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Energy Datapalooza keys on innovation
We've been preoccupied with gathering data about energy consumption. As we master the logistics, we're turning our attention to creating value from that data. Value for utilities, to be sure, but value for customers as well.
That was a focus of the 'Energy Datapalooza' event at the White House Monday. As part of the Obama Administration's Energy Data Initiative, Datapalooza gathered 150 of America’s entrepreneurs, software developers, energy experts and policy makers to promote energy innovation. The event was a celebration of new energy-related products, services and apps built with freely available data from the government and other sources.
The event also included several announcements:
· The DOE is launching a Vehicles Data Challenge to spur technologies that can increase fuel efficiency and protect against distracted driving
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· Availability of new energy APIs and data sets for innovators and entrepreneurs
Smart grid privacy seal – building consumer confidence
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF), a Washington, DC based think tank that promotes responsible data practices, teamed with data privacy management company TRUSTe to launch a smart grid privacy seal program for companies that use consumer energy data.
It will be powered by TRUSTe and made available to companies offering home energy management, remote home control or security, smart thermostats and other services involved with consumer energy data.
The program was developed in conjunction with utilities, regulators and private sector companies including AT&T, Comcast, Ecofactor, IBM, Intel, Motorola, Neustar, Opower, Tendril and Verizon.
“Consumers, utility regulators and utilities must all be sure that companies that seek to access consumer energy data gain consumer consent and have responsible privacy practices in place,” said FPF Director Jules Polonetsky.
Added Dan Fredrickson, Associate General Counsel for Tendril: “Our work with utility companies and their customers around the world continually points to a shared, global concern over data privacy. We are very proud to have been a part of this landmark consumer privacy initiative and believe it represents a big step towards alleviating consumer concerns.”
Home energy management devices gaining ground We went out on a limb a while back to suggest that the until-now-moribund market for home energy management was finally seeing some traction. Now a forecast from IDC Energy Insights confirms this reality. Although the HEM sector continues to trail other smart grid sectors, IDC does foresee broadening adoption "as consumers become increasingly engaged and as utilities comply with regulatory mandates."
IDC anticipates utilities in North America will invest approximately $577.8 million in HEM by 2016. The report also suggests:
· While there will be a decrease in investment in smart meters, we can expect an increased proportion of smart meters deployed will be capable of supporting and being utilized for HEM
· Customer investment on HEM devices will increase, specifically in smart thermostats
Note: If you want insights from a home energy pioneer, be sure to register for our free home energy management webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 17, featuring Reliant Energy and Tendril.
Putting the pieces together
So when you combine the innovation illustrated by Datapalooza with the confidence inspired by the forthcoming smart grid privacy seal, then factor in the gradual proliferation of HEM devices projected by IDC -- we see the outlines of an exciting, empowering new era. Do you? Use the Talk Back comment form below to tell us what you think.
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