USAGE CONTEXT

Are You Using Too Much?

"You use more than average" is useless without context. We compare you to homes that actually match yours.

See where you stand. Spot problems early. Find your efficiency potential.

How We Compare

Why Utility Reports Are Useless

What Your Utility Sends

• "Neighbors" includes apartments, mansions, vacant homes
• No weather adjustment
• No information about WHAT to do
• Updates quarterly (if that)

Result: Panic over meaningless "32% above neighbors"

What We Show You

• Compared to homes YOUR size and age
• Weather-normalized for fair comparison
• Shows "efficient" target to aim for
• Updates daily with actionable insights

Result: Manageable "8% above similar homes" reality check

The difference matters: A 32% "above neighbors" panic becomes an 8% "above similar homes" reality check. Maybe you have one more occupant. Maybe your AC is slightly older. That's manageable - not a crisis.

See Yourself In Context

Three real comparison scenarios. Which one are you?

1050

Doing Great

Your Home

1050 kWh

Similar Homes

1280 kWh

Efficient Homes

920 kWh

Neighborhood

1340 kWh

You're using 18% less than similar homes. Great job! Your efficiency habits are saving you roughly $35/month compared to your neighbors.

1245

Right On Track

Your Home

1245 kWh

Similar Homes

1280 kWh

Efficient Homes

920 kWh

Neighborhood

1300 kWh

You're right in line with similar homes. Your usage is typical for a home your size in your area. Look at 'Efficient Homes' for potential savings opportunities.

1680

Room to Improve

Your Home

1680 kWh

Similar Homes

1290 kWh

Efficient Homes

950 kWh

Neighborhood

1350 kWh

You're using 30% more than similar homes. This could indicate an efficiency issue, or your home may have more occupants/larger square footage than our estimates.

What Makes Homes "Similar"

We match on factors that actually affect energy usage.

Primary Factors

Square footage
(+/- 15%)
Year built
(+/- 10 years)
Climate zone
(same region)
Home type
(house vs apt)

Secondary Factors

AC type
(central, window)
Pool/spa
(yes/no)
Heat type
(electric, gas)
Solar
(excluded from base)

Adjustments Made

Weather
(cooling degree days)
Seasonality
(month-over-month)
Billing cycle
(days in period)
Holidays
(travel patterns)

How Neighbor Comparison Works

Meaningful comparisons require thoughtful matching.

1

Profile Your Home

We analyze your meter data, public records, and any details you provide - square footage, year built, AC type, pool, etc.

2

Find Similar Homes

We match you against thousands of Texas homes with similar characteristics in similar climate zones.

3

Weather Normalize

Hot week? Everyone uses more. We adjust comparisons for weather so you're comparing behavior, not circumstances.

4

Calculate Percentiles

Where do you fall? Top 10% efficiency? Bottom 30%? We show your position in the distribution.

5

Generate Insights

Raw numbers aren't enough. We tell you what the comparison means and what (if anything) to do about it.

When Comparison Really Matters

Context turns data into action.

Spike Validation

Your usage spiked 40%. Is it just you, or is everyone in your area running AC harder?

If it's just you:

Likely an equipment issue or behavior change. Investigate.

If it's everyone:

Extreme weather event. Normal response. Monitor but don't panic.

Efficiency Potential

You're at 1,400 kWh. Efficient homes like yours use 1,050 kWh. There's room to improve.

The gap shows your potential:

350 kWh x $0.12 = ~$42/month possible savings with efficiency improvements

Common quick wins:

Air sealing, thermostat programming, AC maintenance

New Home Baseline

Just moved? You don't know what "normal" is yet. We tell you what to expect based on similar homes.

First summer shock prevention:

"Similar 2,500 sq ft homes average 1,600 kWh in August. Budget accordingly."

Dispute Evidence

Utility says your usage is normal. Your neighbors had a normal month. You didn't. That's evidence.

Building your case:

"My usage doubled while 500 similar homes in my area stayed flat. Weather was normal. This warrants meter verification."

Comparison Myths vsReality

What people assume vs. what the data shows.

Claim

"You use more than average" utility reports

Truth

Average of WHAT? We compare you to homes that actually match yours - similar size, age, and weather zone.

Claim

Smart thermostats save everyone 20%

Truth

Depends on your baseline. If you already adjust manually, savings are less. We show your actual opportunity.

Claim

"Your neighborhood" is a fair comparison

Truth

Apartments next to mansions? Not useful. We group by home characteristics, not just geography.

Claim

Solar homes are "efficient"

Truth

Solar reduces bills, not usage. We separate solar homes so comparisons are apples-to-apples.

Claim

High usage means something is wrong

Truth

Maybe. But family of 6 will use more than couple who travels. Context matters more than raw numbers.

How "Efficient Homes" Get There

The top 25% aren't magic - they just do these things consistently.

High Impact (100-300 kWh/mo savings)

Thermostat optimization
78+ in summer, 68- in winter, setbacks when away
AC maintenance
Clean filters monthly, annual tune-up, sealed ducts
Water heater settings
120F max, heat pump if electric, timer if TOU plan

Medium Impact (50-100 kWh/mo savings)

LED lighting
Replace all bulbs - LEDs use 75% less electricity
Window management
Blinds closed during day, blackout curtains, window film
Refrigerator check
Clean coils, check seals, proper temp settings

Remember: "Efficient homes" aren't suffering. They're just not wasting. You don't have to live in discomfort - just plug the obvious leaks and your usage drops naturally.

Frequently asked questions

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Related Features

Members Portal

Your complete dashboard with all comparisons and insights.

Spike Detection

Catch anomalies - neighbor comparison adds context.

Plan Performance

Know if your plan is working for your usage level.