Chameleon Technology launches wireless energy clamp for real-time appliance monitoring

Chameleon Technology has announced the launch of a new wireless Energy Clamp designed to provide businesses with real-time visibility into electricity consumption at the level of individual appliances. The battery-powered device is aimed at improving how organisations monitor and manage energy use as electricity demand patterns continue to shift across the UK.

The launch comes at a time when electrification is reshaping energy consumption. The uptake of electric vehicles, heat pumps and battery storage systems is altering when and how electricity is used, placing new pressures on the grid and increasing the need for more detailed data.

Traditional monitoring systems often measure overall consumption rather than isolating specific devices. This can make it difficult for businesses to identify inefficiencies or respond effectively to pricing structures such as dynamic tariffs. Device-level insight is becoming more relevant as organisations look to manage costs and adapt to increasingly flexible energy systems.

Connected technologies are also changing expectations around energy management. As buildings become more data-driven, access to appliance-level information is being used to support automation and improve operational control. Wireless monitoring devices that integrate with existing platforms are emerging as a practical way to capture this data without extensive installation requirements.

Chameleon Technology’s Energy Clamp has been developed in response to these changes. The device clips directly onto an appliance’s input or live wire and measures current draw, transmitting the data wirelessly via Zigbee to compatible platforms. This allows users to track energy use in real time without the need for a dedicated power supply or engineer installation.

The company states that the clamp can achieve measurement accuracy within 1% and offers granularity down to 0.01 amps. This level of detail is intended to support more precise monitoring of high-demand equipment, enabling users to identify usage patterns and potential areas for cost reduction.

The device can be paired with Chameleon’s Gateway Business system, which provides a means of visualising the data collected. Together, the technologies are designed to offer a simplified route to energy monitoring, particularly for organisations seeking to integrate energy data into broader management systems.

The ability to monitor individual appliances is also linked to participation in dynamic tariffs, where electricity prices vary depending on demand. Access to real-time consumption data can help businesses adjust usage in response to price signals, which may support cost management and grid balancing efforts.

Kyle Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at Chameleon Technology, said: “As the UK continues to push forward with electrification, and energy systems become more decentralised, understanding device-level electricity demand is becoming essential. EV charging, electrified heating and distributed generation are changing how and when power is used. Tools that make this data accessible in real time can help households and organisations optimise usage, automate energy decisions and reduce costs.”

The introduction of wireless monitoring technologies reflects wider developments in the UK’s energy transition. As more distributed energy resources are connected to the grid, there is increasing focus on how consumption can be managed at a more granular level. This includes both residential and commercial settings, where detailed data can inform decisions on efficiency and load management.

Energy visibility is also linked to broader efforts to reduce emissions. While the clamp itself is a monitoring device, the data it provides may support strategies aimed at lowering energy use or shifting consumption to periods of lower carbon intensity. This aligns with policy and industry activity focused on improving energy efficiency across sectors.

At the same time, reducing barriers to installation remains a key consideration. Systems that require complex setup or infrastructure changes can limit adoption, particularly for smaller businesses. Wireless devices that integrate with existing networks offer an alternative that may be easier to deploy.

The use of Zigbee connectivity reflects an established approach within smart energy systems. The protocol is widely used for low-power, short-range communication, particularly in applications such as smart meters and connected home devices. Its inclusion in the Energy Clamp is intended to support compatibility with a range of platforms already in use.

Chameleon Technology’s latest product adds to a growing market for energy monitoring solutions that move beyond whole-building data. As energy systems continue to decentralise, technologies that provide more detailed insight into consumption are expected to play a role in how organisations respond to changing demand patterns.

The company positions the Energy Clamp as a tool to support this shift, offering a way to access appliance-level data without extensive infrastructure changes. Its development reflects ongoing changes in how energy is consumed, measured and managed across the UK.

Issue 125

SBM 125

Sustainable Business Magazine