As the utility industry continues to evolve with smart grid technology, it has become increasingly important to create ways for both utilities and customers to have easy access to accurate information on energy consumption. Meanwhile, the iPhone has proven to be an ideal platform for enabling people to monitor utility data and form energy efficient consumption habits.
Utilities can use mobile apps to gain insight on how their customers behave with increased information on their own energy use. Entergy, for example, has created an app for their customers that assists them in their energy consumption decisions by reporting the power levels of devices synced with the app.
Utility Dive looked at mobile energy apps more broadly in June, and now we have taken a second look into the energy app market to find nine useful iPhone apps that can interact with smart grid tech or otherwise impact utility customers' energy use habits.
1. ENTERGY APP
Company: Entergy
The Entergy app provides many services for the company's customers, providing them an easy means to engage with their utility. Users can check account balances, receive text alerts detailing energy consumption and stay updated on the latest Entergy news—all from the convenience of an iPhone app. The app also contains a section for energy-saving advice and is integrated with popular social media websites.
2. MOBILINC PRO
Company: Mobile Integrated Solutions
Anyone can use MobiLinc Pro to track the energy use of household devices connected to smart technology. The app provides energy consumers with an interface to control thermostats, irrigation and lighting, among other things. Additional features include seasonal customization and energy cost information.
3. SOLAR PANEL SUSTAINABILITY CHECKER
Company: Solar Panels UK
A simple tool for people interested in solar energy, Solar Panel Sustainability Checker determines whether a location is suitable for generating solar power by identifying the direction from which the most sunlight is received. The app will notify the user of any barriers to maximizing sunlight and can compare prices of solar panel installers.
4. TENDRIL ENERGIZE ONLINE
Company: Tendril
Tendril Energize Online offers utility providers a way to connect with their customers. The app contains interfaces for setting energy saving goals, comparing company pricing plans, remotely controlling household devices and communication between customers and the utility. This two way exchange of information helps customers and companies identify solutions that work to everyone's benefit.
5. GREENCHARGE
Company: Xatori
GreenCharge offers services for the benefit of both current and prospective electric car owners by enabling mobile connectivity with two electric car makes and one demo make. Users can check charging information, track charging costs over time and measure their environmental impact. The app is also integrated with social media for users to share their results online.
6. VAMPIRE POWER CALCULATOR
Company: iGo
Vampire Power Calculator helps consumers answer the question: Are there energy cost vampires sucking money from my wallet? By tracking the energy usage of household devices, this app calculates the overall costs incurred by the consumer. Detailed information on these costs and helpful tips provided by the calculator point users to energy efficient solutions.
7. LIGHT BULB FINDER
Company: Eco Hatchery
Light Bulb Finder eases the process of finding energy-efficient light bulbs. After conventional light bulb specifications are entered into the app's interface, the best energy-saving replacement is identified. Additionally, purchases can be made instantly through the app.
8. ONE STOP GREEN
Company: One Stop Green
Having an environmentally friendly lifestyle has become easier with One Stop Green, an app that provides mobile energy audits, energy-saving tips and green technology calculations. Users acquire shareable "green scores" based on their audits as a way to set personal energy saving goals.
9. HVAC BUDDY
Company: Powertrade Services
Performing maintenance on HVAC equipment has been simplified by HVAC Buddy. The app records specified temperature data and calculates superheat and subcooling target levels, comparing these with actual levels. Among its other features is a diagnostic tool for finding solutions to problems facing HVAC equipment.
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