Tanya Ewing’s life has taken a remarkable turn after she produced a “revolutionary” energy monitoring device which industry insiders have branded the “most exciting” innovation in years.
She refused to let Lyme Disease stop her and now has a global patent pending for Ewgeco, a device which shows how much gas, electricity and water a household or business is using at any point.
The 38-year-old says her invention will allow home owners to keep a close eye on utility bills, while also showing in simple terms how practical changes, like not leaving a TV on standby, can save money.
Tanya, whose illness often leaves her so tired she can barely muster the strength to walk, has already gained industry backing.
Indeed, experts predict Ewgeco will “change people’s attitudes to their consumption of gas, water and electricity”.
She scooped £1000 after the device was judged the best business idea in a contest organised by the Business Gateway.
Tanya, who was presented with her award at a ceremony in Glasgow today, designed the device after becoming frustrated with existing meters.
Other regional winners across Scottish Enterprise’s local enterprise company areas included an innovative bamboo nappy and a straw that detects whether a drink has been spiked.
Tanya, who is pregnant with her first child, said she was delighted to win the Tayside category.
“I was extremely surprised to win the competition,” she said.
“With utility bills becoming a larger slice of the monthly outgoings, I wanted to see at a glance how much water, gas and electricity was being consumed at any point in time and how this related to my energy bills.
“Less than a year on, Ewgeco has a global patent pending and I am taking orders for the device from house builders, home improvement stores and local councils.
“The majority of the population is unaware of the true cost of appliances and by saving just 1p an hour, this adds up to annual saving of £87.60,” Tanya added. | 
