Green Button is an industry-led effort that allows electricity customers to download their household or building energy-use data in a consumer- and computer-friendly format. PaPUC Chairman Powelson and Commissioner Witmer recently issued a statement encouraging Pennsylvania electric utilities not already involved to take part in this important initiative that empowers customers. Green-Button-enabled web and smartphone applications promise to help consumers choose the most economical rate plan for their use patterns. With this information at their fingertips, consumers would be enabled to make more informed decisions about their energy use and, when coupled with opportunities to take action, be empowered to more actively manage their energy use. Furthermore, making this information available in standardized file format will help spur innovative new consumer applications and devices. Here are just a few ways the Green Button might be put to use today:

  • Insight: entrepreneur-created web portals to analyze usage and provide actionable tips;
  • Heating and Cooling: customizing thermostats for savings and comfort;
  • Education: community and student energy efficiency competitions;
  • Retrofits: improved decision-support tools to facilitate energy efficiency retrofits;
  • Verification: measurement of structural energy efficiency investments;
  • Real Estate: energy costs for tenants and/or new home purchasers; and
  • Solar: optimizing the size of rooftop solar panels.

Currently, the following 15 utility providers formally support Green Button: