Plugging into PLOGG to cut bills

MILLIONS of consumers around the world could have the chance to cut their energy bills with help from a plug-in device.

The device – called The Plogg – looks set to go global, thanks to support by angel investors, Dr Chris Ilett and Alan Needle of the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels.

Dr Ilett and Mr Needle are providing 30,000 to help Grimsby-based Energy Optimizers develop the PLOGG, and expand their sales in the US and Australian markets. The support has also enabled the company to secure extra lending to create an overall investment of 150,000.

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The PLOGG is a plug-in device which logs the energy used by appliances. It can be programmed to switch appliances on and off at fixed times or in response to outside signals, such as generation from a wind turbine or energy pricing information transmitted through a 'smart meter'.

More sophisticated than most plug-in meters, the PLOGG communicates with other devices, PCs and smart meters through a wireless connection making it easy to analyse and reduce energy usage.

Shaun Merrick, Energy Optimizers chief executive, said: "Energy companies can use the PLOGG to understand how business and residential customers use electricity at the appliance level.

"This can help them find ways to encourage consumers to switch off to reduce energy usage, or to shift usage by a few minutes or hours to help balance electricity supply and demand."

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Energy Optimizers has sold the PLOGG to research and development projects in Europe, Australia and North America.

Dr Ilett said: "Saving on energy is increasingly not just about how much you use it, but when you use it, as companies bring in different price bands for peak and off-peak periods.

"Although mainly used by corporate clients at the moment, the PLOGG has the potential to tap into millions of residential customers."

Dr Ilett saw the potential in the product when he was sent information by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels. The deal was finally arranged with the support of hi-tech investors group, the Viking Club.