PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. – November 21, 2019 – Franklin Energy announced today that they are launching enhanced voice capabilities with Xcel Energy, through a collaboration with Google, in early 2020.
Earlier this year, Xcel Energy launched voice control features to allow their customers to complete tasks such as retrieve utility billing data and obtain energy-saving tips from their Google Assistant, a voice assistant.
Franklin Energy and Xcel Energy are working together to build an online customer engagement platform with expanded voice capabilities through NGAGE Customer™, Franklin Energy’s technology platform.
Once the additional capabilities are launched, Xcel Energy’s electricity customers in Minnesota will be able to ask their Google Assistant, “What is my bill going to be this month?” and receive a projected bill amount based on their month-to-date electricity usage.
“We are excited to offer our customers the most up-to-date information to help them manage their electricity usage and ultimately their bill,” said David Harkness, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions at Xcel Energy.” We are pleased to be working with Franklin Energy to offer this service on Google Assistant.”
Additionally, users with a Google Nest Hub will be able to see a visual graph of their usage for the current billing period along with the anticipated dollar and usage amount expected by the end of the billing period.
Franklin Energy currently supports additional key commands that allow Xcel Energy users to ask their Google Home the total of their latest utility bill and the status of their current usage level. By continuing to expand additional NGAGE Customer™ capabilities with the power of voice, Franklin Energy aims to support utilities in creating a smart, personalized energy assistant for every customer who wants one.
About Franklin Energy
Franklin Energy delivers flexible energy efficiency, demand response, and grid optimization programs that enable utilities to achieve their highest-priority goals. The company’s integrated in-house services and proven software provide deeper personalization and insights, acting as a true partner to utilities. Franklin’s NGAGE™ platform is a scalable end-to-end technology that seamlessly integrates utility portfolio programs into a single interface for more efficient management and more effective customer engagement. The company is celebrating its 25th year serving the utility industry, with solutions implemented by more than 1,000 experts in more than 60 offices across 26 states and provinces.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.