October 31, 2018

Google and Xcel Energy launch new energy solution

Google and Xcel Energy are collaborating to launch of a new tool featuring a set of voice actions for Google Assistant that allows customers to access information about improving energy efficiency in their homes.

 "Xcel Energy is always seeking ways to bring value to our customers through new energy options and enhanced service," said Brett Carter, executive vice president and chief customer and innovation officer at Xcel Energy, in a statement. "We are excited to partner with Google and other tech leaders, as we create new ways to develop and deploy innovative energy solutions for our customers and leverage our investment in smart meter technology."

By working with new products like the Google Home Hub, Xcel Energy will expand its Google Assistant capabilities to give customers the ability to access their account information, receive notifications and personalize their energy management using voice-enabled devices, such as the Nest thermostat.

The statement noted that with the recent addition of the smart thermostat energy efficiency rebates in Texas and Colorado, Xcel Energy is scaling up efforts to deploy smart thermostats for home energy management. And now, with Xcel Energy’s new Google Assistant integrations and actions, that effort is being expanded to provide an easier way for customers to use energy more efficiently.