Do you trust tech more than your friends or family?

8th January 2019

OVO Energy

Anna Flockett

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Research from OVO Energy has revealed that Brits rely on apps for 36% of their daily routine and trust technology over people for advice on energy consumption, finances and home management. The survey of over 3,000 people revealed Brits are making ‘smart choices’ based on their use of apps and smart technology. 72% said they trust apps and smart technology over people to help reduce their energy consumption, with Brits checking their smart meter on average three times a week.

Over half (53%) also said they rely on apps and the internet when looking for guidance on their finances, compared to asking family (15%) or friends (5%).

The data confirms that smart meters and energy apps are providing benefits, with over one third (35%) saying that this technology has helped them understand and monitor their energy usage more effectively. 39% of people also said that using finance apps actively helps them to save money, with a further 36% stating that they now understand their finances better as a result of using apps.

Steve Harris, Energy Director, OVO Energy said: “Smart meters have added value to millions of customers across the UK, offering innovative features to manage energy usage while also supporting future-facing technologies to make energy cleaner and more abundant for everyone. The research shows that Brits who have signed up for a smart meter are reaping the rewards and we encourage anyone without a meter to get one and access the latest energy technologies.”

OVO’s findings suggest that technology is also providing an educational benefit, with 52% of people surveyed saying that they regularly learn something from apps. For example, one in three said they now run their home more efficiently as a result of using apps and smart technology. The results also revealed the three types of app that Brits rely on most:

56% said that they rely on apps to talk to friends and family every day
50% said they rely on apps to check news every day
47% use an app to wake them up every day

In the future, it’s likely that the reliance on apps will only increase, with 70% of those surveyed saying they expect future apps and smart technology to enable them to make smarter life choices in future.