The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has called on the public to become ‘citizen scientists’ by using its online app to provide it with information on how they consume, generate and interact with energy.
Energy Director at CSIRO, Tim Finnigan said that by using the Agency’s Energise app, householders could help paint a clearer picture of Australia’s energy usages which would be used to guide research and decisions about the country’s energy future.
“For example, solid data can help overcome information gaps around how much households pay for energy, what is driving these costs, and how to reduce these costs into the future,” Dr Finnigan said.
He said the app was a key component of CSIRO’s Energy Use Data Model project, which was 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,” Dr Finnigan said.
“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.”
He said the app would follow users’ responses over time and ask questions in response to specific events, like how air conditioning was used on hot days, and how that could then improve understanding and management of peak energy consumption.
He said CSIRO Energise was intended as a two-way communication channel, with users receiving insights including tips for energy efficiency.
“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.”
The Energise app is available now and can be downloaded free from the usual app stores.
