The Company
GroundedPower specializes in energy-use behavior modification by combining web and wireless technology innovation with proven behavior and cognitive psychology principles. The result is an Interactive Customer Engagement System-iCES that uniquely engages and enrolls consumers in the energy efficiency process and creates an environment for unparalleled savings.
GroundedPower was formed in mid-2008, bringing together a unique group of experts who understand the relationship between technology and human behavior, as well as the relationship between utilities and their customers. The team at GroundedPower combines experts in utility management, energy policy, IP & wireless networking, web based software development and behavioral/cognitive psychology most specifically the interaction between technology and users. GroundedPower products make the link between energy use and energy savings visible, actionable and meaningful.
Behavior Change- The Energy Efficiency Challenge
The introduction of Smart Grid technology promises to provide utilities and their customers with unprecedented levels of information about energy use and savings opportunities, make the electric system more efficient, improve reliability, and enable “next generation” energy efficiency and demand response applications.
Past approaches to energy efficiency have concentrated on equipment-based programs while the important role customer behavior plays in real energy savings has seen limited focus. According to a report by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), scholars estimate that inefficient patterns of human behavior represent a large, untapped resource that could reduce energy use by as much as 20-25%.
Early approaches to engage consumers in the energy management process have included:
- Information Access- Obtaining energy use data and trends through web-based portals and in home-displays.
- Social Marketing- Reaching out to consumers through mailed reports that integrate energy use information, social comparative reports and savings tips.
Environment and behavior research indicates that information alone does not create persistent change. Beyond information, persistence occurs when individuals have choice and are active participants. This requires an interactive process with two-way, communications…This is a new paradigm!
Next Generation Energy Efficiency and Demand Response- Today!
Customer engagement is fundamental to the next generation of energy efficiency and residential demand response applications. GroundedPower has successfully applied insights from social science research in its solution. GroundedPower incorporates social and active learning to create persistent behavioral change. People change when they perceive a need, identify clear goals, take action towards those goals and can see their progress. Consumers are motivated by a variety of factors that include saving money, helping the environment, identifying with their community and learning. GroundedPower’s range of tools addresses the variety of consumer preferences and motivators and builds on these principles.
Groundedpower's interactive customer engagement system- iCES, combines real-time energy monitoring, with an ongoing goal/action/feedback/rewards loop. This unique mix of information and tools enables consumers to obtain the capability to become more involved in the process of saving energy in a way that is engaging, educational, fun and rewarding. This same platform also becomes a foundational tool for utilities to strengthen their relationships with customers to achieve substantial and more persistent energy savings while improving overall communications and customer service.
Consumers must become consistently engaged in the efficient management of energy and GroundedPower is delivering these capabilities today!
