Plogg 'may reduce' carbon footprint

The "plogg", a new plug-in electricity meter, could be helpful for homeowners looking to cut their carbon footprint, it has been suggested.

The technology, developed by Energy Optimisers Limited, was created in the UK and allows people to monitor how much electricity is being used by individual appliances in order to promote greater awareness of energy use.

It is capable of wirelessly transmitting data to a mobile phone, computer or building management system using an internet-linked Ethernet gateway, which may mean that the plogg can be used in larger buildings such as restaurants, the manufacturers have asserted.

Studies conducted by the Carbon Trust and the UK government have indicated that the plogg could help householders cut their electricity use by between five and 15 per cent.

Yesterday, the Journal reported that people in the north-east of England could save a combined 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions if they switched to smart meters.