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The experts and others (Including SGN) have been encouraging utilities to take advantage of the many benefits of social media for a variety of their communications needs. Glendale Water & Power has taken the hint (as have other utilities), and now customers can get easy access to their energy use information, compete with other customers in their cost-cutting efforts, share energy saving tips and experiences – and have a little fun while they're doing it.

 

GWP's social energy app comes from a partnership between Opower, Facebook and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

 

All customers need to do to get started is go to https://social.opower.com/ or search for the Opower app on Facebook sign in to their utility account.

 

Customers who sign up for the program will be able to instantly see how their energy use compares with others giving them an idea how efficient their homes are in comparison with similar households. And as friends are invited to join, they will be able to compete in energy savings competitions.

"The Opower social energy app is a new tool for energy-conscious consumers to connect and share their knowledge," said Glenn Steiger, GWP general manager.

 

NRDC says energy efficiency improvements could bring more than $700 billion in cost savings in the U.S. alone. The council also says motivating customers to get involved in energy savings is a "long-standing challenge," but critical to realizing those potential savings.

 

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