Alex Laskey: How behavioral science can lower your energy bill

The video discusses the importance of energy awareness and the impact of energy consumption on climate change. It highlights a behavioral science experiment that showed social pressure can effectively reduce energy use. The speaker introduces Opower, a company that uses behavioral science to help people save energy, resulting in significant savings. The video emphasizes the potential of behavioral science in achieving energy efficiency and calls for changes in utility regulation to encourage energy savings.

What is the main reason people do not pay attention to their energy use, according to the speaker?

• They find it inconvenient to monitor energy use.

• They are not aware of the impact of energy use on climate change.

• They believe energy is too cheap to worry about.

• They do not have access to energy-saving technologies.

Which message was most effective in reducing energy consumption in the San Marcos experiment?

• A message about saving money.

• An environmental message.

• A message about preventing blackouts.

• A message about neighbors' energy-saving actions.

What is the primary strategy used by Opower to encourage energy savings?

• Comparing energy use to neighbors.

• Providing real-time energy usage data.

• Installing energy-efficient appliances.

• Offering financial incentives.

How much energy savings does Opower aim to achieve this year?

• Four terawatt hours

• Three terawatt hours

• Two terawatt hours

• One terawatt hour

What percentage of electricity in homes is wasted, according to the speaker?

• 40%

• 30%

• 20%

• 10%

What does the speaker suggest is the most overlooked resource for achieving a sustainable energy future?

• Wind energy

• Solar energy

• Nuclear energy

• Behavioral science

What change does the speaker propose for utility companies?

• Increase energy prices to discourage waste.

• Reward customers for using more energy.

• Reward customers for saving energy.

• Invest in more coal power plants.