Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CO-Z App do?
Here at CO-Z we want to help you be more aware of the cleanliness of the electricity delivered to your location, and also make you aware of times your power might be at risk!
Why would I want to download the CO-Z App?
We hope that by providing insight into your electricity, you will be empowered to make a positive enviromental impact when deciding when to use electricity, and keep you safer when your power might be at risk
What does the CO-Z app tell me about outages?
We continuously monitor the power outages and weather forecast in your area, if we detect that the odds of the power going out in your area are going up, we’ll alert you!
Does the CO-Z App tell me how I can impact climate change?
Yes! We will alert you when the cleanest and dirtiest emissions happen during the day so you can plan your energy usage around when it has the lowest environmental impact.
How much does the CO-Z App cost?
Since the CO-Z App is free, does that mean I have to see a bunch of ads?
I have an iPhone; will the CO-Z App work on it?
I have an Android phone; will the CO-Z App work on it?
I don't have a mobile phone; can I use the CO-Z App on my computer?
Can I use the CO-Z App on my Android tablet?
Yes, you sure can!
Can I use the CO-Z App on my iPad tablet?
Yes, you sure can!
Can I use the CO-Z App on my Windows tablet?
My mobile phone isn't an iPhone or Android phone; can I use the CO-Z App?
Unfortunately not yet, this app is for iOS and Android mobile devices only for the time being.
Do you collect any of my personal data and is it kept securely?
We do have some of your personal information, specifically your address when you save a location in the app, and your GPS location when you are using the app. We store this data individually in your profile, and never share or sell it to anyone (I this true?)
Do the data you collect and store remain in the US entirely?
Yes, our data is hosted domestically in Google and Amazon clouds.
Who created the CO-Z App?
Does the App work everywhere in the United States?
Yes, and a few parts of Canada and surrounding areas.
Does the App work outside of the United States?
From where do I download the app?
How do I install the app?
Just search for CO-Z in the app store, and download it there!
Can I install the app to a memory/storage card on my phone?
Sure, if your phone supports it.
Do I need to enter a credit card when I install the app?
What permissions does the App need and why?
We access your GPS location, and log files stored on your phone that the app creates to help us support you when there are problems
My phone is asking me for location permission; why is that?
We use your location to help detect power outages ad outage risks in your area, and to look up information like energy usage profile in your community.
My phone is asking me to grant access to my phone's location; why is that?
We use your location to help detect power outages ad outage risks in your area, and to look up information like energy usage profile in your community.
My phone is asking me to grant file access permission; why is that?
We use this permission to access log files generated by the app, to help us troubleshoot in the event you contact us for support.
My phone is asking me to grant access to photos, media, and files; why is that?
We use this permission to access log files and screen shots generated in the app, to help us troubleshoot in the event you contact us for support.
Why do you need to know my utility?
We use your utility to match you to the correct energy usage data, and also look up information on how you can contact them in the event of an outage.
Do I need my electric bill to set up the CO-Z App?
No, we use your location to find the right power companies and utility details for your area.
Does it matter what I name the location?
Does each icon have a particular use or meaning?
We pre-selected a few options to represent where you might go everyday, if you think of one we are missing, please let us know!
My address is correct, but I don't see my power utility in the drop down.
We’re always adding new utilities to our list, if you don’t see yours let us know by clicking the link below on the account page.
How do I add another location?
What if I don't know which power company serves the new location?
That’s OK, we do our best to automatically select the company closest to your location.
How do I edit a location I entered?
Open the settings menu in the upper left, then select Locations, and then click on the one you want to edit.
How do I change the name of a location I entered?
Open the settings menu in the upper left, then select Locations, and then click on the one you want to edit., then update the name.
How do I change the priority for a location I entered?
Toggle the switch just above the save button on the location editor page to change your primary location.
Can I change the icon I selected for a location I entered?
If someone moves, how to I update their address?
Open the settings menu in the upper left, then select Locations, and then click on the one you want to edit.
Can I add back a location I deleted?
Of course! Just re-add the location as if you were creating a new one
What does the info panel tell me?
The info panel provides a few different charts displaying your current emissions mix for your specific locations, more details about the energy in your region, as well as alerts if there is a chance for power outages in your area.
What does "POWER ON" mean or do?
This indicates if there is a power outage reported for that location.
What is CO2e? Is higher or lower better?
CO2e represent Marginal Carbon Emissions, it indicates the predicted mix between clean and dirty sources of power as it changes throughout the day. A higher number means a dirtier source of power is in use, a lower number shows that our source of power is cleaner.
What does the arrow at the bottom of center panel do?
That will open a drawer with detailed charts and info related to energy production and power outages.
What does the information in the cirles at the bottom tell me?
The circles show several things, The color around the outside will change from green to yellow to red as emissions in your area change from low to high. At the point in the dat with the highest and lowest emissions, well also change the icon and color to let you know when to take action.
What does the leaf in the circles at the bottom tell me?
A red or green leaf will appear when emissions are at the highest and lowest points of the day.
What does the lightning bolt in the cirles at the bottom tell me?
When a caution bolt appears for a location, it means we have detected a weather related outage risk in your area, or detected an ongoing outage in your neighborhood.
What does the color around the cirles at the bottom tell me?
This color indicates the severity of the emissions or outage risk for each location, click the info button to find out more!
What does the line of 3 dots on the top left do?
This opens the settings menu where you can edit your account, manage locations, and find help.
What does the + sign in the circles at the bottom do?
Click the + to add a new location
What do the icons on the bottom do?
Swipe or tap these to show details for your other saved locations.
How do I change the location shown in the center block?
Swipe anywhere on the screen to switch and show details for your other saved locations.
Is there more detail beyond the Home Page and how do I access it?
Use the tabs at the bottom, or the settings button to move to other places in the app, we’re always adding new pages and features!
On the expanded block (opened with the down caretÚ), what do the symbols in the buttons mean?
These buttons allow you to switch between our Emissions view and Outage Risk views.
On the expanded block (opened with the down caretÚ), what does a dot on the buttons mean?
If you see a badge on these buttons, there is an alert to be aware of on that page.
After opening the expanded block (with the down caret), how do I get back to the home page?
Click the up arrow in the information panel, or anywhere else on the screen.
Does the App work everywhere in the United States?
Yes, and a few parts of Canada and surrounding areas.
Does the App work outside of the United States?
The circle with the green icon is a location I have saved, correct?
That’s right, we show your saved locations along side all of the outages we know about on the map.
How do I change to a different favorite location?
You can click the star to bring up your favorite locations, and click one to move to it on the map.
Does the icon color change when there is an outage risk?
Yes, the icon will be red if we detect an outage.
Can I add favorite location by zooming in on the map and selecting it?
Not yet, but stay tuned…we’re always adding features to make the app easier for you to use.
What are the orange dots on the map?
These dots show current power outages reported by each local power company.
When I zoom out, what are the numbers in the orange circles?
These numbers show the total number of users affected by an outage for that area.
If I move around the map some, is there a quick way to get back to my Home?
Yes, just click the star in the upper right, then select the location you would like to see on the map.
Outage Reporting
When I report a power outage through the App, is my utility notified?
We we try to send you to either your utilities web page to report the outage, or provide their contact information for you. We will NOT submit the outage to them on your behalf.
When I have a critical power need and report a power outage through the App, is my utility notified immediately?
We will provide all the information we can find about your utility, but it’s up to you to contact them.
When I report a power outage through the App, what happens next?
If you provided your outage report to your local utility (either over the phone or via their web page, someone from the utility should contact you soon.
What do you mean by "flickering lights"? The ones in my house?
Yes, if all the lights in your house are flickering, it might be an issue with the service connecting your house to the grid.
If I report a flickering (street) light, do you report it to the municipality or utility, if different?
No, but if your lights continue to flicker it could be a sign that your power could go out soon, it’s a good time to prepare using some of our outage tips.
If I report an electrical hazard, do you report it to the utility?
No, well help provide the information to put you in touch, contact your utility directly if there is a dangerous situation created by the hazard you observed.
If I report an electrical hazard such as a line down, do you report it to police or 911?
No, you should contact 911 directly if there is a dangerous situation created by the hazard you observed.
There are a lot of trees with branches above power lines; when does that become a reportable hazard?
Tree limbs become a hazard when they are pushing down on the power lines (like when there is heavy snowfall), or if a limb breaks and is hanging on the line.
How would I know if a transformer is "blown" and should be reported?
What's the difference between Other under Electrical Hazards and the Other category?
None, we put the option in a couple of different places in case you need to report something different.
If I put something under Other, what are the next steps? Will the utility or someone call me?
It’s best to also reach out to your utility to make sure they know.