This article was written by Daphne Tomlinson of Tomlinson Business Research. Last week, Nest launched the 3rd generation learning thermostat in Europe with new remote hot water control and improved compatibility with OpenTherm heating systems. Their presence in Europe is also expanded through partnerships with energy companies, a variety of retail channels, professional distributors, and directly through Nest Pro installers. Unlike the US, the main route to market in Europe for smart thermostat manufacturers is through energy utility companies. For utilities, these platforms offer a new way to interact with their customers and help them make the transition into an energy services company. In the UK, smart thermostats are also seen by energy companies as one way towards meeting the Energy Company Obligation, a 2013 measure that requires them to help customers to reduce heating costs and carbon emissions. With thermostats being offered at a discount or at no cost at all, Nest alliances in […]