The roll-out of smart meters, emergence of home automation technologies and innovations in energy-using equipment will bring significant benefits to consumers and organizations, but many of these benefits will only be fully achieved if consumers, employees and communities are effectively engaged.

At the 2013 Energy Matters Summit, on May 6th & 7th in Toronto, a team of experts will examine the benefits of developing a smarter energy user and showcase related success stories.

Workshop #4 Abstract:

The roll-out of smart meters, emergence of home automation technologies and innovations in energy-using equipment will all bring significant benefits to consumers and organizations, but many of these benefits will only be fully achieved if consumers and employees are effectively engaged. For example, smart meters have the potential to build energy literacy—giving consumers more knowledge and control over their energy consumption. Understanding effective engagement is a complex issue as it boils down to changing energy consumption behaviours and identifying who is best placed to deliver consumer engagement. Utilities, consumer groups, community organizations, local authorities, housing associations, commercial building owners/managers and employers all have important roles to play in delivering effective consumer engagement. Engaged and energy literate consumers in the workplace and at home are crucial to our transition to a low-carbon economy. A smarter energy user will help us meet some of the long-term challenges we face in ensuring an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply.

The following key questions will be explored in this stream:

• Are consumers looking for and finding energy efficient products?
• Could games and social media help people change their energy behaviour?
• What are the strategies for developing successful energy behaviour programs in the workplace?
• How do we scale-up consumer engagement initiatives across an entire community?


The 2013 Energy Matters Summit features 5 workshop streams in addition to 4 keynote speeches over a 2 day period – May 6th and 7th at the Toronto Congress Centre. The full 2013 Energy Matters Summit Workshop Schedule is now available.

Register now for the 2013 Energy Matters Summit as space is limited.