Welectricity. Energy Efficiency, meet Social Networking TM

Business FocusA cheap, simple, scalable and low-carbon solution for household energy efficiency - worldwide

Introduction

Business FocusA cheap, simple, scalable and low-carbon solution for household energy efficiency - worldwide

Objectives and outputsObjective – Provide a simple, low-carbon online tool for consumers to track and reduce their electricity consumption at homeOutput – a free web application at www.welectricity.com

Introduction

Business FocusA cheap, simple, scalable and low-carbon solution for household energy efficiency - worldwide

Objectives and outputsObjective – Provide a simple, low-carbon online tool for consumers to track and reduce their electricity consumption at homeOutput – a free web application at www.welectricity.com

BeneficiariesHouseholds (reduced consumption/bills)Utilities (reduce their marginal cost of providing energy services)Countries (reduce energy imports, CO2 emissions)

Introduction

Business FocusA cheap, simple, scalable and low-carbon solution for household energy efficiency - worldwide

Objectives and outputsObjective – Provide a simple, low-carbon online tool for consumers to track and reduce their electricity consumption at homeOutput – a free web application at www.welectricity.com

BeneficiariesHouseholds (reduced consumption/bills)Utilities (reduce their marginal cost of providing energy services)Countries (reduce energy imports, CO2 emissions)

Future applicationUtilities will licence customized versions to roll out to their customersThe app will be developed for mobile platforms, FacebookCustomized University Challenges

Introduction

www.welectricity.com

Progress against general objectives Launched on Earth Day 2010 Receiving attention worldwide (Users from 63 countries) Receiving international recognition & awards (latest is

award for “Best Idea for the Millennial” in the GE Ecomagination Smart Grid Challenge)

Project Progress

Progress against general objectives Launched on Earth Day 2010 Receiving attention worldwide (Users from 63 countries) Receiving international recognition & awards (latest is

award for “Best Idea for the Millennial” in the GE Ecomagination Smart Grid Challenge)

Progress against scheduled milestones (users & utility pilot projects) Fewer than 1000 users acquired in 7 months User milestones not yet achieved in specified countries

(Jamaica, Barbados) No utility pilot projects on stream

Project Progress

Successes

Quick uptake by early adopters in 60+ countries, Users benefiting from consumption reductions Good reviews in the technical press (eg: WWF Green Game-

Changer) Growing recognition

Successes

Successes

Quick uptake by early adopters in 60+ countries, Users benefiting from consumption reductions Good reviews in the technical press (eg: WWF Green Game-

Changer) Growing recognition

Lessons

Today’s Web 2.0 technology enables a lot that wasn’t even possible a few years ago, so Think Big

Don’t assume: “Build it and they will come” Change is constant, so make it work for you. Be Flexible - Plan B might be more valuable than you think!

Successes

Main Challenges

Lack of a specific marketing budget line item for selling the concept to prospective users (eg: including items such as local advertising directly to consumers via TV, Radio, Billboards, etc)

Marketing is key: “Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising” Mark Twain

A default line item provision in the budget for accounting/financial reporting would be helpful

Challenges

My Experience: Renewable Energy and Innovation, Energy Efficiency & Access/Entrepreneurship policy in LAC

RE/EE consultant in Caribbean since 2007Energy PolicyProject Management

Positive effect on my project

Advice

I would seek advice on:Marketing the serviceUnderstanding VC/financing issues & requirementsIntellectual Property protection issues

Assigned Topic

Thank you!