By Liz Enbysk

SGN Managing Editor

So often we focus on the tech side of the smart grid but today we're turning the tables and looking at six marketing tactics electric utilities are using to evangelize consumers on the benefits of energy efficiency, demand response, electric choice and related programs. Scroll down and onto page 2 where you may find an inspiration or two worth trying yourself.

Four interactive digital games designed to both entertain and teach players about energy efficiency, the benefits of grid modernization and managing a modern utility were debuted by ComEd last month. "Energy Efficiency 101," "Fast Fridge," "Smart Home," and "Power On!" are playable through ComEd.com and ComEd's Facebook page (Facebook.com/ComEd). Some will also be available on Android Tablets and Apple's iPad. They are the first in a series of eight games; the remaining four will be released over the next few months. "The new games are a great preview for what's possible with the new smart grid technology and the smart home, as well as teaching players about existing ways to save energy and money," said Jennifer Montague , director of marketing for ComEd. Visit the game arcade >>

Texas rewards Biggest Energy Savers and Load Lighteners

Launched a year ago, the Biggest Energy Saver Campaign rewards utility customers who use their smart meter data to reduce energy usage and potentially lower their electric bills. It's sponsored by Grid21, whose founding partners include Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, Landis+Gyr and Itron. This year's campaign, which ran for a three-month period just ended - had two components. There's a residential Consumer Contest that rewards customers who reduce their energy usage the most compared to the same period the previous year. The other is a Lighten Your Load Sweepstakes that rewards customers who reduce electricity usage during the afternoon on set days. Read more about it >>

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