State-owned power utility Eskom on Thursday launched its MyEskom mobile app as part of its ongoing effort to improve customer service, transparency and communication.

The app, which was available for Android and iOS devices, as well as through a mobile site, provided the latest information on the forecast status of the national power system and allowed users to contact Eskom through a Talk to Eskom function.

The app, which enabled users to build a personalised profile, based on the types of appliances they had in their homes, also provided energy-saving tips, weather information, basic information about power outages and links to website information.

Users would also receive announcement notifications, should they choose to.

“We built the app to give electricity customers and users better and more direct access to information that applies to their own consumption profile,” Eskom CIO and group information technology divisional executive Sal Laher, said, adding that the app should ultimately help users to consume electricity more efficiently.

The utility further stated that it planned to enhance the app to include features such as allowing meter readings to be entered; buying prepaid electricity directly; and providing regular updates about the status of the system.

The free MyEskom app can be downloaded from the app stores on Android and iOS devices or accessed through the www.myeskom.co.za mobisite.