Back to top
For immediate release
March 8, 2010 at 3:50pm
For more information, contact
Patti Bogan: 762-4777, cell 242-0704

Chugach Electric researching energy efficiency monitors

Project to test impact of technology on behavior using on-site monitors

Chugach Electric Association and Tendril, Inc., an energy management technology provider, have teamed up with 90 Chugach residential customers to determine whether on-site energy monitors help consumers use energy more efficiently and lower their electric bills.

The research project, dubbed "Watt Buster," is funded by Chugach and a matching grant from the Alaska Energy Authority. Watt Buster also has a commercial component, which is monitoring electric, gas and air quality systems at 30 commercial buildings.

The residential component of Watt Buster uses the Tendril platform. Each home receives a monitor that records energy use and displays near real-time feedback on energy consumption. Through a Web portal and a small counter-top display device, participants see how much power they are using, the cost, and compare energy consumption with their historical consumption.

After the trial period, data about participants' energy use will be compiled and compared to the same months in previous years.

"Chugach is committed to energy efficiency efforts that save members money on their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint," CEO Brad Evans said.

Chugach Board President Rebecca Logan said "Watt Buster is part of SmartPower, Chugach's long-term initiative to work with our members, utility partners and other energy-related entities to use our resources wisely. We're very excited about Watt Buster and its potential to help members use energy in their homes more efficiently."

"The Watt Buster program will demonstrate what a powerful motivational tool a monitor can be, and the huge benefits that both Chugach and its customers can realize very quickly," Tendril CEO Adrian Tuck said.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.

About Tendril

Tendril is a leading energy management technology provider that brings unprecedented insight and control to the Smart Grid. The Tendril platform provides an open, secure and scalable end-to-end solution that creates a dynamic dialogue between energy providers and their customers. The Tendril platform includes both utility and in-home products and applications, and integrates seamlessly with existing back office applications and network infrastructure.

Tendril Media contact:
Sarah Blanchard
Parsons Public Relations
sarah@parsonspr.com
206-789-5668