British Gas is to buy a UK-based company that helps consumers control their heating and hot water remotely.

The Big Six supplier, a subsidiary of Centrica, already owns a 21% stake in AlertMe and is set to pay £44 million for the remainder.

British Gas said the new deal would allow AlertMe to boost the development of new services “that will put people in control of their homes in a way that’s simply never been possible before”.

The supplier is already using the ‘smart’ company’s technology to power Hive Active Heating, a service and app that allows people to control their heating and hot water via a mobile phone, computer or laptop.

Nina Bhatia, Commercial Director of British Gas said: “With access to new technology and skills, we’re strengthening our capability at British Gas to develop a family of products that will put people in control of their homes in a way that’s simply never been possible before.”

The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter.