• September 17, 2012

Electric utility ComEd has unveiled four online games designed to teach consumers more about how to manage their energy use and save money, as well as give updates about modernizing the electric grid.

The four games, “Energy Efficiency 101,” “Fast Fridge,” “Smart Home,” and “Power On” are playable through ComEd.com and ComEd’s Facebook page. Select games will also be available for download on tablets and smartphones running both iOS and Android.

The games range from quizzes about programmable thermostats, energy efficient appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs (“Energy 101”) to using their memory to remove specific items from an open refrigerator before all the cold air escapes (“Fast Fridge”).

"The new games are a great preview for what's possible with the new smart grid technology and the smart home, as well as teaching players about existing ways to save energy and money," said Jennifer Montague, director of marketing for ComEd, in a statement. "They were designed to be fun for players, but also to teach them about the amount of energy required to power their appliances and how new technology will allow them to better manage their electricity usage."--Aaron Baar