By partaking in a new research project, Australians can help CSIRO collect data that could slash power bills over time and ultimately improve the national energy system.
With the help of its new CSIRO Energise app launched on Tuesday, the nation’s peak science agency will be looking to obtain solid data that can help overcome information gaps around how much households pay for energy, what is driving these costs, and how to reduce these costs into the future.
This will be achieved through ‘micro-surveys’ run among the app users, covering general household characteristics, tariffs and power costs, energy-usage patterns, appliances, uptake of renewables, and more.
“We know the way Australians use energy is changing, but it’s important for us to know how quickly, and what’s driving that change,” says CSIRO Energy Director Dr Tim Finnigan.
“CSIRO Energise will help fill missing pieces of the puzzle with robust, objective data in areas where our knowledge is lacking. This will ensure that CSIRO can continue to drive the innovation that guides an affordable, sustainable and reliable energy system.”
The app is designed as a two-way communication channel, through which the users will also be able to receive insights, such as tips for energy efficiency in the home, cutting-edge research updates, and short videos from scientists.
“With CSIRO Energise we can ask important questions at critical points in time, for example in the wake of an extreme heatwave or unexpected blackout,” says Project Leader Dr Adam Berry.
“Getting this information quickly and from a broad sample of households means that we can quickly spot issues, and then start working on solutions.“
Download the CSIRO Energise app.
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I presume there is no Windows version of the app???