Q & A
What is an ESN ?
A Wattwatchers-enabled Energy Saving Network (ESN) combines real time energy management, with opt-in social networking, specific advice and energy services to form ‘communities of energy saving’. It is a platform to engage consumers in changing their usage and behaviour, as an individual – or as part of a group.
Who is it for?
Primarily the mass market of households and small businesses – where people are frustrated by rapidly rising energy prices, but don’t know what to do, where to go, who to trust. Most people have only a quarterly bill to manage their energy. That’s too little, too late, too general and too infrequent to change behaviour. And supplying more information on bills like ‘suburb averages’ may shift the needle a little, but it won’t create real change. ‘Real time’ information is needed.
Why is ‘real time’ needed?
Energy management is complicated, and while general tips are useful, two identical looking buildings can vary in energy use by a factor of 2, 3 or even 4 depending on location, building shell, appliance stock, inhabitants and lifestyle. Not surprisingly, Meta research studies* proves ‘real time’ feedback and the experiential learning it supports is 50% – 300% more effective for saving energy than any other method.
What equipment needs to be installed?
Just one device gets an ESN started. We’ve designed a system where mostly only one product needs to be installed, providing the building has the Internet, a wireless router and the WiFi signal strength is good. The information is then displayed on devices in everyday use – smart phones, PC’s, tablets, connected TV’s, any WiFi screen anywhere.
What is this ‘one’ product?
The Wattwatchers Auditor® range combines the functions of an energy meter, a power meter, a data logger and an Internet appliance. It streams data in WiFi to an existing router and on to the Internet. Cloud services or dedicated servers take over from there. An Auditor® is a grid-quality, Class 1-accurate device that provides the energy data needed for now, as well as the power metrics needed for a demand-managed, energy services future. It’s not a battery powered ‘disposable’ display device. And it’s owned by the customer – not the Utility – so consumers will always have the choice and control over their data and how it’s used. Read more: Technology
Return on investment
In most cases, the cost of an ESN will pay for itself in savings in a year – more or less. $600 a quarter is becoming common in household energy bills for a family, and it’s a lot more in small businesses. The payback depends on how much energy-waste is already there, and how people act on the dashboard information. With a little help and experience however, saving 10% – 20% is easy. In addition, at least three State Governments are considering household efficiency credits or other incentives for real-time devices, and there are a number of current or emerging programs to promote business and community-level energy efficiency.
Why is Wattwatchers taking this to market by partnering?
Our vision is ‘an energy conscious society’ for all the benefits that will bring to consumers and grids. The faster the better, we think. There are many businesses, community groups and membership organisations that ‘get’ this. They can use our technology to benefit commercially, drive engagement, improve sustainability credentials, and help their customer-base become more energy efficient at the same time. So as with linking our technology with infrastructure that already exists, we think the same about our path to market. We want to collaborate with other innovators who have an established customer base.
Is there an app for that?
The answer is a qualified ‘yes’. A Wattwatchers-enabled ESN is flexible, scalable, interoperable and brandable …so the answer depends more on what our partners want to achieve. Is it customer acquisition and retention, or added-value or bundling services? Is it corporate reputation for driving energy efficiency, service differentiation or customer activation? Is it offering demand side management and new forms of energy services?
What’s in your ESN could include:
- Simple, real time mobile apps with alerts.
- Social networking (‘sharing -and-comparing’ actual information and learnings within your ESN).
- Specific content and communications (related to your brand or community interest).
- Opt-in third-party services (to take advantage of buying, aggregation or other energy services offers).
… and meet ‘Watto’
Not your average registered trademark. Watto® is our mascot and consumer champion. He’s available to help households understand how to be more energy efficient in a practical and friendly way. It’s Watto’s Way! A bit like having a friend in the business… and all the kids love him.
Getting the right perspective
Sectors that can benefit from their own ESN may include: Membership, Brand or local Communities; Property Developments; Innovative energy suppliers; Retailers, ISP’s, home services; Renewables and other energy service providers; or Corporates for staff engagement.
Wattwatchers can help you with a lot more than just enabling technologies. Our company has a unique understanding of the total energy marketplace. We can help partners scope, scale, and put together an ESN plan that fits your needs.
Read more: About Us
To arrange a personal presentation on Energy Saving Networks contact us.
*www.smartgrid.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/ami_initiatives_aceee.pdf
