Residential consumers do not have sufficient tools to analyze energy usage, evaluate upgrades, and compare within social group. Existing tools depend on large amounts of data entry and have low adoption rates. Our energy tracking software platform, Gainesville-Green.com, has been developed to import consumption data directly from the utility, and then use that data to help homeowners adjust consumptive behaviors and make appropriate home upgrades. The Gainesville-Green.com software platform addresses consumer behavior using a multi-faceted approach. The platform is a combination of databases, interactive website, and support systems to facilitate various consumer outreach channels. At its simplest, the platform combines monthly consumption data with other public data to make useful comparisons. Phase II is a straightforward implementation of research performed in Phase I. Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits: There are many commercial applications for monthly-resolution consumptive use data, such as HVAC vendor efficiency analysis, carbon-credit funded weatherization verification, DSM program evaluation, targeted advertising, real estate advertising, data mining, and more. Depending on the success of behavioral intervention programs, there could be significant public benefit from lower energy bills, cleaner living, and the myriad of benefits that grow from a sustainable society.
