Dutch smart thermostat and metering manufacturer Quby is planning to launch its device in the UK and is in discussions with several utilities.
Quby is currently active in the Netherlands and has distributed around 175,000 smart thermostats through an exclusive distribution signed with Dutch utility Eneco, and the firm is now keen to replicate that model in the UK.
The company is currently in discussions with several utilities – including at least two members of the Big Six, as well as some of its challengers – about securing a similar deal which will see its device made available to that utility’s customers.
Quby’s thermostat acts as a more advanced smart metering device, plotting a homes electricity and gas consumption in order to help consumers better understand their usage profile. The meter can also be used to control lighting and other devices in the household or office, and Quby is also currently in discussions with media outlets about adding television or set top box control capabilities to the device.
The device can also be used to monitor and control electricity generation from solar PV installations. Quby is understood to be in discussions with several European storage manufacturers regarding partnerships, and algorithms are already in place that would enable users to use the metering system to shift their demand profile for more beneficial electricity rates.
Quby is hopeful of securing a contract with a utility early next year. While exclusive partnerships are currently under discussion, Eneco has since begun to distribute the devices to customers of other utilities under a white label agreement with Quby.
Customers pay a one-off fee of circa €200 for the meter and an installation fee of around €50, after which a recurring subscription fee of €2.50 per month is added to the customer’s energy bills for the basic service. More complex management services, such as boiler maintenance check-ups which flag up any perceived deterioration in the boiler’s performance before it breaks down, can also be added at additional costs.
