Utilities harness social media to spread their message
BURLINGTON—This spring, Vermont Gas and Burlington Electric Department partnered with Efficiency Vermont to launch a contest challenging customers to go viral with 60-second videos showing why their homes need energy makeovers.
Customers were encouraged to share their videos via Facebook. The video receiving the most fan votes won a “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR” project of up to $5,000 with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor of their choice. As if that weren’t enough, the winner also received a new Nest thermostat and ENERGY STAR LEDs. Appropriately, the contest concluded on Earth Day, April 22.
“We know our efficiency programs work—we hear from our customers how happy they are that our energy experts have been able to help them save money and reduce their energy needs,” said Beth Parent, Vermont Gas communications and brand manager. “This contest is a great way for one lucky winner to transform their home and let thousands of others know we can help, even if they don’t win the grand prize.”
Twenty-two families entered the contest, and their videos generated more than 2,500 votes. “The people who submitted videos were just so creative and engaged. The videos were remarkable, with all ages involved,” said Hillary Andrews, brand manager for Efficiency Vermont. “We had grandmothers and their grandchildren submitting videos, people rapping, people singing songs. The demographics were much broader than what we anticipated.”
The Lorentz family, of Rutland, produced the winning video, We’re Frozen!, which received over 900 votes. Three runners-up won free home-energy audits and up to 12 LEDs.
To watch this year’s winning submission, visit Efficiency Vermont’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/79d6ETdE7dg. — Bob Bittner