Households in the UK across the Western Power Distribution (WPD) region can now find out exactly what mixture of energy technologies are supplying electricity from the grid into their homes, thanks to the Carbon Tracer app.
Developed by WPD in collaboration with the Carbon Trust, the app is the first to reveal real time information to consumers on their local energy generation mix and the amount of CO2 produced as a result, also known as its ‘carbon intensity’.
The WPD network, which operates in the UK across the East and West Midlands, South Wales and the South West, has seen an increasing amount of low carbon generation being connected to the network over recent years.
By using the new app, electricity customers can see:
- real time data on how the energy delivered to their local area is being generated, taking into account how much energy is coming from nearby solar panels and wind turbines in current weather conditions
- what proportion of electricity is being provided through nuclear energy, fossil fuels, or other energy sources such as municipal waste incineration
- live information and a seven-day forecast, with different times of day colour-coded as green, amber and red depending on how carbon intensive electricity is expected to be at that time.
Download the Carbon Tracer app
The Carbon Tracer is available on Google Play and the App Store, for Android and Apple devices.
Try moving your energy usage based on which hours are greenest or reddest to improve your carbon intensity and become more energy smart!
The information provided in the Carbon Tracer app allows individuals to make informed decisions about the best times to schedule their energy-consuming tasks – such as using the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher or water heater – to help make a difference to climate change.
Find out more about the app on the Carbon Tracer website.
