Finally – energy management gets sexy
I’ve been told that energy management has less consumer engagement than toilet paper, a barrier that West Coast energy utilities and greentech companies have been trying to overcome for years.
They’ve tried the green angle, but earnest, carbon-busting marketing has done little to bring enthusiasm for energy management into the mainstream.
They’ve tried peer pressure: Opower data is used to compare your usage with your neighbors. Certain companies are even getting Facebook involved to dial up the public shame for energy hogs. Too much data and effort, not to mention over-sharing (its annoying that I know you’ve just checked in to Starbucks, and now I need to know how much energy you burned last month?).
The bottom line is, well, the bottom line. People will start taking interest when energy costs take a chunk out of their disposable income. But it doesn’t end there. Because energy is so intangible – it needs to be made super simple to understand and effortless to manage. Enter the Nest. A beautifully designed thermostat that does everything for you, learns about you and adapts to your lifestyle – and spits out data that you are more likely to understand and connect to your energy bill. At $250 it’s a little pricey – but using the EPA assumption that a properly programmed thermostat can cut usage by 20% - it could pay for itself within the year in higher priced energy markets like California. (It would be even more manageable if SCE and PG&E offered rebates and on bill financing.)
In some ways, the Nest has taken a “Method Cleaning” approach to energy management. It’s transformed a product you’d prefer to hide, and made it desirable and beautiful. It’s more effective than its competitors, and easier to use. And as a bonus, you’re doing your bit for the environment. Toilet paper better watch out!
