Utility companies are, understandably, accustomed to a world in which customers aren’t looking to engage in the same way they would with a retailer or grocery store. For many customers, the utility provider is simply the name on their bills, nothing more. Energy software company Bidgely is looking to change that with its new HomeBeat customer engagement mobile app, now rolling out across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The app offers utility companies enhanced customer engagement through real-time interactions with energy use and conservation tips. Leading utilities, including Chicago-based ComEd, have already started using HomeBeat to engage with customers.
As customer expectations continue to increase, connected customer experience is no longer restricted to a handful of specific verticals; organizations in every industry must take strides in providing personalized, timely, and relevant CX.
“Engagement is the key to successful consumer-facing utility initiatives, from energy efficiency to revenue generation,” said Abhay Gupta, CEO of Bidgely. “Our ability to identify and track energy use at the appliance level is at the heart of our app. By incorporating leading engagement features, such as mobile notifications and gamification, we are enabling modern utilities to deliver results while simultaneously increasing customer satisfaction.”
The app features include:
Is Something On? – Everyone knows the feeling of forgetting whether or not they turned the stove off before leaving the house. This feature immediately informs homeowners if an electrical appliance is running while they’re gone.
Appliance-level Comparison – By comparing energy consumption with households of similar appliance level, customers are able to see where they stack up in terms of conservation.
Tips & Recommendations – The app delivers personalized tips, empowering customers to reduce energy consumption and, ultimately, save money on their monthly bill.
Bill Projection – Customers have access to a projected bill in advance, allowing them to act accordingly and watch the bill lower as they take steps to reduce energy usage.
Speaking to the global reach of the HomeBeat app, German utility giant RWE is also among the first to adopt the HomeBeat app.
“Our partnership with Bidgely offers great opportunities for both companies. Bidgely has the technology to offer consumers full transparency of their energy usage,” said RWE CEO Peter Terium. “RWE has access to the European market with our 23 million customers who fully trust in the reliability of our company. Together we can introduce and monetize new future-oriented products and services for the sake of our customers, making the difference compared to our competitors.”