Conservation and Energy Efficiency… There is an App for that!

By: Alyssa Swanson
      
 Do you ever return home from the store and feel that your pocket book feels lighter than you remember it being when you left? Do you find yourself retracing your steps trying to recall where and how you spent your money? San Diego’s Gas & Electric created an app to help solve the mystery… at least with your energy bill. Customers with the app can see when and how they use electricity on their smart phone.

On October 1^st, 2012, San Diego Gas & Electric and Candi Controls released the "Green Button Connect My Data" platform. The launch of their first app enables customers to view their household’s energy use by the touch of a button. The innovative and cutting edge PowerTools feature allows customers to view the ways in which they use energy, but also shows them effective ways to save money and energy. This nifty app provides an overview of energy use and savings relative to history, illustrates environmental impact, and allows customer’s to make utility bill payments.

The “Green Button” technology fulfills the fast paced lifestyle of the consumer as it offers secure, easy and on-the-go access to information. This trending smart phone phenomenon is expected to grow in popularity in the next months to come empowering customers around the country to participate in energy efficiency from their mobile devices!

To learn more about San Diego Gas & Electric click here: http://www.sdge.com/

Find more in the recent press release "SDG&E & Candi Controls Launching 'Green Button Connect My Data' Powertools App" on October 1, 2012. 

Going Green on the Green

by Matt Reber, Real Energy User 

Yesterday I played in a golf fundraiser to raise money for a cause near and dear to my heart but completely irrelevant to energy conservation, so unfortunately none of the money raised will be going to any environmentally based non-profits.  What I do want to focus on is a spokeswoman that was waiting for my group on the 14^th hole.  She was a rep for a relatively new company in the golfing world named Dixon whose goal is to create an eco-friendly golf ball that is bio-degradable and 100% recyclable. Studies have shown that over 300,000,000 golf balls are discarded every year by golfers like you and I who are incapable of avoiding the trees, water, etc. so for Dixon to recognize this problem and create an innovative solution was groundbreaking.  Not only were they able to completely redevelop the materials used in creating a golf ball but the Dixon Earth, their top of the line ball, is said to have out-performed many of the leading competitors on the market, so for anyone who fancies themselves as a golfer, you cannot use performance as an excuse not to switch.  If this entire concept wasn’t good enough already, the website claims they will give you a discounted price on Dixon balls if you bring in old used balls to be recycled properly.  For those of you out there who aren’t into golf, I apologize for wasting your time on such a topic, but for those who dare to play the game, next time you need a dozen (or two) golf balls, consider Dixon.  Hit 'em straight. 


For More Information: www.dixongolf.com 

Real Life Energy Blog: Shedding Light

by Matt Reber, Real Energy User 

As we approach the 236^th birthday of this great country, let us look at how far we have come and be thankful for the daily amenities that we may take for granted.  

In science class you learn about Benjamin Franklin and his crafty key and kite experiment.  Later, you learn about Thomas Edison and his immeasurable contribution to science when he invented the incandescent light bulb: forever making electricity and lighting affordable for all.   

Fast forward to the year 2012, we have constant electricity and we are developing innovative ways in which we can conserve this energy that we have had for so long that we have become spoiled.   

While this steady current is something we have come to expect, the people of Lilongwe, Malawi are not so fortunate.  I bring up this tiny inland country in southeast Africa because I recently went to go visit my girlfriend there (for those who are curious as to why she is there, she works for a non profit who specializes in aids education).  Almost daily, there would come a moment when I would need electricity for one activity or another and come up empty handed. The hardest adjustment came at night when cooking in the dark became its own art form.  

I don’t bring up this reality to generate pity for the people of Lilongwe who have to deal with these power outages on a daily basis but to shed light (pun intended) on the privileges we as Americans sometimes don’t take the time to appreciate.   With that being said, I ask that we try to do our part to conserve however much or little we can because like anything in our lives, if we don’t appreciate it we eventually take it for granted.  

Happy Birthday America.

Customer and Utility Perspectives Part 3: Energy Efficiency Program Sign-Ups

by Sam Zastrow, Low-Income Market and Online Marketing Manager 

Are your energy efficiency programs meeting goals and expectations? In the design, implementation and management of energy efficiency programs goals and strategy must be evaluated from two perspectives:

• Utility Goals and Expectations
• Customer Goals and Expectations

A well-designed energy efficiency strategy is productive and results-driven for both the utility and the customers it serves. To meet program goals and expectations utilities must develop an effective marketing and communication strategy with both perspectives in mind. Develop lead generation, survey and sign-up strategies to engage and connect the communities you serve to available energy efficiency programs.

In this three part blog series we will cover call center lead generation, survey, and sign-up strategies from the perspective of customers and utility providers.

Energy Efficiency Strategy: Program Sign-Ups

Energy efficiency program participation is critical to successful energy education, demand side management and customer satisfaction goals. In order to generate measurable and valuable results, especially for your filings, program sign-ups must be at the core of your outreach and marketing strategies. To develop a sign-up strategy that delivers results you must consider the utility and customer perspectives.

 

For utilities, energy efficiency program participation and sign-ups are the purpose of outreach and marketing efforts. You provide information, resources and programs to encourage your customers to take energy efficiency action, change their behavior and become informed energy consumers. An effective utility program sign-up strategy is cost-effective, measurable and results-driven.

Cost-Effective: Have you considered the cost per program sign-up or program lead? Be sure you have considered your outreach and marketing budget in relation to your energy efficiency program and action goals. Is your current strategy cost-effective? If not, where is the disconnect between your budget and program results?

Measurable: Every outreach and marketing action should contribute to measureable results. Your results can be qualitative, customer lead information, or quantitative, number of customer converted, but should always contribute to your energy efficiency program and action goals.

Results-Driven: Your program sign-up strategy should be results-driven, beyond the number of sign-ups, energy education, resource awareness and knowledge of how to access your programs should also be considered. Your goal to drive results should look beyond immediate results to include future program participation, energy efficient behavior change and improved customer awareness. Informed and engaged customers are valuable ambassadors for your brand and programs.

For customers, signing-up for energy efficiency programs saves energy and money, while reducing their environmental impact. For many customers to take action sign-ups must be supported by relevant benefits, convenient and simple.

Supported by Benefits: Your customers want to understand the benefits of your programs and energy efficiency. Be sure to encourage and strengthen program sign-ups and energy efficiency action with relevant and meaningful benefits. Each program should have a unique set of benefits and talking points beyond the basics of saving energy and money. What are the immediate and long-term benefits? Be sure your customers understand program value, advantages and benefits.

Convenient: Your customers are looking for the easy button. Energy customers don’t want to dig through pages of information on your website, drive out of their way to your office or spend time on hold. Provide energy efficiency program sign-ups when and where it is convenient for your customers. Promote program sign-ups in person at local events, newsletters, mailings or community and civic buildings. Support your energy efficiency program goals by ensuring your program calls to action are convenient for your customers.

Simple: It might surprise you, but your customers don’t know their account number off the top of their head. Make sure your program sign-ups are short and effective. People don’t want to fill out long forms or answer lengthy questions. Be sure to collect the information you need. Beyond basic customer information this might include a preferred method of contact or time of day for service. Avoid inefficiencies and customer frustration when you collect all of the necessary information the first time.

Is your sign-up strategy too expensive, lacking measurable results or missing expectations? Energy Resources can help. We work with utilities to design, implement and manage energy efficiency education and outreach strategies that deliver results. Save time and money with Energy Resources.

Click here to learn more about us. 

Sam Zastrow 
Low-Income and Online Marketing Manger
sam@energyresourcesmn.com
(612)860-0887

Customer and Utility Perspectives Part 2: Customer Survey Strategy

by Sam Zastrow, Low-Income Market and Online Marketing Manager 

Are your energy efficiency programs meeting goals and expectations? In the design, implementation and management of energy efficiency programs goals and strategy must be evaluated from two perspectives: 

• Utility Goals and Expectations 
• Customer Goals and Expectations  

A well-designed energy efficiency strategy is productive and results-driven for both the utility and the customers it serves. To meet program goals and expectations utilities must develop an effective marketing and communication strategy with both perspectives in mind. Develop lead generation, survey and sign-up strategies to engage and connect the communities you serve to available energy efficiency programs.

In this three part blog series we will cover call center lead generation, survey, and sign-up strategies from the perspective of customers and utility providers.

Energy Efficiency Strategy: The Value of Surveys

Have you deployed customer surveys to engage the communities you serve and gain valuable insight? Was the information collected valuable to marketing and communication strategy or program development? When done strategically customer surveys can provide valuable information and engage customers in energy efficiency.

For utilities, when customer surveys lack a clear strategy and meaningful results they can feel time consuming and frustrating. To ensure your customer survey provides meaningful qualitative and quantitative information, you must effectively engage your customers in and prioritize your information goals. Do you want to measure?

• Energy Efficiency Program Interest
• Common Energy Efficiency Concerns
• Awareness of Energy Efficiency Resources and Programs
• Current Energy Efficiency Actions, Residential or Business
• Current use of Utility Energy Efficiency Resources and Programs
• Sources of Motivation, Incentives or Savings
• Future Energy Efficiency Goals or Priorities
• Preferred Method of Contact
• Current Source of Energy Efficiency Information

Customer surveys can provide directional information for current and future energy efficiency programs. To establish a beneficial customer survey strategy utilities must consider the survey method, the environment and customer benefit.

Survey Method: Will the survey be available on your website, social media pages, available in print, included in mailings or newsletters? Be sure to consider customer convenience and length of the survey when selecting your survey method.

Environment: Where will customers take the survey? In the convenience of their own home, at community events, at work or on the go. When and where customers take a survey can impact responses and provide further opportunities for energy efficiency engagement.  

Customer Benefit: What’s in it for me? A common feeling amongst consumers, especially when it comes to their personal information and opinions. Provide a meaningful incentive or drawing opportunity to motivate your customers to participate. Consider an incentive or drawing prize that promotes energy efficiency action or offers a home energy efficiency solution.

For customers, surveys offer an opportunity for participation, engagement and reward. In my experience with energy efficiency and outreach programs, one value point has become especially clear: everyone has an energy efficiency story or question. Your customers want to provide their feedback and share their personal experiences with you, but they must also find value in sharing that information.

Participation: People want to be included and look for opportunities to take action, especially if their neighbors and friends are participating. Build a sense of community action by tracking and sharing customer participation statistics. Encourage your customers to take action and join other members of the community by engaging in your energy efficiency survey, resources and programs.   

Engagement: Your customers are looking for opportunities to save energy and money at home, while reducing their environmental impact. Customer surveys can drive energy efficiency engagement through meaningful questions and multiple-choice options. Encourage personal engagement and interaction by offering your customer survey at community event booths where your staff or community outreach representatives can leverage customer survey participation to offer personal energy efficiency solutions.

Reward: Thank your customers for their valuable participation and time by offering a reward that is relevant and meaningful to them, while encouraging energy efficiency action. Energy efficiency incentives and prizes that offer a residential or business energy efficiency solution will encourage your customers to take action at home, strengthen your brand and proactively impact the community. 

Engage your customers in energy efficiency and collect information to drive program and communication results. Not sure where to start? Contact Energy Resources. We work with utilities to develop, implement and manage energy efficiency education and outreach programs with measureable results and lasting behavior change.

Click here to learn more about us.

Sam Zastrow

sam@energyresourcesmn.com 

(612) 860-0887 

Want to Motivate Energy Efficient Behavior? Educate.

by Sam Zastrow, Low-Income Market and Online Marketing Manager 

As energy efficiency targets continue to rise, utilities are turning to behavioral approaches to meet energy efficiency goals. Going beyond the traditional, technology based, approach utilities are involving their customers in energy conservation with personalized energy use information, smart grid technology, rebate programs and incentives.

When discussing customer involvement in energy conservation, the industry quickly turns to “behavioral approaches” or a discussion on motivation, persuasion and commitment to drive energy efficient behaviors. At Energy Resources we advocate for an educational approach to consumer involvement. Education leads to behavior change, without education energy consumers are purely reacting to a cost, inconvenience, comparison or an incentive. These reactions will not lead to long-term energy efficiency behavior without education.

Education is necessary for sustained, long-term energy efficiency behavior change. Utilities must look at their customer engagement strategies for more than behavior strategies, how effectively are you educating your customers?

Customers are looking for programs and resources to help them save energy and money, while reducing their environmental footprint. The challenge is combining the needs of the utility and energy customers in a beneficial and cost-effective strategy that leads to energy efficiency action.

The benefits of behavioral approaches outlined in a recent Intelligent Utility post by Jamie Wimberly, “Behavioral approaches to energy conservation pay off: Cost-effective, quantifiable results with residential customers” can also be applied to an educational approach to energy efficiency. 

“Our interviews with utility managers also point to specific benefits to behavior approaches. They are:

• Cost effective in the first year
•  Easy to quantify
• Able to scale quickly
• Useful in meeting regulatory requirements
• Conducive to customer satisfaction”

Consumer education programs including education and outreach programs, school programs, energy efficiency workshops and event marketing bring educational energy efficiency resources and solutions to your customers, when and where it is convenient for them, driving program participation and behavior change. Education programs incorporate your energy efficiency messaging and brand, while informing  your customers of the energy efficiency resources, solutions and programs you offer. 

Informed and engaged customers are your greatest asset and your greatest ambassadors for energy efficiency. These customers share their knowledge and experience with members of their household, family and friends encouraging additional energy efficiency action. Utilities must educate and engage their customers in energy efficiency for sustainable, long-term behavior change.

Looking for results-driven consumer education programs and energy efficiency education strategies that motivate behavior change? Energy Resources can help.

Read more from the Intelligent Utility article by Jamie Wimberly, “Behavioral approaches to energy conservation pay off: Cost-effective results with residential customers”

Behavioral approaches to energy conservation pay off: Cost-effective results with residential customers. (2012, February 26). Intelligent Utility [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.intelligentutility.com/article/12/02/behavioral-approaches-energy-conservation-pay

How Will You Reduce Environmental Impact? Energy Efficiency Education Strategies

by Sam Zastrow, Low-Income Market and Online Marketing Manager 

Businesses and organizations are looking for solutions to reduce environmental impact, connect to the communities they serve and make a lasting impact. Energy efficiency education motivates behavior change, creates smarter energy consumers and reduces environmental impact. Why should you consider supporting energy efficiency education strategies? Energy efficiency education:

• Builds the Connection Between Energy Use and Environmental Impact
• Emphasizes the Importance of Adopting Energy Efficient Behaviors
• Gives People the Skills to Make Common Energy Efficiency Improvements at Home
• Brings together Families, Co-Workers, Students and Communities to Take Energy Efficiency Action 

People are seeking information and resources to help them save energy and money at home. Support energy efficiency education and provide the resources necessary to engage and motivate communities to take energy efficiency action. Promote the energy efficiency programs and resources you offer when you provide energy efficiency education.

Energy efficiency education strategies can also help you measure your community, energy saving and environmental impact. Through energy efficiency education strategies you can track:

Community

• Number of Attendees/Participants
• Number of Households Reached
• Support Schools, Nonprofit Organizations, Local Businesses, Underserved Communities and Trade Allies
• Unify the Communities you Serve with a Common Energy Saving Goal

Energy Savings

• Watts Saved per Energy Saving Giveaway (Examples: CFLs, LED Holiday Lights, Power Strips)
• Amount of Energy Efficiency Education Materials Distributed
• Number of Energy Efficiency Program Sign-ups
• Number Pledge Program Participants
• Number of Online Account Sign-ups

Environmental Impact

• CO2 & Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
• Number of Power Plants Avoided by Energy Savings

Supporting energy efficiency education, including school, library, community outreach and event marketing programs, benefits the communities you serve and helps to reduce environmental impact. Companies, investor owned utilities, municipal utilities, cooperatives and organizations can support energy efficiency education. Help the communities you serve save energy, save money and reduce environmental impact with energy efficiency education strategies.

Looking to support energy efficiency education in the communities you serve? Contact Energy Resources. Our energy efficiency education expertise includes:

• Event Marketing
• School Programs
• Library Programs
• Community Outreach
• Bi-lingual Outreach
• Lighting Swap Programs (Example: Incandescent Holiday Lights for LED Holiday Lights) 

Sam Zastrow

Low-Income Market and Online Marketing Manager

sam@energyresourcesmn.com

(612) 860-0887 

Karen Schultz

Sr. Marketing and Community Outreach Manager 

karen@energyresourcesmn.com 

(612) 669-3296