Puget Sound Energy has a pilot program going on where they send a subset of customers an “energy report” comparing their consumption to neighbors (image links to larger one):
For October 2008, I am 2% above my “efficient neighbors,” whoever they are, and that lumps me into the good but not great category. Oh, don’t they know I’m an overachiever? I want my two smiley faces!
But wait, the annual graphs are worth noting. My electricity use during the winter months is comparable to my mythical miserly neighbors, except during the summer when it doesn’t taper off as much, but my natural gas usage (hot water heater, dryer) is comparable. Actually, gas usage is better during several months. In your face, econo-boy.
But in all seriousness, the “personalized action steps” are pretty stupid:
1) Find more ways to save. Um, could you be a little more personalized?
2) Install efficient showerheads. Considering my water is gas-heated, I’m gas-efficient, and already have these showerheads, this doesn’t make sense.
3) Look for the Energy Star (R) label. Well, I already worked out the economic arguments for that.