Iberdrola developed Advanced Smart Assistant to allow users to control their home energy consumption to be able to shift consumption to the cheapest tariff hours, when renewable energy is readily available.

The Advanced Smart Assistant uses artificial intelligence algorithms that enable the prediction and optimisation of energy consumption in homes and businesses. The algorithm is based on historical consumption data, meteorological data and user behaviour patterns. The technology's innovation is to optimise energy consumption proactively and automatically as its algorithms will predict future consumption and optimise energy assets accordingly.

Iberdrola recognises that energy management solutions do exist but argue most do not use advanced artificial intelligence algorithms for real-time optimisation as the Advanced Smart Assistant does.

"Iberdrola's Smart Assistant Platform allows our residential customers to actively engage in the energy transition, enhancing efficiency and optimizing energy consumption," said Agustin Delgado, chief innovation and sustainability officer at Iberdrola. "We are committed to continually developing innovative solutions to advance the decarbonisation of the entire energy sector supply chain."

Energy-heavy Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems can also be controlled and optimised by the system through implementation of advanced sensors and intelligent control algorithms to optimise temperature, ventilation and energy consumption based on real needs and environmental conditions. In addition, it is designed to take into account the availability of power in the home from, for instance, rooftop solar.

Deployed on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, with Deloitte as service provider, Iberdrola argues the Advanced Smart Assistant can reduce the consumption of smart devices by between 10% and 30%. It's part of Iberdrola's smart solutions development strategy, which it plans to reach 40 million contracts by 2025.

"This addresses a very much needed way to save energy and the planet, and humanity," commented one Sustainable Company Awards judge.

Iberdrola believes the end result will be customer savings in energy costs, reduced carbon footprint and greater convenience for users.