future isn’t as far away as you might think — the option to buy energy in a different way, from a different type of company, is a key benefit of smart meters.”
Tags: Energy, Smart Cities, Smart Energy, Smart Future, Smart Meters