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National Grid pilot program aimed at getting better info into consumers' hands

Posted 5/5/11

Electricity distributor National Grid is trying out a new program, Home Energy Report, an energy efficiency tool that provides customers with information about their energy use compared to other …

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National Grid pilot program aimed at getting better info into consumers' hands

Posted

Electricity distributor National Grid is trying out a new program, Home Energy Report, an energy efficiency tool that provides customers with information about their energy use compared to other nearby customers.

The idea behind the report is to help customers save energy and money by comparing their energy usage to similar customers.

The reports will be mailed to about 130,000 National Grid customers, including hundreds in St. Lawrence County.

This is pilot program that runs through December 2012, when it will be evaluated for extension to all customers, according to National Grid spokeman Patrick Stella.

“We’re sending them to customers with cmparisons to customers with about the same square footage and the same fuel; types,” Styella said.

“It will show you, ‘Here’s your usage, and here’s your neighbor’s.’”

“The Home Energy Reports show customers how they stack up in terms of energy use in their community, and shows what simple changes they can make to reduce energy use and their carbon footprint,” said National Grid Vice President for Energy Products Edward White.

A report will compares customers’ energy use anonymously with that of their neighbors of similar home size and demographics. The comparisons are an effort to motivate customers to take action on reducing their energy consumption. Customers can see the past 12 months of their energy usage and compare it with others in the same neighborhood.

Home Energy Report participants also can access an online supplement to their report. On the web site, pilot customers can view their energy usage by month, take advantage of rebates and other incentives, get practical recommendations for their households and view the most popular tips visitors have taken advantage of.