Intelligent Energy Management Within the Smart Cities: An EU-GCC Cooperation Opportunity

The aim of this chapter is to present an “app-in-context” framework, extending sophisticated Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based energy management systems in order to empower building occupants to engage in energy efficiency through behavioral change. Innovative user-friendly applications are proposed, to convert data from smart meters into value for the buildings’ occupants, through actionable personalized information, recommendations and incentives for behavioral energy efficiency. Τhe personalized persuasive suggestions are coupled with an innovative reward incentive mechanism (using energy currency) in order to nudge end-users into more efficient usage of energy consuming devices and enhance participation and effectiveness of energy conservation actions. The proposed “app-in-context” framework can support European and Gulf companies to acquire and retain energy consumers, as well as improve consumers’ satisfaction through the innovative reward program.