Mobile energy applications guide people in their energy consumption habits by providing detailed information on how much energy they use. They can also suggest more energy efficient options.
Apps such as People Power focus on the home, monitoring and analyzing the energy usage of household appliances. Another, greenMeter, offers this service for vehicles. Apps including Energize and Green Envy keep users informed by connecting them to energy providers, news sources and one another.
Many of these apps are relatively new or still being tested and may not be commercially available. Nevertheless, Utility Dive has compiled a list of companies with innovative mobile energy apps meant to inform consumers' energy choices:
1. TENDRIL
Their app: Energize
What it does: Creates a medium for tracking energy use and supports a dialogue between consumers and energy providers.
Why it’s unique: By using Energize, both consumers and energy providers gain insight on the utility market and can adjust behavior patterns according to data acquired by the app to become more energy efficient.
2. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Their app: Alternative Fueling Station Locator
What it does: Locates fueling stations that offer alternative energy near the user’s zip code.
Why it’s unique: Offers multiple options for alternative fuel from biodiesel to propane.
3. PEOPLE POWER COMPANY
Their app: People Power
What it does: Monitors and analyzes household energy usage.
Why it’s unique: Complete social integration. This app shows users how energy efficient they are compared to national and worldwide averages, offers competitive energy quizzes and is integrated with Facebook.
4. ELGRO
Their app: Meter Reader
What it does: Converts conventional utility meters into a streamlined digital meter for easy reading.
Why it’s unique: Reduces the hassle surrounding conventional readers and allows the digitally read information to be sent to the user’s utility company.
5. PRADHI, INC.
Their app: InGrid
What it does: Provides information and analysis of household energy usage.
Why it’s unique: Users can adjust their consumption behavior by making use of InGrid’s tracking of energy usage trends and costs.
6. HUNTER RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Their app: greenMeter
What it does: Monitors and evaluates vehicle fuel usage and efficiency.
Why it’s unique: Results are displayed live while driving the vehicle for instant access to fuel information.
7. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Their app: Fuel Economy Mobile
What it does: Calculates fuel costs, gas usage and greenhouse emissions of various car and truck models.
Why it’s unique: Automobile owners are offered easy access to information regarding their vehicle’s energy efficiency.
8. GREEN ENVY APP
Their app: Green Envy App
What it does: Tracks and helps moderate household energy usage.
Why it’s unique: Provides users with “Green Tips”, articles on the latest news concerning renewable energy.
9. CHALLENGEPOST INC.
Their app: EnergyRewards
What it does: Tracks user’s energy usage and offers rewards for efficient consumption habits.
Why it’s unique: Energy efficient users can earn points awarding them coupons for 3000 retailers nationwide.
10. U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Their app: Energy Star Rebate Finder
What it does: Locates Energy Star qualified products that currently have special offers or rebates.
Why it’s unique: Encourages energy efficient consumption by directing consumers to affordable Energy Star products.
11. PLOTWATT
Their app: PlotWatt
What it does: An app in its beta stage that monitors energy usage of connected appliances with a focus on maintaining cost efficiency.
Why it’s unique: PlotWatt is working to expand their service to businesses.
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