The Rise of Social Media in the Energy Industry: A closer look into the Department of Energy

It looks like the US Department of Energy (DOE) is embracing social media with open arms. Is this a harbinger of communication trends in the energy industry?

In recent years, the energy industry has been positioned directly in the national spotlight. From the unfavorable BP oil spill affecting the Gulf coast to the renewable energy initiatives across the country, energy innovations and issues are ubiquitous, penetrating the blogosphere and making local and national headlines.

As energy companies are soaking in the national spotlight, it’s important that they execute the most innovative and effective communication strategies available. In this fast-paced society where everyone wants information now, real-time communication is more essential than ever.  Thankfully social media is emerging as an effective communication tool for a variety of energy players, from local grassroots advocates and technology innovators, to national organizations like the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).  The Department of Energy, through the use of various social platforms, is now sharing and connecting with the public in real-time.

With an initial presence on YouTube and Flickr posting video clips and photos of recent events, the DOE recently expanded its reach into the social media world with the launch of a new energy blog, and Facebook and Twitter pages. Despite the fact that social media isn’t new to the DOE, it was exciting to welcome @energy to the “Twittersphere.” And if you’re curious like we are, we checked the DOE’s current number of fans and followers. So far, the Facebook page has 1,128 fans and the Twitter page has 2,745 followers – and steadily growing.

In the first post of the new Energy Blog, Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, explains the DOE’s goals for the Twitter and Facebook pages and the new blog.

“While the act of starting a blog is hardly novel, it is a first for us and part of our commitment to achieving the level of transparency, engagement, and accessibility that you should expect from your government,” the Secretary wrote in the first post for the new Energy Blog. “Our goal is to use the Energy Blog and our other social media outlets to show you who we are, what we do, and why it matters to you, while allowing you to connect with us in new and creative ways.”

Chu goes on to say more about the DOE’s new blog and increased social media engagement. We find the post quite interesting and suggest that when you are finished reading this that you head over to Energy Blog and read the entire post.

This is a compelling example that social media isn’t just for the young and savvy crowd anymore. Energy organizations of all types are identifying the need to stay connected with their online communities because they recognize the benefits including managing brand reputation, connecting with new communities, and providing real-time customer service, just to name a few.

Is this a harbinger of communication trends in the energy industry? We think the results will speak for themselves.