The McDonnell Group

By Marc Marton

On the theme of last week’s post on social media as a device to engage consumer interest in conserving electricity, Feb. 28’s Wall Street Journal “Journal Report” featured energy
management technology firm Tendril in a test program with the local utility serving Cape Cod that aims to use collective behavior modification to cut power usage.

WSJ’s feature described the Tendril-designed Smart Home Energy Monitoring Pilot for Cape Light Compact as a program to change energy use habits among 91 residential customers. 
Participants monitor electricity usage with home energy management hardware and log onto a specially designed secure website where they can track usage data and receive tips on reducing consumption.  The site also provides a user community network that allows participant interaction, where homeowners can share tips and set reduction goals.

Cape Light is ramping up for a larger second phase of the program for this summer.
The future of residential load curtailment?