Energy Consumers Edge is an independent educational project focused on home energy use, utility bills, appliance costs, and related decisions. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated tools to assist with our work. This policy explains the principles intended to guide their use.
Our goal is to provide information that is useful, transparent, and supported by appropriate sources. AI can assist with parts of the process, but a person responsible for the content remains accountable for what is published.
How We May Use AI
Depending on the task, AI tools may help us:
- Develop topic ideas, outlines, or questions for further research.
- Organize information and compare possible explanations.
- Draft or edit text for clarity, structure, and accessibility.
- Explore examples, formulas, code, or possible calculator improvements.
- Assist with visual concepts or illustrations where appropriate.
These uses do not mean that every article, image, or tool was created with AI. The way a piece is produced may differ according to its purpose and the resources used.
Human Responsibility and Review
Before publication, a person responsible for the material should review it for accuracy, clarity, relevant sources, and suitability for readers. The reviewer should check important numbers, assumptions, units, and limitations rather than rely on an AI-generated answer alone. developers.google.com
Some subjects may require additional technical or specialist review. We will identify an expert reviewer or describe a review process only when that review has actually taken place. We do not claim that every page has been reviewed by an engineer, utility professional, or other specialist.
Sources and Fact-Checking
AI output can contain incorrect figures, outdated information, fabricated citations, or descriptions that do not reflect the cited source. AI-generated text is therefore not treated as independent verification of a claim.
We aim to check substantive claims against appropriate sources, such as government energy data, utility tariffs, program documents, research publications, or manufacturer specifications. Where a source is cited, we seek to verify that it exists and supports the relevant statement.
Rates, incentives, and energy rules can change and may apply only to a particular location or period. We aim to identify those limits and check the relevant source before presenting a time-sensitive claim.
Calculators and Numerical Examples
AI may assist with exploring formulas, writing code, or preparing examples. It does not replace validation of a calculator’s method or results.
Before a calculator is published or a material change is made, the intended checks include comparing representative results with worked examples, reviewing units and input handling, and checking assumptions and relevant boundary cases. Results should be described as estimates unless they represent actual measurements.
We do not present AI-generated numbers, imagined test results, or unverified savings claims as measured evidence. Our Calculator Methodology & Validation page explains the intended approach in more detail.
Images, Illustrations, and Attribution
AI may be used to develop or create illustrations where suitable. An AI-generated image should not be presented as a photograph of an actual event, product test, person, or location when it is not one. Where the method of creation matters to understanding an image, we aim to label or describe it clearly.
We do not intend to invent authors, credentials, interviews, quotations, sources, or endorsements. Use of third-party material remains subject to applicable permissions, licenses, and attribution requirements.
Reader Information and Privacy
Readers should avoid including account numbers, payment details, full utility bills, or other sensitive information in a general contact message. When using external tools, we aim to limit the information provided to what is necessary and handle personal information in line with applicable requirements and the site’s privacy practices.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy for information about how the site handles personal information. Third-party services may have their own terms and privacy practices.
Corrections and Feedback
Human review does not guarantee that content will be error-free. If you notice an incorrect statement, questionable source, misleading image, or calculation issue, please contact us with the page address and details. We aim to review credible reports and make corrections where appropriate, as described in our Corrections Policy.
We may update this policy as our tools, workflows, and understanding change.