Volt - Power and Utility Tracker
Year 1 (2025-26)
by Connor Burkett
Volt lets homeowners see their energy costs and usage live, so monthly utility bills are no longer a surprise.
About This Idea
Volt makes energy visible. By helping homeowners understand their daily energy usage in real time, it reduces waste, lowers monthly costs, and empowers people to make smarter choices that benefit both their wallet and the planet.
Where Did This Idea Spark at WMU?
This idea began in a Product Design studio course at WMU two years ago, where I started exploring how everyday systems could better communicate with users. At the same time, personally managing monthly utility costs made me aware of how invisible energy consumption leads to both financial strain and unnecessary waste. Over the past two years, I’ve continued developing this concept into a refined, research-driven solution.
Impact in Kalamazoo
If Volt works in Kalamazoo, residents gain better control over their energy spending while contributing to a more sustainable local community. Lower household energy use means financial relief for families and reduced environmental impact. Success here would demonstrate how local adoption can translate into broader regional and global impact.
How Investment Helps
Investment would allow Volt to move from concept validation to real-world implementation in Kalamazoo. Funding would support prototyping, user testing, and collaboration with local households to ensure the solution is both effective and intuitive. The first milestone would be launching a small pilot program with Kalamazoo residents to demonstrate measurable energy awareness and cost savings.
What I'll Do With the Money
40% - Prototype development
Create functional versions for testing and iteration.
30% - Pilot testing in Kalamazoo
Install devices, gather data, and validate user value.
20% - Engineering validation
Confirm technical feasibility and scalability.
10% - Outreach & communication
Recruit users and build early traction.
About the Founder
Hi, I’m Connor Burkett, a Kalamazoo native currently studying Product Design at Western Michigan University. Over the past four years, I’ve also represented WMU competing on the Men’s Soccer Team, which has shaped my work ethic and collaborative mindset. Kalamazoo means a great deal to me, and building Volt here is an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported my growth.