Opower

Results

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We have been measuring and verifying our results with our utility partners since day one, and we’ve built an ever-expanding array of data that shows a simple and compelling conclusion: Opower works.

Cost-effective energy savings

Behavioral energy efficiency is one of the most exciting new sources of large-scale energy savings: it's reliable, consistent, and cost-effective.

Daily and seasonal peak reductions

Overall energy savings are great, of course, but their timing is just as important. Opower program participants actually save the most energy during peak usage periods—a result that benefits both utilities and their customers.

Increased customer engagement and satisfaction

One of the most satisfying outcomes we’ve seen across our programs is that energy efficient customers are happy customers. We’ve measured statistically significant increases in utility customer satisfaction as a direct result of Opower program participation.

...and we play nicely with other utility programs

Opower has become a favorite tool for energy efficiency directors and utility marketing teams alike. Customers exposed to the Opower platform are more likely to participate in other utility programs and promotions—making both marketing and energy efficiency departments happy.

We use a well-defined, scientific approach to measurement and verification.

Opower’s methodology and results have been independently verified by leading industry analysts and non-profit organizations, including the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), The Brattle Group, Navigant Consulting, Power Systems Engineering, KEMA, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), as well as by established academics from several leading institutions. Our measurement protocols follow guidelines specified by Public Utility Commissions across the country, and in particular the protocols laid out in the California Public Utility Commission’s Measurement & Verification Guidelines and the EPA’s National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) guidelines.

  • Time Comparison

    We use baseline data to identify test and control groups with statistically equivalent usage patterns and histories.

  • Group Comparison

    We measure program impact against a group of non-participating homes to control for external factors that may affect energy use.

  • Replication

    We measure energy use across thousands of households, over different spans of time, to increase the statistical precision of our results.

Supporting Library

  • Social Norms and Energy Conservation

    The first evaluation of a scaled behavioral efficiency program to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, authored by Hunt Allcott, Assistant Professor of Economics at New York University.

  • 30 Month SMUD Program Evaluation

    Independent verification of results from the first 30 months of Opower's deployment at Sacramento Municipal Utility District by Navigant Consulting. The report shows strong savings sustained over nearly three years.

  • More Research