AEP Ohio (gridSMART® Mobile)

Goal/ Objective:

The goal of this outreach program is to educate a targeted group of consumers on the AEP Ohio gridSMART program - an innovative energy efficiency technology project based on digital smart meters targeting 110,000 homes in northeast central Ohio. A primary project objective was to engage these customers in memorable, but simple, interactive education experiences that would encourage their acceptance and use of the new meters and associated technologies. From this initial education and outreach goal, AEP Ohio has now shifted the focus of their initiative to market rate-based and bill credit programs.

Strategies:

• A sophisticated, mobile outreach and marketing center was designed and built in order to deliver the educational messages through targeted events and venues.
• The completely custom 40-foot gridSMART Mobile Education Center features six multi-media and touchscreen exhibits to engage consumers in topics including smart meters, current and future energy saving technologies, AEP Ohio sponsored energy programs, and renewable resources.
• The mobile center was also built with functional "green" components including solar panels, a roof-top wind turbine, LED lighting, a state-of-the-art energy efficient hybrid diesel engine and generator, as well as recycled flooring and walls.
• Brand ambassadors engage tour visitors to register them for a variety of energy savings programs, including home energy audits and assessments.
   

Results:

• The gridSMART mobile tour has made stops at dozens of large community fairs and festivals, home and garden shows, and municipality outreach events within the target area starting in 2010  in order to provide maximum exposure of the Smart Meter program.
• Since the launch of the tour, the gridSMART Mobile has had a presence at over 57 key events, captured the attention of over 21,000 tour visitors, and will continue its tour throughout 2012.
   

 

Please visit the AEP Ohio gridSMART  website to learn more.