The 20,000 randomly selected homeowners in the Seattle area will begin receiving comparative Home Energy Reports, providing residential customers with the information needed to reduce energy consumption and save money on their monthly utility bills.
Bob Balzar, conservation resources director of Seattle City Light, said: “The OPOWER Home Energy Reports deliver significant value to our customers by arming them with the information they need to control their monthly electricity bills and reduce their impact on the environment.
“Based on the success of Home Energy Reports at utilities across the country, we expect the program to result in considerable savings for our customers, while enabling us to offset new energy demands through better efficiency and conservation practices.”
The OPOWER Home Energy Reports are created using analytics to evaluate customers’ energy usage patterns, combined with behavioral science techniques proven to motivate action. Each report provides an analysis of individual monthly energy use as compared to similar households within the same geographic location, while recommending energy efficiency tips for every customer based on their household characteristics, OPOWER said.
The program is expected to generate more than $500,000 in electricity bill savings for Seattle residents over the next 12 months–all through simple behavior changes and by utilizing the energy efficiency tips provided in the Home Energy Reports.
Alex Laskey, president and co-founder of OPOWER, said: “We’re excited to partner with Seattle City Light, the first utility in the US to reach ‘Net Zero’ greenhouse gas emissions, and help Seattle maintain its position as a leader in clean energy. The Home Energy Report program will enable Seattle City Light to more effectively engage their customers to help them better understand their energy use and provide insight into the simple steps they can take to realize significant energy and cost savings.”
