The Appliance Energy Dot is a small LED indicator that attaches to household appliances and functions like a miniature traffic light for the electricity grid. The device glows green when grid emissions are low and renewable energy is abundant, and red when electricity is coming from higher-emission sources.

The project applies real-time feedback and point-of-decision interventions by providing information exactly when and where energy-use decisions are made. Rather than requiring users to check an app or dashboard, the Energy Dot delivers a simple visual cue directly on appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and EV chargers. By making grid conditions visible at the moment of action, the system helps households shift electricity use to cleaner times of day, reducing emissions while building awareness of how energy systems work.

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