# Energy-Sharing Networks The Gridmates Platform Allows Users to Donate Energy to Their Neighbors By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-10-29 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-sharing References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/platform-lets-homeowners-donate-energy/) & [gridmates](http://www.gridmates.com) This energy sharing network lets homeowners donate their excess energy to others in the area who need it. The [peer-to-peer model](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neigbordrop) called Gridmates is set to launch in December 2014 with hopes that by making networks smarter people can better share the resources they have. Believing that we are all interconnected, Gridmates wants the access to energy to be equal. Whether homeowners generate their own energy or not, they can log on to the Gridmates P2P network. Users can pledge some of their energy to [local non-profit organizations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/more-power-together) or other neighbors (perhaps those in energy poverty or the elderly). The energy sharing platform works with utilities providers to process donations and redirect the energy. Users have the option of donating funds towards another's energy bill or ask part of their own bill be rerouted. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Energy Sharing Network:** Platform models like Gridmates have disruptive opportunities for enabling energy sharing and access between the community members. - **Peer-to-peer Model:** Using P2P networks like Gridmates are disruptive opportunities for creating a direct connection between energy producers and consumers. - **Smart Energy Networks:** Smart and collaborative energy networks through platforms like Gridmates are disruptive opportunities for creating new business models and rethinking the traditional utility supply chain. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Energy:** The energy industry can benefit from disruptive innovations in energy sharing networks like Gridmates. - **Technology:** The technology industry can benefit from disruptive innovations in smart energy networks and peer-to-peer models such as Gridmates. - **Non-profit Organizations:** Non-profit organizations stand to benefit from disruptive innovations in energy sharing platforms like Gridmates as they can receive donated energy for redistribution to the less privileged members of the community. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Shared Solar Metering Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discoms.md) - [Community-Owned Solar Microgrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communityowned-solar-microgrids.md) - [Peer-to-Peer Sharing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapp.md) - [Innovative Energy Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-energy-programs.md) - [Automated eMobility Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tibber.md) - [Roommate Utility Bill Splitting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bill-splitting.md) - [Child-Specific Peer Donation Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lets-match-mums.md) - [Innovative Smart Grid Software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-grid.md) - [Smart Home Energy Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homey-energy-dongle.md)