A start-up business which uses memory sticks to improve energy efficiency in homes has won £30,000 in a competition run by British Gas.
MyJoulo gives free, personalised energy saving advice to users who register online to get a free Joulo data logger that looks and works like a conventional memory stick.
They place the logger on top of their central-heating thermostat and carry on as usual for a week as the device collects data. When it’s done they upload the data to the MyJoulo website and instantly get personalised advice on how to cut heating bills.
Dr Reuben Wilcock and Professor Alex Rogers (pictured) from Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton beat 24 competitors from around the world to take the top award for innovative products and services in the home energy sector.
On top of the cash prize they will also be able to trial their product with a number of British Gas customers.
Dr Reuben Wilcock said: “MyJoulo is given to households free of charge by their energy supplier and in three easy steps gives them personalised advice about what new energy technologies they could benefit from in their home.”
Professor Alex Rogers added: “MyJoulo aims to give people understandable energy advice and we’re looking forward to bringing this to millions of customers in the UK.”