The home energy management program, my:energy, is intended to help customers change their power use patterns by allowing them to compare their energy use against their neighbors' consumption. Consumers also have access to an online portal with usage information and alerts that will let them know they're using excessive amounts of energy before a huge bill shows up, as well as personalized energy conservation tips.

First Utility is working with U.S. energy efficiency and software company Opower on the program which began its rollout this week. The launch follows a First Utility and Opower pilot last year. New research suggests that the smart grid technology could provide more than $2.5 billion in savings for consumers over a three-year period, according to a story in GreenWise.

Opower has been running a similar and very successful service in the U.S. since 2007 and says it has saved customers more than $140 million.

"With First Utility and its launch of my:energy we are expecting to see similar results here in the UK and, most importantly, customers will be able to make insightful decisions about their energy consumption," said Alex Laskey, president and founder of Opower.

First Utility CEO Ian McCaig commented " By offering this type of insight, as well as our very competitive prices, we hope it will serve as a further driver to encourage even more people to switch to First Utility."

Nothing wrong with candor.

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