What’s it about?

Governments and utilities are focusing on reducing demand, whether it be electricity, gas, water, or any other utility. Programs are urgently needed to meet stiff demand reduction targets and mandates. But demand reduction requires new skills:

• How do you engage consumers that are not motivated?
• How do you get them to pull out their wallet and invest?
• What will actually get them to change their behavior?

What’s possible?

Motivating consumers to take demand reduction action is not easy. Consumers get confused by tiered pricing, too many incentives, and the technical and financial challenge of figuring out the best course of action. If there were no such confusion, and consumers had a clear view of their optimal actions, most consumers would get a huge money reward with an opportunity to economically eliminate 42% of all energy demand. yoUtilBill tools find that optimal path and can put the largest possible sum of net monetary gain (often tens of thousands of dollars!) in front of consumers to get action.

What works?

Most citizens recognize the need to be sparing with earth’s resources. However, research shows that personal economics and comfort play a more powerful role in utility demand behavior. Successful demand reduction efforts incorporate and focus on these practical consumer wants. For most, a large money reward inspires much action.

What’s next?

If you’re on the hook to deliver significant demand reduction, your success will depend on your outreach program’s performance in three critical areas: