Resources List for Energy Apps for Ontario Challenge

  1. Green Button “Download My Data” standard specifies a well-formatted XML file format for sharing electricity consumption data that is compatible with any operating system or browser.
  2. Green Button “Connect My Data” standard is an API for consumer authorization for automatic direct transfer of their electricity consumption data from their utility to the third party application. The API allows developers to create third party applications that access consumer electricity consumption information and enables them to provide value-added insights, recommendations and controls without the need for customization for various platforms and formats.
  3. Green Button Connect My Data Ontario Reference Architecture is the guidance document for Green Button Connect My Data API implementation in Ontario.
  4. Green Button Connect My Data Test Lab is a simulated test lab environment for application developers to test their Green Button Connect My Data enabled applications with different use-cases described in the standard. Please note: This is a free resource, kindly provided by Affinity Systems. They will do their best to resolve any problems with the service within 5-7 business days.

To access Resource # 1 (Green Button - Ontario - DMD Guidance) visit http://greenbuttondata.ca/resources.
To access Resources # 2 and #3 above complete the Sign-up Form below.
To access to Resource # 4 (Green Button Connect My Data Test Lab) visit https://gbregister.affsys.com.


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About Ontario’s Green Button

The Green Button initiative in Ontario began with a discussion on how to leverage the province’s world-leading investment in smart meters for greater conservation and economic growth. Spurred on by developments in smart meter data access in the United States, the Ontario Ministry of Energy and MaRS Data Catalyst began conversations with industry and regulators on both sides of the border to figure out how to bring the Green Button to Ontario.

In the first phase of Ontario’s Green Button Initiative, the “Download My Data” standard was implemented for over 2.6 million households and small businesses across the province, enabling electricity consumers to securely download their data in a standardized format from their electric utility website and upload it to an app or tool.

In the next phase—the “Connect My Data” standard—software developers are invited to create applications and services that will securely connect consumers and their applications directly to the data stream from their utility (with permission from the consumer). With no need for a download or upload, and a direct connection to their own energy data, these new tools will help consumers better understand and manage their electricity consumption and energy bills.


More info

Check out the following links for more tools and resources:


Submission video tips

Aside from your actual app, your submission video is one of the most important parts of your entry. In fact, it’s often one of the first, and sometimes only, things that judges and voters view. Make a great first impression by following these tips on what to include in your video:

  • Include a step-by-step demo. Demonstrate your technology’s key functionality and features by walking through your app’s features via screencast or video footage of the app working on an appropriate device. While audio isn’t required, narration or text bubbles can help judges and voters understand and appreciate your technology.
  • Keep it simple. Per the official rules, your video shouldn’t be longer than five minutes. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to upload your video. Keep in mind that the time it takes to upload/process a video on YouTube or Vimeo varies greatly depending on the format of your original video, the file size, upload traffic and Internet connection speed, and could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or more.

Don’t know much about making videos? Check out these helpful screencasting tools.


More questions?

If you have questions about the Green Button “Connect My Data” standard API email energyapps@marsdd.com. If you have questions about the Green Apps for Ontario Challenge, email Support@ChallengePost.com.