Bridging the Past with the Future at Utilyze

What if utility companies could reduce costs, engage users, and justify price increases all while improving safety and efficiency for customers? What if the seemingly invisible forces of energy that power our daily lives could be programmed like the money in our bank accounts? Welcome to Utilyze, where we attempt to answer these questions with technical solutions as we accelerate the evolution of utility data: starting with natural gas.

It amazes me that utility technology providers are still peddling paper billing as we approach the intelligence age, but that opens up the opportunity for innovators to actually make utility data useful. Imagine a world where instead of your mailed monthly bill, you have an app that precisely tracks every light switch and water faucet or maybe even the flames on your gas stove.

Utilyze software intends to parlay AI, blockchain, and IoT technologies to change how humans interact with the daily resources they often take for granted. Buzzwords aside, we want to track utility usage to reduce environmental impacts and save lives. Utilyze invites talented individuals to join the unprecedented transformation currently underway at utilities.

From Real-time Banking Data to Energy Analytics

The original idea for Utilyze struck me at a moment that could have gone from dangerous to catastrophic. As I walked into my house one evening, I immediately smelled natural gas and noticed the stove knob was turned on, but it wasn’t lit. Shaking my head, I glanced over at the dining room table and froze. The candle, innocently sitting where it always does, emphasized the real risk here. I realized how obviously blind and ultimately helpless we are to these invisible threats—and how technology could fill that gap.

At its core, Utilyze draws inspiration from the financial world, where companies like Plaid reshaped how we interact with banking data. Think of UtilityAPI and Arcadia as the "Plaids" of utility data—enabling secure, seamless sharing of gas, electric, and water usage data. But unlike budgeting apps that categorize your spending, Utilyze wants to directly impact your utility bill and the climate. Now that the industry has platforms to harness real-time data, we can enable life saving use cases like analyzing water usage to prevent droughts or scheduling EV chargers to avoid grid blackouts.

After being introduced to data sharing platforms while working in fintech strategy, I immediately saw the parallel between what was unfolding with utility analytics. Five states have mandated data portability for utilities which has driven meter infrastructure updates and data pipeline development, allowing for real-time data applications like Sensurance for water and Optiwatt for electric. While penetration of smart meters for electric utilities far outstrips that of natural gas and water, use cases beyond EV charging are only starting to emerge.

Building the Brain Behind Gas Utilities

The possibilities of real-time utility data are vast which is why we’re focused on saving lives first. Utilyze leverages cutting-edge technologies to create a platform that evolves over time. Here’s how:

1. AI and Machine Learning

   
   

   AI and ML models will analyze consumption patterns, delivering insights that help prevent inefficiencies and disasters. Imagine knowing the exact moment your gas stove burner is on or seeing energy spikes that signal inefficient appliances or buildings.

   
   

2. Blockchain for Security

   
   

   By leveraging blockchain, Utilyze will ensure secure, real-time data messages and eventually payments. The ability to permanently post usage data and IP addresses upon logging in will prevent bad actors from getting away with disrupting critical infrastructure.

   
   

3. IoT Integration

   
   

   Utilyze will integrate smart meter and appliance data, making your home an active player in managing resource consumption. We’re attempting to be the first to disaggregate natural gas data in order to distinguish usage between your stove, oven, or heating appliances for instance.

   
   

4. Actionable Analytics

   
   

   Notifications provide real-time insights to users, encouraging proactive decisions and preventing costly or even deadly accidents. These insights ultimately benefit utility companies by reducing risk for their end customers and potentially reducing dispatch and maintenance costs.

   
   

Why Developers Should Join the Evolution

Innovating at Utilyze isn’t only about building the future—it's about refactoring the past. AI Technology will soon turn what was once paper billing into intelligent insights while allowing utilities to do what they’ve done for generations: deliver resources to your home. The problems we plan to solve full of impact:

• Preventing Gas Leaks - Each year, over 600,000 gas leaks occur in the US, leading to injuries, deaths, and tens of millions in damages. In addition, nearly 300 gas explosions occur per year costing at least $122,000 in damages per incident.

  
  

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas - Stanford researchers highlight the environmental toll of gas stoves, which emit methane and nitrogen oxides even when they are turned off. We want to track consumption data to identify faulty or inefficient appliances that can cause us harm.

  
  

• Creative Problem Solving - Utilities often face budget constraints and long sales cycles, making product strategy an art and science at Utilzye. We need creative thinkers to make products that can move quickly in such a regulated and antiquated space.

  
  

Accelerated Evolution at Utilyze

What makes Utilyze truly innovative is its ability to evolve with users. As energy challenges grow, so does the potential for data-driven solutions. Whether it's drought prevention through water usage monitoring or reducing peak power plant demand by managing EV charging, Utilyze intends to position itself to tackle issues beyond natural gas as well.

For developers, this means a chance to work on high-impact projects that require creativity, critical thinking, and a willingness to bridge the past with the future. By joining Utilyze your algorithms could underpin the lives of nearly 200 million Americans that rely on natural gas today. While some contend that regulation will slow residential gas installations, the true market for Utilyze grows as utilities acquire smart meters for real-time data.

An Invitation to Innovators

The evolution of utility data has only begun. If you're ready to build tools that empower individuals, utilities, and governments to reshape resource consumption, Utilyze is the place for you. As innovation is constantly accelerating, our success will depend on how we adapt to the ever evolving needs and technological advancements of humanity.

User Journey

1. Setup:

   • User logs into the portal, adds appliance, and inputs BTU ratings, and fuel type (natural gas or propane)

   • App syncs with Copper Labs smart meter for real-time data.

     
     

2. Real-Time Monitoring:

   • Gas flow data is analyzed every minute, estimating usage based on CFM and appliance profiles.

     
     

3. Alerts:

   • Immediate: Detect and notify unlit burners or potential leaks.

   • Interval-Based: Notify users when appliances exceed specified operation durations.

     
     

4. Data Analysis and Storage:

   • Data is continuously sent to Snowflake for storage and analysis.

   • Reports are generated to help users understand trends and optimize consumption.

     
     

Example Use Case

• A user leaves the stove burner on "low" for an hour straight. The app detects low but steady gas flow and sends an alert:

  
  

  "Your stove has been on for an hour."

  
  

  • Follow-up alerts include energy cost estimates and recommendations to turn off unused appliances.

    
    

This app not only enhances safety but also empowers users to take control of their energy consumption in a seamless and intelligent way.