AlertMe SmartEnergy review

Other devices can be connected into the system, including the SmartMonitor security kit. This has ZigBee enabled motion, and door and window sensors that you hook into the system. This service costs £4.99 a month, but also adds the ability for sensors to operate SmartPlugs – turning on a light to help the camera capture intruders, for example.

With the optional keyfobs, the system can monitor when everyone is out of the house and then power down all of the SmartPlugs to save power.

The SmartEnergy kit is just the start, as AlertMe supports home monitoring and will have central heating controls in the future.

AlertMe also has plans to bring out a central heating system that will hook into the system, too. With ZigBee smart meters (gas and electricity) available, the system will get a more accurate reading of electricity and even gas usage.

This highlights half the point of the system: it will help you save power now and can be extended to make your home smarter in the future. Given it’s cheaper than rival dumb electricity monitors and so extensible, it’s a great buy if you want to cut your electricity bill.