British Gas acquires stake in energy management firm

Centrica, British Gas parent company, has signed a £5.7m deal to acquire a 15.96% stake in AlertMe and a commercial agreement worth more than £20m.

British Gas will deploy AlertMe products and services to its customers in the UK which it says will help them to save energy and provide customers smarter ways to take control of their energy use.

The utilities company says the deal is a “step towards facilitating the home of the future” and will allow it to expand its position in smart technology and enhance its service offering.

Customers will be able to access products such as AlertMe’s Home Area Network (HAN) platform, which allows them to manage and control a wide range of home activities and appliances over the internet or via smartphone.

British Gas will also hold a seat on AlertMe’s Board.
 
Phil Bentley, managing director at British Gas, says: “We want to make energy saving as easy as possible for our customers. This is why we continue to offer new, smarter ways to help customers take control of their energy usage.”

“AlertMe’s innovative product portfolio is a great addition to British Gas’ current service offering, and will provide our customers with a new range of affordable, easy to use tools to reduce their energy consumption and cut their fuel bills.”
 
British Gas has also signed up to the Nectar loyalty programme and from January 2011 customers will be able to earn Nectar points via British Gas.