DOMI Promotes New Energy-Saving Ideas to Help People Tackle the "Electricity Monster"

In recent years, Taiwan's air quality has deteriorated, with PM2.5 not only being a killer for the respiratory system but also potentially causing macular degeneration from long-term exposure to poor air. Energy conservation and carbon reduction have become a collective responsibility for everyone. In 2013, out of concern for the local environment and energy, DOMI was born. A group of partners, who were not from the energy industry, took on the role of "gardeners" to help customers implement systematic energy-saving measures. This not only saved a significant amount of money but also reduced energy waste, planting the seeds of change for future generations.

Taiwan's First "B Corporation" – Creating Shared Value through Energy-Saving Services

Faced with the deteriorating air quality, how can we respond? One of the founding "gardeners" of DOMI, Tammy, who had worked in Beijing for eleven years, returned home because she could no longer tolerate the environmental pollution. Upon returning, she realized that Taiwan's situation was not much better. As a mother, she began to think, "Is this the environment my children have to grow up in?" Although the damage caused by carbon emissions occurs every second, compared to issues like food safety and hygiene, people do not feel the direct impact of air pollution and often do not prioritize it. "We have to do something to make energy-saving and carbon reduction simple and rewarding, truly integrating it into daily life." Thus, Tammy and a group of like-minded partners founded DOMI, connecting energy-saving services with environmental betterment. The company received international certification from B Lab the following year, becoming Taiwan's first "B Corporation" and continuing to move toward goals that benefit the world through business practices.

Systematic Monitoring of Power Usage – Tailored Energy-Saving Environments

The entrepreneurial energy that Tammy accumulated in Beijing is now integrated with energy-saving initiatives, using multifaceted services to convey the concept of environmental betterment.

In order to integrate energy-saving awareness into people's daily lives, Tammy observed that while everyone knows LED lights are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, many are unsure how to choose the right product when faced with a wide variety of options in the market. Additionally, the timers available on the market for energy-saving purposes are often complex and not user-friendly, leading to low usage rates. To address these issues, DOMI not only carefully selects lighting products from reputable manufacturers but also introduced the easy-to-use "Energy-Saving Little Ball" to simplify and improve the traditional energy-saving timer, solving its complex and unintuitive design.

In addition to selling energy-saving equipment like LED lights and timers, DOMI's main service is to assist businesses in energy management. Using a systematic energy monitoring program, DOMI can immediately display the current electricity usage, and then take targeted action by replacing equipment and adjusting power consumption. "Electricity bills come every two months, and even after replacing equipment, the savings might not be immediately noticeable," Tammy explained.

"However, after partnering with Microsoft, we began promoting energy management systems that allow customers to track their power usage clearly and in real-time through an app." What often surprises customers, she said, is the standby power consumption that occurs after working hours. "Last week, I visited a breakfast shop customer, and their standby power usage accounted for 41% of their total energy consumption in one month. If their monthly electricity bill was NT$10,000, that means NT$4,100 was wasted on standby power."

The Good Forest Movement in Taiwan – Creating a Green Circular Economy

Thanks to the persistent efforts of the "gardeners," DOMI's philosophy has gained positive feedback, and the company has now been featured on big news media such as United Daily News and BELLAVITA. However, DOMI has not slowed down; recently, they partnered with the government to launch the "Good Forest Movement in Taiwan," aiming to help 50,000 businesses across the island reduce their electricity usage by 20%. This initiative not only saves money for businesses but also contributes to preserving Taiwan's forests.

Tammy explains that the Good Forest Movement consists of three steps. After businesses pass the audit, DOMI first provides equipment and technical guidance to help reduce electricity costs. Then, businesses independently organize energy-saving activities, allowing consumers to participate and understand the process. Ultimately, a cycle of energy conservation and shared benefits is formed throughout Taiwan. Throughout this process, businesses do not need to pay any additional costs.

Although environmental betterment was the founding mission of DOMI, as a business, it still has financial needs. "We sign two-year contracts with businesses, during which the energy monitoring features will continue to be upgraded. Businesses can choose whether to continue using the service after the contract period," Tammy explains. If a business chooses to continue using the advanced features after two years, DOMI will charge a software monthly subscription fee. However, if they choose to maintain the basic functions, no additional fees will be charged, depending on the business's evaluation.

Partnering with the Government for Public Welfare – Illuminating Energy-Poor Households

DOMI has a singular goal but countless initiatives. For them, improving the environment has never been about repeatedly executing the same project. With financial support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, they launched a public welfare program called *Lighting Up Infinite Hope*, aimed at assisting "energy-poor" households—families whose energy expenses exceed 10% of their monthly income—by replacing outdated lighting equipment. However, the initial promotion of the program was challenging. "We reached out to 10,000 households, but less than one-tenth were willing to trust us," said Tammy. Over time, as their reputation grew, the program has successfully brightened over 3,600 homes.

Tammy recalled a surprising discovery when visiting these households: "Despite having only a few family members, their electricity bills were shockingly high!" The main culprit was the presence of old, second-hand electrical appliances, which consumed excessive amounts of energy—like feeding an electricity-hungry monster. In response, DOMI’s "gardeners" not only provided LED lighting replacements but also educated households on energy-saving practices, helping them cut unnecessary power waste.

Tammy shared heartwarming moments from their follow-up visits: children would run up to them, smiling and shouting, *“Thank you, auntie and uncle!”* Once tightly shut doors were now open with warmth and trust. She further pointed out a deeper issue—many social problems, including sexual assault and domestic violence, often thrive in darkness. The ‘Lighting Up Infinite Hope’ initiative is not just about reducing electricity bills—it also seeks to tackle societal issues through the lens of illumination, bringing both light and hope to those in need.

DOMI extends its services to the darker corners of society while simultaneously strengthening awareness of energy conservation.

Since its founding, DOMI has upheld the "One Reduction, One Addition" philosophy to connect various sectors and advance environmental well-being. "Reduction" refers to lowering carbon emissions by upgrading equipment or adjusting energy usage, emphasizing that saving electricity is also a form of financial savings. "Addition" involves planting tree seedlings and fostering deep-rooted energy-saving awareness.

Beyond hosting annual ‘Green Tree Parties’—where adults and children alike experience the importance of the environment—DOMI has also created energy conservation-themed picture books. These books help children learn to save electricity at home, cultivating good habits from an early age. "Never underestimate a child's ability to absorb ideas," says Tammy. "If children develop these habits now, the future environment can truly become better."

Cultivating the next generation's awareness of energy conservation is one of DOMI's key initiatives.

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This article is a translated article originally published by mirror media