Dive Summary:
- At least 20 utilities in Minnesota are giving out mobile device applications or offering free online tools to help customers analyze their own power usage.
- Most of the utilities using this plan are cooperatives or municipal power companies; Minnesota's largest utility Xcel Energy Inc. doesn't offer apps or web tools to its customers.
- Although the utilities lose revenue by selling less electricity, they benefit by lowering their peak demand.
From the article:
Minnesota is emerging as a leading market for advanced technology to help consumers cut their electric bills. At a time of rising electricity rates, the technology promises ways to closely monitor power consumption and to reduce monthly bills.
At least 20 utilities in the state, mostly cooperatives or municipal power companies, are giving away mobile device apps or offering free Web portals with charts and comparison tools for customers to analyze their own power usage. ...
