Recent weather events here on the East Coast have highlighted how much we depend on digital technology and energy. As previously stated, I along with many others prepare for weather events by charging our gadgets, sometimes to the neglect of some basic measures like filling up our gas tanks. Yes, digital steals the show. We focus on digital, sometimes to the point of addiction, and ignore energy...until it is not there. There to power our digital gadgets, our cars, etc., energy is essential. It is the driving force behind everything we do. While it is convenient and sometimes merited to blame the energy companies, as individuals we can't afford to take energy and our use of it for granted. We must develop an aptitude for how our use of energy impacts our energy future. Today I introduce two resources to help us develop digital and energy literacy.

Neustar has a great program powered by EverFi called My Digital Life. It is a school and, of course, an online curriculum designed to provide students with knowledge to leverage technology in a responsible way. Privacy, security, cyber-bullying, digital relationships and digital addiction are addressed. But it does not stop there. To power the next generation of leaders, many who may one day work at energy companies, the curiculum teaches digital skills such as maintaining a responsible social networking profile, blogging and evaluating online research sources for legitimacy. This is a wonderful product and Neustar provides it free of charge to schools in California, Kentucky and Virgina. I hope they launch an adult version as I know many who would benefit.

DOE released a guide, Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education, that identifies seven Essential Principles and a set of Fundamental Concepts to support each principle. The guide focuses on essential energy issues relevant for all citizens K-Gray. It presents energy concepts that, if understood and applied, will help individuals and communities make informed energy decisions.

Today’s post also highlights the need for regulators to stay current as they address important cost recovery issues related to the smart grid. In a technology-driven information age, the measure for cost effectiveness may be different. Customer benefits may not mean an overall lower customer bill. I am sure I pay more for phone service today but I get many benefits, such as the abilty to type this blog and Facetime with my son.