ATLANTA, Dec. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energy analysis and customer engagement software company Apogee Interactive unveiled its new variable data video platform for delivering personalized messages to utility customers at the 8th Annual BECC Conference, opening today in Washington, D.C. The conference draws over 700 energy professionals, policy makers and researchers to explore the drivers behind behavior and decision-making related to energy usage and sustainability.
Apogee's new personalized video messaging system can analyze and explain a customer's monthly energy bill and generate a utility program offer or other relevant message personalized for that customer on the fly. "In this sound bite-driven culture, we're finding these variable data videos prompt 'click-to-open' rates of 50 percent and better," said Brian Jackson, Web Services Manager for Apogee. "Videos are inherently accessible because they easily size to play on any device, and they're proving powerful to driving an effective customer engagement strategy," Jackson said. He noted, a recent study by eMarketer predicts U.S. companies will double their online video spend from $4 billion in 2013 to $8 billion by 2016.
Apogee developed the variable data video platform to provide the nation's electric and gas utilities with a way to cost effectively generating accurate and personalized video messages for customers by using billing history and other variable data. "In the bill analysis mode, the system produces a more engaging experience because it takes into account the customer's own home profile, days of service on their bill, current local energy costs, local weather corresponding to the meter-read date, and housing construction norms for that area," Jackson explained.
In addition, Apogee's analysis software and video technology platform can also be used to generate weather alerts based on the customer's service address, extend home energy efficiency improvement offers, invite participation in rebate and other energy-saving programs based on the customer's home profile and appliances, and even provide real-time outage details and updates. These video messages are delivered through emails, eBills, embedded in consumer portals and delivered on mobile devices.
Jackson delivered his presentation, "Energy Communication: Moving the Masses with Personalized Movies," to a packed room of energy professionals during the BECC "Telling Richer Stories with Technology" session held today.
For more information about Apogee's video messaging platform, contact Karen Morris at Apogee at 678-684-6801 or kmorris@apogee.net.
APOGEE Interactive Inc. (www.apogee.net) is the leading provider of online energy analysis, website and mobile applications to 650 electric and gas utilities across the US, reaching more than 56 million customers. Apogee was founded in 1993 and pioneered electronic applications designed to increase a utility's customer engagement and energy efficiency. Today its predictive energy analysis software consistently ranks highest for accuracy and usability. Apogee's clients include leading investor-owned, public and cooperative energy companies such as Con Edison (ED), American Electric Power (AEP), Entergy (ETR), Southern Company (SO), NSTAR (NST), Marietta Power and Jackson EMC.
The BECC Conference (www.beccconference.org) is convened annually by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE) at the University of California, and Precourt Energy Efficiency Center (PEEC) at Stanford University. BECC is the premier event focused on understanding individual and organizational behavior and decision-making related to energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and sustainability. BECC facilitates discussion on innovative policy and program strategies, sharing of important research findings, and building new networks and collaborations to advance energy efficiency.