Nice article. However, your concluding paragraph contains one inaccuracy, namely that “the analysis was of people who signed up for an energy efficiency program.” In fact, the Opower behavioral efficiency programs analyzed for the study are opt-out programs. Tens to hundreds thousands of utility customers are enrolled by default to receive personalized energy efficiency information and advice. More information about the large-scale and opt-out nature of the efficiency program can be found in a recent article on Slate.com about Opower (http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/the_efficient_planet/2013/03/opower_using_smiley_faces_and_peer_pressure_to_save_the_planet.html)

Best,
Barry Fischer
Head Writer, Opower