The series explores real use cases that demonstrate how networked data usage and sharing have resulted in concrete value.
This time, we take a look at the energy market and introduce a case study we at Lakes had actually nothing to do with, but believe is a really nice and straightforward example of measurable value cration through networked data use.
In 2023, a pilot study showed households using an energy tracker app achieving average energy savings of 8% in just 8 weeks, translating to annual cost reductions ranging from €10 for 2-person flats to €100 for 4-person homes. Optimizing energy use is a double win: not only does it empower consumers to save money, but it also contributes to a more sustainable society. This would not be possible without sophisticated use of networked data streams.
The Power of Diverse Data Sources in Energy Management
The success of energy tracker apps highlights the potential of integrating diverse data sources into energy management solutions. However, this process involves overcoming key obstacles in the collection and use of networked data.
- Breaking Silos in Data Access: Smart energy management relies on accessing and harmonizing data streams from various sources, including:
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- Smart meters: Delivering precise, real-time insights into household energy usage patterns.
- Weather data: Offering predictive insights to anticipate energy needs for heating and cooling.
- Energy pricing data: Allowing consumers to adjust usage to align with cost-saving opportunities during off-peak times. These diverse datasets often reside in separate systems, requiring robust integration frameworks to ensure seamless access and usability.
- Turning Data into Actionable Insights: While raw data is valuable, its true potential lies in its interpretation. Advanced AI and data analytics models enable the conversion of complex data sets into user-friendly visualisations and actionable recommendations, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
- Driving Consumer Awareness: One of the biggest challenges in energy conservation is the lack of awareness among consumers. Data-driven solutions address this by:
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- Making energy usage visible and understandable through apps and dashboards.
- Providing personalised advice based on unique consumption patterns and external factors like weather and pricing.
By addressing these challenges, networked data solutions bridge the gap between complex energy ecosystems and consumer empowerment. This not only results in energy and cost savings but also fosters a culture of sustainability and responsibility.
Case Study: CKW Energy Tracker
Swedish SaaS company Eliq’s collaboration with energy solution providers like Finnish Lumme-Energia and Swiss CKW is an excellent example of value-creating networked data use. Specifically, the CKW Energy Tracker app[1] uses a combination of smart meter data, weather information, and energy pricing analytics to help customers understand and reduce their energy consumption.
During a 8-week pilot involving 450 users, the app delivered 8% energy savings, with annual cost reductions ranging from €10 to €100 per household depending on size and consumption. These savings were achieved by equipping users with real-time insights into their energy usage and enabling them to make adjustments that aligned with efficiency goals.
Beyond financial benefits, the solution fosters energy conservation awareness, empowering individuals to adopt sustainable practices. The app’s high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 47% underscores its effectiveness in engaging consumers and driving positive behavioral change. As energy costs continue to rise, solutions like the CKW Energy Tracker provide a critical pathway to smarter, greener, and more affordable energy use.
[1] https://eliq.com/case-studies/ckw-energy-tracker-8-savings-delivered-in-8-weeks/
Joel Himanen, 