The SJVCEO was recently introduced to a new program opportunity that we wanted to share with you all. Packetized Energy’s program, “Get Nimble Cali”, was recently launched and is here to offer services and assistance to California residents! This CEC EPIC-funded pilot’s goal is to sign-up residential customers throughout all of CA's three big IOU service territories (including nested CCA territories) and deploy thousands of connected, smart energy devices such as free smart thermostats and smart plugs.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Packetized Energy staff to learn more about the program and how it can best serve our communities in the San Joaquin Valley, the High Desert, and over to the coast. Please see below for the responses from the “Get Nimble, Cali” program staff to learn more about the this opportunity!

How does your program differ from other similar offerings that are on the market?
Our program stands apart in at least 4 distinct ways. First, our program is easy to join (honestly, it takes less than 5 minutes) and accessible to anyone who receives an electric utility bill from either Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE or “Edison”), or San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Second, there is zero upfront cost nor other long-term obligation or fee for participation. Our participating customers are rewarded from day one. Third, we place a high emphasis on a fun, informative, and educational customer experience via our Nimble App (available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play). And fourth, we strongly believe that altruism and local community connections are integral components in driving new household adoption and ongoing participation. We’ve made local community partnerships and community nonprofit donations a centerpiece of our program deployment model. 

This program really starts making a difference once a lot of people sign up. The beneficial impacts of our technology – reducing utility bills, improving local air quality, increasing renewable energy, lowering carbon emissions, and avoiding blackouts – become tangible as we scale the deployment of connected smart devices into our platform. For our program to achieve success at scale, we have made it incredibly easy for people to join our program, get rewarded for participation, stay engaged and informed about their home energy use, and drive investment in local community.

What are the benefits that a customer can receive beyond the residential home devices?
Customers are directly awarded for their participation with reward points that they may redeem for gift cards, including Visa gift cards. We also make big donations to local nonprofits when community point targets are achieved. In addition to individual and community rewards, customers will be able to see how much energy they use at different times of day, and how clean or dirty that power is. This provides valuable insight for customers to better understand their household energy use and resulting carbon emissions, which they can use to make informed decisions about when to use certain appliances, as well as adopt energy efficiency measures that can lower their utility bills and carbon footprint.

Customers will also stay comfortable during program events. Our patented software technology allows connected smart devices to remain ON to ensure that customers maintain comfort while we continue to deliver valuable services for the utility grid. Not to get too technical, but our software platform packages and delivers valuable grid services by mimicking a technique called packetization that is used in modern internet communications to transfer enormous amounts of data across limited bandwidth infrastructure. 

If your home gets too hot or too cold, your system will automatically turn back on so that you stay comfortable, even if there is a grid event happening. We do not simply turn off devices for extended periods of time. 

How can community organizations become involved in this program?
We need help spreading the word and selecting nonprofits to receive community-driven donations. We encourage local community leaders to reach out to us. We encourage interested community organizations to contact us directly at pierre@packetizedenergy.com. 

The “Get Nimble, Cali” program is designed for all residents across the state regardless of who receive a utility bill from PG&E, SCE or SDG&EIOU. What about the program is specifically beneficial to rural and disadvantaged communities in California?
Because our program does not require any upfront payment nor ongoing fee or other obligation for participation, we believe it is especially beneficial for rural and disadvantaged communities in California.

What is the goal of “Get Nimble, Cali”?
There’s often a mistaken belief that you need to be wealthy in order to help the planet by buying a Tesla, installing solar panels, or donating extra income to a special cause. We disagree. This program is our invitation to everyone, regardless of wealth, home ownership or background, to get involved. When everyone comes together, big change is possible. And big change is exactly what we need. The goal of Get Nimble, Cali is to build a community of people who want to do the right thing for themselves, their kids, and their neighbors.