Online HomeEnergyCalculator™ Helps DEC Consumers Manage Energy Costs

Greenwood, DE--Consumers looking to lower their home energy costs can now go to Delaware Electric Cooperative's Web site for some fast -- and fun -- help. With just a few mouse clicks, DEC's new HomeEnergyCalculator™will analyze the home's current energy use and allow the homeowner to simulate various energy saving measures to see the corresponding dollar savings.

"We want to provide our customers with one more element of education over their home energy use," said Account Manager, Kevin Yingling. "This interactive calculator takes the mystery out of where their energy dollars are going and it shows consumers what they really want to know: how much money can they save if they implement certain conservation measures."

Delaware Electric Cooperative selected the HomeEnergyCalculator™, provided by Apogee Interactive Inc., to supplement its consumer education efforts because of its ease of use and how well it approximates savings for homes in the utility's service area. "Users can try changes like adjusting their thermostat settings, turning down their water heater temperature, adding storm windows or changing out their heating system to see how much that measure might save," Kevin explained. The calculator automatically factors in local weather and current electricity prices.

Web-based tools such as the energy calculator are becoming more integral to good, cost-effective customer service as consumers increasingly rely on the Internet to help manage their busy households. This calculator, along with our online bill pay program, updates via social media and other Web site content, greatly expands what our customers can accomplish at their convenience, after business hours. These tools also offer cost savings to the company through reduced customer calls and on-site visits, and that saves money for everyone.

According to Apogee president Susan Gilbert, the HomeEnergy Calculator is one of the firm's most popular applications. "Delaware Electric Cooperative joins over 200 utilities nationwide that have added this educational feature to their Web sites. Its ability to answer customers' questions 24/7 and reduce customer inquiries helps Delaware Electric in accomplishing its goal of increasing customer satisfaction while lowering operating costs."

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving over 77,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware. For more information visit us on the web at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103461800408&s=233&e=001gcNvT4KqoCz2wRG8lec4sqFG-33NXVgUCs0sImMmdNn_X9QH47_Rw0ebCjAMPMkMmQES_nSIxAgxsum4FPbRIC4ru5LO43DqF7JH6awxJb4= or http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103461800408&s=233&e=001gcNvT4KqoCxBmVZJy3MNnlD1cRCj96Ac2VSrw5hG2_wMaZfDoR0VRhaWqEpRWfWg-9awNKL81OXryQF557MCf0DdmU5PLEejzccoT32elf-us126ccJVpQ== or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Apogee Interactive Inc. is the leading provider of online solutions to the energy industry.

Serving hundreds of utilities for more than a decade, Apogee's Web-based content and tools reach millions of electricity consumers daily. The company also provides eLearning systems, call center and bill analysis programs, and load management platforms to utilities and their trade associations throughout North America and New Zealand.