Is it the look that makes it better?

I recently was given an opportunity to take a short online survey for my local energy company. Come to find out it was a survey for a facelift of their website. HUH? Are they serious? Don't they provide energy?

Anyway, to put it out on the table, I stomached my way through the survey because I had a chance to win an "8 Gig media player with touch technology". Is there anyone out there that doesn't know that they're suggesting an iPod touch? Correct me if I'm wrong, and smack me because I think I really have a chance at winning the "media player".

Moving on, I find it fascinating that people want their websites to be more modern, beautiful, easy to use, and more informational, but don't think about making it useful for the people that want to use it.

I suggested in the last comment box (you know, the one where they want you to add any other comments and nobody does) that they should make the front page customizable, like Google. I also suggested that they allow me to see my energy usage in real-time. How cool would it be if I can get all new energy efficient light bulbs and see my energy usage plummet right in front of my eyes.

I'm tired of working for my energy mogul. They need to rethink how they work with their customers in the face of escalating environmental issues. Technology is an easy tool that companies can use to inspire customers to rethink the way they use energy.

Tell me, and the energy companies, what you think.