San Diego utility promotes energy conservation via mobile

By Giselle Abramovich

July 14, 2008

Hard facts from hard hats

San Diego Gas and Electric is conducting a mobile campaign to educate consumers on how they can save up to 20 percent on their energy bill.

The call-to-action is being broadcast through cable television spots. Viewers are encouraged to text the keyword CARE to short code 74642.

“San Diego Gas and Electric wanted to ensure the discount would be provided only to those customers who met specific criteria,” said Shira Simmonds, president of Ping Mobile, the Teaneck, NJ-based company managing the text campaign.

The discount is given to those with a specific income level and number of people living in the home.

Ping Mobile worked together with Cox Media to clearly define this message in the TV spots running as well as in the SMS content.

Tips light up screen

Once consumers text in, they receive a text back with a link to the Web site.

Consumers can also click-to-call to be connected to San Diego Gas and Electric from their mobile phones for more information. In a few seconds consumers receive another text requesting a double opt-in.

The text reads, “San Diego Gas and Electric saves you money! Reply YES to this msg to join our VIP Mobile Club + get exclusive offers and energy saving tips! Max 4 msgs/month.”

To unsubscribe users can text in "stop" to short code 74642.

“San Diego Gas and Electric’s intention was to compile and maintain their customers’ permission-based mobile phone numbers to contact them in the future to receive further discounts in addition to energy-saving tips,” Ms. Simmonds said.

Ping Mobile is running a slew of mobile campaigns for clients across industries.

Las Vegas’ Orleans Stadium Hotel and Casino used Ping Mobile to promote concerts (see story).

Additionally, the Wyndham hotel chain is running a mobile campaign for its Days Inn Business Place division to compile a database of prospects for remarketing. Ping Mobile is managing this effort as well (see story).

“Mobile creates a direct line of communication from San Diego Gas and Electric to their customer base,” Ms. Simmonds said. “The click-to-call feature enables customers to connect directly with the client, at a time most convenient to them.”

Comments on "San Diego utility promotes energy conservation via mobile"

1. Leil Riley says:

   July 14, 2008 at 3:02pm

   I hope the next SMS project we'll be seeing is about oil conservation or better yet, free oil coupons or oil discount coupons. That will be more and very much appreciated.