New innovative technology makes smart meters inclusive for all at Bristol Energy

Energy consumers with additional needs are benefitting from new, innovative features to their smart meters with national 100% green electricity and green gas provider Bristol Energy.

Bristol Energy has today (December 9th) announced the launch of its new smart Accessible In-Home Display, built to support consumers with visual impairment and dexterity issues and help people take full advantage of the information that smart meters can provide.

The Accessible In-Home Display, developed by energy technology business geo, acts as a free addition to customers’ smart meters with several innovative features including; text-to-voice, to enable customers with visual impairments to be able to engage in and manage their energy consumption, larger touchable buttons, and easy to use controls to help those with dexterity issues.

The technology was awarded Tried and Tested Certification in April 2019 by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Andrew Coleman, Head of Smart Metering Transition at Bristol Energy, said: “As a company that strives to deliver social value to everyone, it’s important to us that all of our customers are able to benefit from smart technology. This means going beyond the smart meter itself.

“These in-home displays are specifically designed to ensure that the benefits of smart meters can be realised by everyone, and we’re really pleased to be able to offer them to our customers where needed.”

The Accessible In-Home Display is part of the UK smart meter programme designed by Energy UK, the trade association for the GB energy industry, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and leading energy technology business geo.

Audrey Gallacher, Director of Policy, Energy UK, said “The  launch of this display follows extensive collaborative development with geo and RNIB and I am delighted that the sector is embracing this industy-led initiative and meeting the needs of  customers who want smart meters and a better understanding and control of their energy use.”

Bristol Energy is offering the award-winnning technology to new and existing customers in a bid to help consumers reduce their energy bills, learn how to be more energy efficient and cut their carbon footprints.

They are now reaching out to their Priority Services customers, who are likely to benefit from the technology, either as retrofit customers who already have a smart meter, or included with their new smart meter install.

Customers can request the accessible in-home display with their new smart meter when booking their appointment for the installation. Smart meters can be requested through the Bristol Energy website here, app (search “Bristol Energy”) or via phone or email (details here).

Find out more about the Accessible In-Home Display at: www.geotogether.com/aihd.