Ensuring equity in utility workplaces

February 23, 2021 | Sara Patnaude | 6 min read
New
Experts often link diversity and inclusion with organizational and team success. But what does that look like in practice? In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to revisit an E Source Forum 2020 roundtable discussion and share the powerful insights we learned.

What can we learn from utility social media during the Texas and Midwest outages?

February 22, 2021 | Shelby Kuenzli | 4 min read
New
The mid-February weather in many parts of the US has been one for the record books. Residents in Texas and the Midwest are struggling with water and power outages. We’ve gathered examples of how utilities are using social media to warn customers about outages and deliver info.

5 steps to crafting an apology that builds customer loyalty

February 22, 2021 | Joy Herbers | 7 min read
Updated
It wasn’t a great week for apologies. Just ask Ted Cruz. As Texas and the Midwest recover from power and water outages after a devastating winter storm, it’s a good time to start working on sincere apologies.

Energy equity: Utilities can and should lead the way

February 10, 2021 | Sara Patnaude | 7 min read
There’s a problem hiding in the shadows that needs to be solved: high energy burden. More than a quarter of US households spend over 6% of their income on energy, forcing them to decide between necessities like food and heat. Utilities can help; DeAndrea Newman Salvador can show us how.

Can low-income consumers benefit from EVs? Yes, but maybe not in a traditional way

January 29, 2021 | Bill LeBlanc | 7 min read
Over the past two years, virtually every utility or government entity I’ve spoken with about electric vehicles has mentioned a desire to promote equity in electric transportation. But many are having trouble developing solutions. Why? Because they need to reframe the problem and ask new questions.

Gift-of-energy programs can help utilities spread the love on Valentine’s Day

January 21, 2021 | Lisa Schulte | 7 min read
Your customers are getting ready to spread the love on Valentine’s Day. Why not let them give the gift of energy? We’ve gathered utility program examples and explain how you can design and promote an offering that allows a friend or family member to pay some or all of their loved one’s bill.

The E Source Customer Care Service is now the Contact Center Optimization Service

December 21, 2020 | Amy Esensten | 2 min read
We’ve changed the name of the E Source Customer Care Service. You’ll now get best practices, actionable advice, and market research data from the Contact Center Optimization Service. The name is new, but we’re just as passionate about helping you deliver the best possible contact center experience.

COVID can’t contain Christmas cheer: Holiday lighting usage is up

December 17, 2020 | Joy Herbers | 7 min read
Americans are sending 2020 out in a blaze of Christmas-light glory. Compared to last year, they’ve already spent between 10% and 20% more on holiday décor, including lights. We compare incandescent and LED bulbs, explore TRMs for holiday lighting programs, and spotlight some recycling efforts.

Season’s greetings from E Source!

December 15, 2020 | Jeremy Fischer
You’ve come to expect over-the-top holiday cards from E Source, but that wasn’t possible this year. So instead we’ve curated a look back at our favorite moments from holiday card videos of the past and created an assortment of holiday-themed puzzles for you to enjoy. Happy holidays from E Source!

What the results of the US election mean for energy and climate

December 9, 2020 | Essie Snell | 4 min read
The results of the 2020 US elections will have lasting effects on energy and climate policy. We held a webinar with a leading energy and climate policy expert to get her thoughts on the energy impacts and opportunities for utilities following the November election. Here’s what we learned.