Social metering: energy saving via Facebook

The Cologne software specialist GreenPocket has developed a Smartphone app as first company worldwide that connects the personal energy consumption with Facebook. The app is designed to help utilities to inspire their clients for smart electric meters, the so-called meters, smart. To license the provider the access and pass on to their customers. The comparison and competition with other Facebook users the app motivated by the energy customers to reduce the own energy consumption and to live as carbon-arm.

How does the social metering app?

Who uses the new app, can share his experiences with other consumers in the energy saving and its efficiency in weekly competitions with friends demonstrate. The basis is a simple point system around the themes of "Energy efficiency" and "Environmental awareness". In addition, the fun factor is increased through the use of virtual badges or trophies. This so-called "badges" are awarded for participation in certain actions, the achievement of targets or for his personal strengths in the energy saving the user. Also notifies the user with important developments in the personal energy balance or in activities of friends automatically by push-message.

Smart meters as a prerequisite

All works but only with a so-called smart meters. This is a new 

generation of electricity, covering digital consumption. Many utilities have already launched pilot projects in recent years and the new meter technology to the test. By 2020 the majority of European customers should receive smart one meter. In the long term to converted the current power grid in an intelligent and controllable network. In connection with visualization software allows a smart meter control of own energy consumption, for example on the PC or the Smartphone. This receives the consumer transparency, can reduce its energy costs and improve its carbon footprint.

Sustained attention by social metering

Current studies show that the pure consumption control not sufficient however many customers. The interest of energy consumers for smart to win metering, the utilities must use therefore reinforced the new technology as a customer commitment and CRM tool. Through the combination of smart metering and social Web revealed for the provider of new marketing and communication channels that contribute to the targeted customer retention as well as the long-term increase of the own brand awareness. Who are interested in can access for the social metering and more product innovations of GreenPocket from the 7-9 February 2012 to the E-world energy & water in Essen try (Hall 7 / stand 7).