New home energy tool uses psychology for 'active learning'
Several US utility companies will be offering their customers a new home energy management tool designed to create an “active learning experience” for controlling electricity use.
Energy platform company Tendril has shipped its Tendril Energize suite to several energy providers, including Cape Light Compact, KCP&L and Origin Energy. Based on research grounded in behavioral science and cognitive psychology, the suite is designed to help people gain insight into their energy use and learn how to control consumption based on their unique goals.
KCP&L, for example, is using Tendril Energize as part of the SmartGrid Demonstration Project, a two-way utility infrastructure upgrade to 14,000 homes and businesses in Kansas City’s Midtown and urban core neighborhoods.
“One of the goals of KCP&L SmartGrid is to give customers increased information about how and when they use energy, empowering them to make decisions that save energy and money,” said Mike Deggendorf, senior vice president of delivery for KCP&L.
According to Tendril, the Energize suite includes:
- Personalized energy savings goal and progress tracking.
- Personalized, recommended actions to achieve energy savings goals.
- Peer comparisons that let customers see how their energy usage compares to their peers based on household and locale.
- Active learning with social and expert support.
- Support for smart in-home devices.
- Clear information on energy pricing schedules.
- Mobile access.
