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"Gamification" an opportunity for utilities to get customers using energy management tools, new Chartwell report shows

ATLANTA – Oct. 12, 2011 – Using online gaming in mobile apps, websites and social media forums represents the new frontier in getting energy customers to think about and change their energy consumption habits and ultimately reduce energy usage, Chartwell says in its latest report, Energy Usage Data Communications to Residential Customers.

Known as “gamification,” several utilities and energy retailers are already experimenting with the practice as another tool to engage customers and get more value from smart grid technology being installed throughout North America. Chartwell reports gamification is one emerging tool that energy providers can add to their suite of offerings, which now include website portals, in-home displays, programmable communicating thermostats and providing usage data on the monthly bill.

In addition to discussing the potential of gaming applications, Energy Usage Data Communications to Residential Customers discusses utilities’ use of other established and emerging channels to communicate energy usage, including energy usage reports.

The report shows that more utilities continue to move towards the web as their primary channel for communicating energy usage data to customers, while utilities are piloting home energy usage reports and in-home displays. A few utilities have gotten as much as 10% or more of their customer base to use websites and other tools to analyze energy usage; still, a big hurdle continues to be measuring and quantifying results, Chartwell found.

Chartwell's Energy Usage Data Communications to Residential Customers report is offered through Chartwell's Customer Programs Research Service that includes energy efficiency/demand response, customer segmentation and market research, communications, marketing, renewables/distributed generation and other programs that utilities offer end-use customers. Learn more about this research by contacting Doris Yon at 404.237.9099 ext. 29 or dyon@chartwellinc.com.

ABOUT CHARTWELL
Based in Atlanta, Chartwell Inc. is a specialized information provider that helps utilities improve their customer experience and ultimately customer satisfaction. Chartwell publishes case studies, quantitative research and industry data, and hosts conferences and other events for utility professionals. For more information, visit www.chartwellinc.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Dennis Smith
404.237.9099 ext. 31
dsmith@chartwellinc.com