This gets more complicated the more I think about it. This is an opening salvo..
An automated (where possible) confirmation sent to customers who submit readings via log-in or a semi automated message or email when customers send in readings via wattbot or when you’ve received readings via any other route with the following:
Thank you for submitting your readings.
You submitted 01234 Electricity and 56789 Gas
It need say no more than that.
Repercussions or unintended consequences? I can’t see any.
Downside? Server energy
Benefit? Happier customers
Why? Because in certain instances some customers end up frustrated because they don’t have the confidence that you’ve received readings after they’ve sent them, and it will help capture the ones that send a reading into an email black hole. (if they don’t receive confirmation then you haven’t had the readings)
If you can sort an inbox out for the app (wattbot could be used? I’d prefer a messages tab) that would work in other circumstances where the submission is via any other route an email would be necessary.
(You’re now going to tell me it’s not necessary because the app eventually updates with the readings? in which case I would respectfully disagree )