When my kids get smiley face stickers at school, they are ecstatic. Can smiley faces work for adults, too? The New York Times has a story about SMUD's (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) successful energy-efficiency program that taps into Americans' natural competitiveness...and uses smiley faces as a reward.
Last April, [SMUD] began sending out statements to 35,000 randomly selected customers, rating them on their energy use compared with that of neighbors in 100 homes of similar size that used the same heating fuel. The customers were also compared with the 20 neighbors who were especially efficient in saving energy.
Customers who scored high earned two smiley faces on their statements. “Good” conservation got a single smiley face.
The approach has now been picked up by utilities in 10 major metropolitan areas eager to reap rewards through increased efficiencies, including Chicago and Seattle, according to Positive Energy, the software company that conceived of the reports and contracts to produce them.
It's a really fascinating concept. Read the full story: Utilities Turn Their Customers Green, With Envy.
When you're done reading, tell us what you think. Would this work in Memphis?
1 comment:
I'd love it, a few of my friends keep track to see who is more efficient. It does motivate you to do more to save more.
Post a Comment