Energy consumption is an integral aspect of our daily lives, but in a world facing increasing environmental challenges, the way we consume energy needs to change. With India being the third-largest energy consumer globally, the rapid rise in energy demand, particularly in households, has posed significant challenges. As the population and urbanization grow, energy usage continues to soar. However, the reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and oil is taking a toll on the environment, leading to an urgent need for innovative solutions to promote energy conservation.

To address this, the team at MT (mending tomorrow) conceptualized a mobile application based on nudge theory that helps optimize household energy use in India. The app, named EKER which is an energy tracker that aims to shift Indian households toward green energy consumption by encouraging small, sustainable behavioural changes that accumulate into significant energy savings.

The Core of the Problem

India’s rising energy demand, driven by urbanization and income growth, is challenging to manage. Residential energy consumption, primarily for lighting and air conditioning, makes up a significant portion of the country’s total energy usage. Despite government initiatives promoting energy-saving practices, the adoption of these solutions remains low due to a lack of awareness, high upfront costs for energy-efficient appliances, and inadequate incentives for households.

EKER: Empowering households through technology

EKER seeks to bridge the gap by using nudge theory to promote green energy consumption through subtle behavioural changes. The app provides personalized feedback on household energy use and offers custom energy-saving plans. By leveraging social norms and peer comparisons, EKER nudges users to make energy-efficient choices. This approach allows households to track their energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and save on energy bills. Additionally, it prioritizes green energy by providing information about renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.

Key Features of EKER:

• Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Users receive up-to-date feedback on their energy consumption with easy-to-understand graphs and comparisons.
• Personalized Energy Plans: The app analyses energy usage patterns and suggests customized plans to help reduce energy consumption.
• Green Energy Prioritization: EKER provides information on local green energy sources and tips for reducing carbon footprints.