Artificial intelligence (AI) could help save households almost a third on their energy bills, a UK tech startup has claimed.
Ahead of an anticipated rise in energy bills from early next year, British start-up Voltaware argued that households could mitigate this by making minor tweaks in how appliances are used.
“Households need much clearer advice on the simple behavioural changes that they can make than they currently get from energy providers,” boss Sergey Ogorodnov said.
According to Ogorodnov, this could come through AI plug-ins that connect to household energy systems and offer tailored advice on where and how energy can be saved.
These could give tips and breakdowns on when best to use appliances such as washing machines based on real-time changes in energy prices, he said.
Claiming that its AI monitors could save households as much as 30% on bills, Voltaware cited Cornwall Insight comments that energy prices were unlikely to recede to pre-crisis levels anytime soon.
According to Cornwall Insight, Ofgem’s price cap - which determines bills - will rise again in January as households are hit by colder weather, following reductions throughout this year.
Volatile wholesale prices could well continue to contribute to growing bills, the consultancy said previously, with the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, in particular, being closely watched by analysts.
“The government possesses a toolbox of short- and medium-term options [...] which could ease the burden on vulnerable households,” Cornwall Insight added.
“However, it is important we understand [...] it is only by continuing our transition away from fossil fuels, towards secure and sustainable domestic energy sources that we can reduce our exposure to such international drivers and, in turn, stabilise our energy prices.”