The Toolkit was created with software provider Opower to help customers gain better insight into their home energy use and find ways to cut their consumption.

It provides users with personalised tips on ways to save energy, such as unplugging unused devices, setting thermostats more wisely and turning off unused lights.

UK-wide domestic energy consumption fell by 14% in 2014, although some of the drop was attributable to warmer temperatures.

Customer satisfaction

As subscribers to the Saving Energy Toolkit passed the one million milestone, E.ON UK marketing director Anthony Ainsworth explained why the company wants to help its customers use less energy.

He said: “By delivering tailored advice and enabling customers to see how their energy use stacks up compared to similar homes in their area, we’re helping customers save energy and money, which in turn is helping us to improve customer satisfaction.

“Helping customers understand and control their energy use is key to building customer trust and our collaboration with Opower is enabling us to create a better experience for our customers.”

Challenging environment

Recent research from Opower revealed that 43% of Brits said improvements in customer service would have the biggest impact on their satisfaction levels with their energy provider

Opower CEO Daniel Yates said: “Across Europe, utility providers are facing a new set of challenges, including flat energy demand, increased churn, and rising energy costs.”

“In order to address these challenges, innovative companies such as E.ON are taking advantage of new customer engagement technologies and are looking for additional ways to turn their customers into advocates.”

As well as improving the nation’s efficiency, E.ON is embracing new forms of energy. Earlier this week it received consent to construct and operate Rampion Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Sussex. 

The 116 turbine array will have a 400MW capacity, enough to power 300,000 homes and is scheduled to be operational in September 2018.

The deal was publicised the day before yet another UK coal power station announced it would be powering down.

Brad Allen

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