Equilibrium develops app and campaign for Horizon Power’s Power Ahead Research Pilot

Equilibrium is set to play a pivotal role in an Australian-first project that will see 500 Port Hedland residents take controlof their electricity consumption like never before. The East-Perth based digital agency was appointed to develop a smartphone application for iOS and Android platforms to be used to track power usage in Horizon Power’s ‘Power Ahead Research Pilot’.

Set to launch in December, the project will collaborate with customers in the development of an Australian-first mobile based, packaged style off-peak/on-peak pricing model.

Participants will help develop the product by staying within an allocated energy usage limit during the peak period. Those who do will have the opportunity to earn bill credits of up to $1,100 (residents) and $3,200 (businesses).

Equilibrium Account Director, Ryan Weber (pictured), said the 500 Port Hedland residents selected to participate in the program will use the app to actively monitor energy usage and stay on track with the help of alerts,notifications and real time usage data.

“The app features extensive integration with Horizon Power’s internal systems in order to ensure near real-time electricity usageinformation can be delivered to program participants to inform their energyusage behaviours.  We’re working very closely with Horizon Power’s project team to scope, develop and test the app in thelead up to the official program launch in December this year.”

On 1 September the program’s participant recruitment phase went live, with a microsite available as part of a broader integrated advertising campaign across multiple digital and traditional media touch points in Port Hedland, all to mobilise local registration.

Horizon Power’s Project Director Scott Davis said the Power Ahead Pilot Program was exceptional for a number of reasons.

“It is the first of its kind in Australia, and with the helpof Equilibrium, makes use of emerging technologies like never before to explorenew ways of charging for electricity. The app, associated microsite and integrated campaign that Equilibrium has produced is a testament to their versatility in the digital space and demonstrates their ability to tailor robust and user-friendly solutions for what is really quite acomplex project.

“By providing the right incentives to customers and with theright technology in place, we believe there is an opportunity to empower WAcustomers to exert greater control over their consumption and ultimately theirbills, and reduce Horizon Power’s overall cost of supply.”

“Results of the pilot will be shared with Government to inform future pricing policy.”

Equilibrium’s Managing Director, Warren Gibbs said the project was a great demonstration of the agency’s diverse skill set.

“We’re delivering a broad spectrum of complex digital business solutions; from highly technical application and website development, through to integrated creative campaigns. We’re really excited to play such a big role in a project that has potential to change the culture of energy use in WA today and for future generations.”