The British actor has joined forces with OVO to help customers know when is the best time to use energy at greener times and reduce their carbon footprint with a ‘Power Nap’.
The tool uses "real-time data from the National Grid so that any Alexa smart speaker owner, regardless of energy supplier, can understand if it’s a good, okay or bad time to switch on electric appliances and devices - all they need to do is ask."
The idea came about after YouGov research commissioned by OVO found just 21 per cent of people run appliances at off-peak times to avoid energy peaks. What's more, 16 per cent didn’t know that improving the energy efficiency of their homes could slash their bills.
However, 48 per cent are curious to learn new ways of cutting their carbon emissions.
OVO’s Power Move launched last year and helped save people a whopping £1.5m, just by shifting energy to greener times of day, amounting to 120 tonnes of carbon emission - the equivalent of boiling a kettle 6.77 million times.
'Happy Valley' star Norton said: ”Everyone wants to do their bit for the planet, but it can sometimes feel a little daunting. It’s important to remember that even small changes can be impactful. OVO’s Power Nap skill makes it really easy to know when the grid is greener with simple, easy to action tips and advice.
If you need to do a load of laundry, you can easily check when it’s a greener time to turn on the washing machine. If we all make some small green changes in our day-to-day lives, together we can make a big difference.”
Mat Moakes, OVO Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “At OVO, we see it as our duty to continually look for ways to help our customers not only save money on bills, but reduce their carbon output and impact on the planet at the same time. We know energy can be confusing, which is why we wanted to find a way to share energy efficiency information in an accessible, digestible format. With our ‘Power Nap’ Alexa skill you’ll know if now is the best time to cook a meal or charge your phone, or if it might be better to hold off for a while. All you have to do is ask Alexa.”
To access the Skill, just say “Alexa, open OVO Power Nap” to any Alexa smart speaker from today. To find out more and check your eligibility for OVO’s Power Move, visit the OVO website: https://www.ovoenergy.com/power-move.
