New App to energise future

A new CSIRO App will gather vital information about the way households consume, generate and interact with energy, and help inform future energy decisions and solutions.

CSIRO is calling on all Australians to be ‘citizen scientists’ and contribute to a better understanding of energy use and needs, simply by using the new CSIRO Energise app.

By using the app, citizens will help to paint a clearer picture with solid data that can help overcome information gaps around households energy costs, what is driving these costs, and how to reduce them in the future.

The app is a key component of CSIRO’s Energy Use Data Model project, which is collating, centralising and enhancing various streams of energy data.

Until now, this information has never been brought together, and the resulting platform will benefit researchers, government and industry.

Over time, users of CSIRO Energise will receive a range of ‘micro-surveys’ covering general household characteristics, tariffs and power costs, energy-usage patterns, appliances, uptake of renewables, and more.

The app will follow users’ responses over time and ask questions in response to specific events, like how air conditioning is used on hot days, and how that can then improve understanding and management of peak energy consumption.

CSIRO Energise is intended as a two-way communication channel, with users receiving insights including tips for energy efficiency in the home, cutting-edge research updates, and short videos from scientists.

Data collected through the app remains on Australian servers, features data encryption and is only accessible to authorised users.

CSIRO Energy Director Dr Tim Finnigan said that by taking part, households across the country will provide valuable data to support the science that will ultimately improve our national energy systems.

“We know the way Australians use energy is changing, but it’s important for us to know how quickly, and what’s driving that change,” Dr Finnigan said.

“CSIRO Energise will help fill missing pieces of the puzzle with robust, objective data in areas where our knowledge is lacking. This will ensure that CSIRO can continue to drive the innovation that guides an affordable, sustainable and reliable energy system.”

Australians are invited to make a valuable contribution to this work by completing these short surveys over time, telling us more about their energy world.

To join the CSIRO Energise team, you can download the app from your favourite store today.