WMGLD launches new energy management pilot program

50 residential households needed to participate

(Wakefield, MA) - The Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department (WMGLD) is one of six Massachusetts municipal electric departments asking customers to volunteer to participate in a one-year pilot program that will help them lower their energy costs by using simple tools to monitor energy consumption.  

The WMGLD is enlisting the help of 50 residential customers (homes) to volunteer to participate a new web-based technology pilot that delivers real-time information and empowers customers to cut electricity use through goal setting, social networking, and rewards. Residential customers who participate in the pilot program will use software to help set and track individual and community goals, create individualized action plans and be recognized for success through points. Participants will also have a chance to win prizes for their efforts.

Developed locally by GroundedPower, LLC, its innovative iCES software will give customers detailed real-time information on how much electricity is being used and what it costs. After receiving and reviewing the information, participants will be able to select from up to 150 actions to see how much each will contribute to their overall energy savings. 

In addition, customers can participate in a web-enabled network to share their experiences and help achieve individual and collective savings goals with residents of Braintree, Danvers, Hingham, North Attleboro, and Wellesley, the other five communities participating in the program.

According to GroundedPower CEO and founder Paul Cole, goals, tasks to achieve goals, timely and relevant feedback, rewards, and the ability to measure one’s progress against others are all important factors to achieve more sustainable electricity savings.  

            The program has the strong support of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

“I applaud these municipal light companies for providing customers with smart meter technology and other services that will help them understand the amount of energy they use, how they are using it, and ways to reduce their consumption and electric bills through energy efficiency,” Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Philip Giudice said. “Pilot projects such as this are helping the Commonwealth emerge as a national leader in energy innovation and efficiency.”

Each utility is seeking 50 homes to test the software, for a total of 300 participating households. There is no cost to participate, but customers must have access to high-speed internet service (broadband, DSL or FiOS) and be willing to participate actively, which would include responding to several surveys during the yearlong pilot.

WMGLD expects to begin installation of the real-time monitoring equipment in February. Once customers have been selected from among those who have volunteered, the WMGLD will schedule a time for installation of the monitor and guide customers through the set up of their password protected access to their individual data. 

“We are very excited about participating in this pilot to test the sustainability of Load Management initiatives,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion added. “The key is to maintain consumer interest in cutting consumption over the long-term.”

To get a better understanding of the energy consumption of a wide cross section of residential customers, the WMGLD and other participating utilities will utilize a selection process from those who sign up to be considered.  The goal is to identify a cross section of customers by size and usage profile.

Customers interested in participating in the program can access an application survey by clicking here.  Additional information can be obtained through the website, or by contacting the WMGLD at 781-246-6363.