Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for the energy sector. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we want to share our insights with you. This time, we are taking a look at promising customer engagement solutions.
Heat Map: 5 Top Customer Engagement Solutions
For our 5 top picks, we used a data-driven startup scouting approach to identify the most relevant solutions globally. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 4 interesting examples out of 79 relevant solutions. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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Powerley – Personalized Insights
As the energy market undergoes rapid technological and consumer transformations, energy companies now focus on improving their customer relationship strategies to stay competitive. Modern energy users express distinct interest in receiving personalized insights on their energy use. They are also curious about energy efficiency and want recommendations to reduce their compensation.
The US-based startup Powerley develops a machine learning-based customer engagement solution. Their mobile app analyzes and visualizes data from advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or a system of smart meters. It also provides individual coaching and goal-setting, appliance data disaggregation, and energy efficiency recommendations.
OhmConnect – Peak Demand Response
Peak demand response (DR) programs lower pressure on energy grids, reduce customers’ bills, and raise environmental awareness. Besides, the digitalization of peak DR enables energy users to conveniently control their response potential during the day via utility pricing signals and notifications. It allows users to take suitable actions when needed.
The US-based startup OhmConnect offers a peak demand response app that assists users to save energy and earn financial rewards for eco-friendly decisions. The platform continuously monitors the behavior of an energy grid for different geographic areas. In the case of increased overall consumption, it sends energy reduction recommendations to users to offset power surges and let them obtain bonuses.
GenGame – Gamification
Gamification in the energy sector aims at attracting users’ attention and strengthen customer experience using the familiarity of games. Energy apps use prizes, points, and rewards to encourage customers to become more energy-efficient. It also makes the routine bills and utility-related customer affairs fun.
The UK-based startup GenGame offers customer engagement apps for energy companies. The white-labeled apps come with different modules for smart meters, Electric Vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and battery storage utilization. The gamification options include a specific points system, prizes for energy-efficiency actions, behavioral rewards, and mini-games.
Parce – Remote Appliance Control
While out, people want their homes to stay safe and be able to control their electrical devices. There are a variety of smart plugs, fuses, relays, and thermostat add-ons available that enable consumers to switch their home devices on or off remotely. They also receive specific insights and tips for appliance usage and their control.
The German startup Parce manufactures a plug-and-play smart adapter. It lets users control the energy usage of household electronic devices and keep track of everyday energy consumption. It also supports voice control, time control, and smart home integration.
BeeData – Omnichannel Communication
Omnichannel communication ensures continuous connectivity between utility companies and their customers. This mammoth task involves sustaining a seamless user experience across various conversation channels, without compromising on product delivery. These include calls, SMS notifications, support services to social media, and web and mobile apps.
Spanish startup BeeData develops consumer engagement solutions for energy utilities. Its digital products leverage big data from smart meters with varied data granularity. They create customized user reports, provide convenient web and mobile interfaces, and enable two-way communication via apps, SMS, email, WhatsApp, etc.
What About The Other 74 Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence for your Proof of Concept (PoC), partnership, or investment targets. The 5 customer engagement solutions showcased above are promising examples out of 79 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria and collaboration strategy, get in touch.
