Got an App Idea? Join the San Diego Apps Challenge discussion

In conjunction with the launch of the Green Button energy data usage tool at the beginning of this year, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has partnered with the City of San Diego and Mayor Jerry Sanders on the AT&T San Diego Apps Challenge. Along with Mayor Sanders and the City of San Diego, SDG&E has challenged the software developer community to create new apps using city and partner data.

Do you have an innovative new app idea? Anyone that is not a developer or doesn’t have time to build an app can share ideas for San Diego apps they’d like to see created.

When SDG&E President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Niggli spoke at an event with Mayor Sanders to kick off the San Diego Apps Challenge recently, he noted that at SDG&E, we are focusing on the customer experience and not just the technology. “Are they using the technology, do they find value in it? This will be a top priority in the app AT&T San Diego Apps Challenge judging process from our perspective and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that will come forth from the community of developers, and possible future opportunities with the energy app developers,” emphasized Niggli.

Developers can enter their app submissions until April 11. A panel of distinguished judges will include a representative from SDG&E along with others from the tech industry, venture capital, and partner institutions, that will select winners, and the general public will vote to identify two “Popular Choice” winners. Among the prize categories is the SDG&E Best Energy App prize for $5,000.

Winners will receive a total of $50,000 in cash prizes as well as promotional exposure. Prizes will be awarded for apps that enhance city services and quality of life for San Diegans, and that use the data in innovative ways. Submitted apps can run on the web, desktop computers, tablets, or smartphones. In addition to energy app ideas, the public is encouraged to share related to energy, tourism, economic development, transportation, the environment, health and other areas.