WattTime

WattTime. WattTime is a nonprofit environmental technology organization that develops data-driven solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of electricity consumption. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, its core mission is to enable automated emissions reduction by providing precise, real-time data on the greenhouse gas intensity of the power grid. The organization's tools and APIs are used by a wide range of partners, from Google to General Motors, to shift energy use to times when the grid is cleaner.

Overview

WattTime operates on the principle that the carbon intensity of electricity varies dramatically based on which power plants are generating it at any given moment. By predicting when renewable energy sources like wind power and solar power are abundant, it enables devices and systems to consume power during these cleaner periods. This approach, known as demand response or automated emissions reduction, provides a powerful complement to building new clean energy infrastructure. The organization's work is recognized by institutions like the Rocky Mountain Institute and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times.

Technology and Methodology

The organization's primary technology is its proprietary emissions data platform, which uses machine learning and statistical modeling to forecast the marginal emissions rate for different grid regions. It analyzes data from sources like the EPA's eGRID and real-time grid feeds from independent system operators such as CAISO and PJM Interconnection. This allows WattTime to create detailed, location-specific carbon accounting insights. A key innovation is the development of the Automated Emissions Reduction standard, which provides a verified methodology for quantifying the impact of time-based energy shifting.

Applications and Impact

WattTime's data is integrated into products and services that enable smarter energy use. A prominent application is in smart thermostats and electric vehicle charging, where algorithms can automatically schedule operation during low-emission periods. Major technology companies, including Microsoft and IBM, have utilized its APIs for sustainability tracking. The impact is measured in avoided carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, with projects documented to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of connected devices. Its data also supports corporate sustainability reporting under frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Partnerships and Integration

The organization has established strategic partnerships across the technology and energy sectors. It is a founding member of the Climate TRACE coalition, an independent initiative co-founded with Al Gore that uses artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to track global emissions. WattTime's data is integrated into the energy management platforms of companies like Schneider Electric and Lucid Motors. Furthermore, it collaborates with non-governmental organizations such as the World Resources Institute and utilities like Southern California Edison to pilot and scale grid-responsive programs.

History and Organization

WattTime was co-founded in 2014 by Gavin McCormick and other researchers from the University of California, Berkeley. It originated from research into the real-time carbon intensity of the Texas electricity market. The organization gained early recognition by winning the MIT Clean Energy Prize and later secured significant grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Initially a project of the International Computer Science Institute, it became an independent nonprofit. Its team of data scientists and policy experts continues to be based in the San Francisco Bay Area, driving innovation in climate technology.

Category:Environmental organizations based in California Category:Climate change organizations Category:Technology companies established in 2014