Simple Energy

For those of you who have not yet heard, let me tell you about an incredible incentive program to help you save energy. Now, I understand if you are skeptical seeing as changing your energy usage is as easy as sticking to a diet or utilizing your new gym membership. But I, along with millions of others, believe this could be a life-changing program for the long run. Simple Energy is revolutionizing how people think about their energy intake and helps them transform their lifestyles for the better.

How? With incentives and competition, of course. The concept is comparable to FarmVille. The App (which is available via smartphone, Facebook, or on their website) works like this: utility companies release your information on your energy usage so the friends you play against have access to this, as you have access to information on their energy intake. This interactive game discloses who is saving more energy and constantly gives out tips and ideas to monitor your own consumption. Not only do you get the satisfaction of beating your friends, having lower energy bills and feeling good about yourself, but Simple Energy also rewards your success with prizes ranging in value from a gift certificate to a laptop.

During a three-month trial in Texas and California, the success of the social media game was undeniable. The average monthly savings was 20 percent and the “Biggest saver” reduced her energy consumption by 45 percent, and was the winner of a new laptop. Due to concerns of privacy and utility companies’ participation along with the fact that less then 30% of homes in the U.S. have smart meters, the game is not yet available around the country.

However, this should not be the case for long. Besides the overwhelming positive response the site has acquired, the White House is now making efforts to reduce energy intake nationwide through the Green Button Initiative.  The initiative is aimed toward utility companies to ensure consumers have access to their personal energy data through Internet or other easily accessible modes. This support will be vital for Simple Energy and will allow it to eventually change the lives of so many nationwide (and hopefully worldwide) in the future.

I urge everyone to check out the website and sign up to learn about more energy saving techniques in a fun and interactive way.

By: Lauren Opatowski

(Photo by Daniel Hurst Photography under a Creative Commons license)