Gamification in Energy Retail
Evgueni Iakhontov, Head of IT & Digital (Retail X), Origin Energy
Evgueni Iakhontov, Head of IT & Digital (Retail X), Origin Energy
Gamification is the use of game-like elements and mechanics in non-game contexts to engage and motivate people to achieve their goals. In the energy retail industry, gamification is increasingly being used as a way to encourage customers to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills.
One way energy companies are using gamification is by offering rewards for energy-saving behaviors. For example, a company may provide a certain number of points for every kilowatt-hour energy saved. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future energy bills or other rewards, such as gift cards or merchandise. Or through the development of mobile apps and online platforms that allow customers to track and monitor their energy usage. These platforms often use gamified elements, such as leaderboards and achievements, to motivate customers to reduce their energy use.
Another way that gamification is being used in the energy industry is through online challenges and competitions. These challenges may involve reducing energy consumption in a certain period or achieving a certain level of energy efficiency. Customers can earn points, badges, and other rewards by participating in these challenges.
For example, one energy retailer has developed an app that allows customers to track their energy usage in real time, compare their usage to other customers in their area, and earn rewards for reducing their consumption. The app also includes a virtual rewards store where customers can redeem their earned points for merchandise and discounts on future energy bills.
Another energy retailer has developed a gamified online platform that allows customers to track their energy usage and set goals for reducing their consumption. The platform includes a virtual energy meter that shows customers how much energy they are using in real-time, as well as tips and suggestions for reducing their usage.
Gamification is also used in the energy retail industry to educate customers about energy efficiency and the benefits of reducing energy consumption. For example, some energy retailers are using gamified online quizzes and interactive games to teach customers about the environmental impact of energy usage and how they can save energy in their homes. They may also create online games or interactive tools that educate customers about energy conservation and help them identify areas where they can save energy. These games and tools can be accessed through the energy company’s website or mobile app.
One energy retailer has even developed a virtual reality (VR) game that allows customers to explore a virtual home and learn about energy-efficient habits and practices. The game includes a series of challenges and puzzles that teach players about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and other household items.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets that cannot be replicated or exchanged for other assets. They are gaining popularity in various industries, including the energy sector. As an energy retailer, you can use NFTs to give your customers a unique and secure way to purchase and track their energy usage.
Gamification has the potential to be a powerful tool for engaging and motivating energy consumers to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. By offering rewards and incentives for energy-saving behaviors, energy companies can help their customers become more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious.
Another way to use NFTs is to reward customers for reducing energy consumption. For example, companies can create NFTs that represent a certain amount of energy savings and offer them to customers who are able to reduce their energy usage by a certain amount. This not only incentivizes customers to be more energy efficient, but it also provides them with a unique and valuable asset they can trade or hold onto.
In addition to providing a secure and transparent way to purchase and track energy usage, NFTs can also be used to create a more engaging and interactive customer experience. For example, companies can use NFTs to host virtual events or competitions, where customers can earn and collect unique NFTs for participating.
The use of NFTs in the energy industry has the potential to provide a more secure, transparent, and engaging experience for customers. By implementing NFTs, energy retailers can improve the customer experience, incentivize energy efficiency, and drive greater customer loyalty.
Overall, gamification has the potential to be a powerful tool for engaging and motivating energy consumers to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. By offering rewards and incentives for energy-saving behaviors, energy companies can help their customers become more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. Additionally, by making the process of saving energy more engaging and fun, gamification can help to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
