Fortunately, this quirk of human behavior — that we respond strongly to peer influence — can be used for good.

In the latest example of this, one of our newest international utility partners, E.ON, is now airing an entertaining TV campaign in the UK that highlights how empowering consumers with personalized data analysis can help them make better decisions about their energy use.

One of Opower’s utility clients down under, EnergyAustralia, recently launched a lighthearted TV campaign to promote eWise, their newly rebranded Opower product (formerly MyEnergyReport). The series of commercials uses humor to capture customers’ attention, evoking images of extreme home energy consumption, such as two kids playing videogames in their living room sauna and a man who keeps a television in his refrigerator.

The message is clear: there are simple steps that people can take to reduce their home energy usage, and eWise can help make that happen. And the ads make the topic of energy consumption refreshingly fun and interesting for the public.