Video Game To Teach Energy Management

The technology is shovel-ready. Utilities are beginning to make the big move and bring smart grid services to customers. But what if the American public doesn’t bite? Cutting-edge technologies designed to increase energy efficiency and control electricity demand are only as useful as the owner who fully utilizes them.

Recently, I’ve asked smart grid industry experts if home area networks (HANs) and in-home display units for energy monitoring come with factory installed settings. Most have responded that they do not, and that it will be up to the individual to determine what settings are appropriate for their home or office – if any.

To bring energy dialogue to the dinner table, Tendril Networks has partnered with a yet-to-be announced company to launch a video game in which conserving energy is the key to winning. Speaking at Gridweek 2009, Tendril CEO Adrian Tuck mentioned the collaboration as a way to bring children into the conversation on energy use from an early age. Studies have shown that children and teenagers have a strong influence on purchases made by parents. Knowing this, a new approach is being applied to energy conservation: educate the children in order to alter adult behavior. This video game is just one innovative way in which to engage the consumer and, hopefully, change consumption patterns through a unique education and awareness campaign.