OVO Power Nap voice campaign

We partnered with OVO/Goodstuff/Saatchi & Saatchi and actor James Norton to create an innovative Alexa voice experience that helps households reduce their carbon footprint during peak energy hours. As Head of Product and producer, I led the end-to-end delivery of this award-winning voice experience, working directly with OVO Energy and creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi to bring this interactive sustainability campaign to life.

Role

Role

Head of Product/Producer

Agency

Agency

Goodstuff & Saatchi & Saatchi

Client

Client

OVO

Talent

Talent

James Norton (Actor, Happy Valley)

Year

Year

2024

Challenge

Most people want to reduce their carbon footprint, but don't know when or how. Research showed that only 21% of UK households use appliances during off-peak hours, and many don't realise that timing their energy use differently could lower both emissions and bills.OVO needed a way to make sustainable energy choices feel accessible and actionable, not overwhelming or preachy.

Results

Winner of Best Use of Digital Audio at The Wires Awards 2024 and recognised as one of the Top 5 Audio Ads of the year.

The campaign earned national press coverage including The Times, positioned OVO as a sustainability innovator, and demonstrated how voice technology can drive meaningful behaviour change.

The campaign is now recognised by ISBA & Campaign UK as one of the best digital ads of the last 125 years - cementing its place in advertising history.

Process

Voice Experience Design: I designed the conversational architecture and user flow for the Alexa Skill, mapping out how users would interact with the experience from activation through to completion. This included defining all voice interaction points, decision trees, and fallback responses to ensure a seamless conversational experience.

API Integration & Technical Build: Working with our engineering team, I oversaw the development of a custom API that provided real-time grid data within the voice flow. This API determined whether users should use energy at different times based on current grid demand and renewable energy availability. I specified the technical requirements and ensured the data translated into clear, actionable voice recommendations.

Creative Coordination: I collaborated with Saatchi & Saatchi / OVO to define what needed to be recorded with James Norton and how the audio would flow within the experience. This included outlining all voice segments, energy-saving tips (such as when to charge electric cars or use washing machines), and ensuring the script aligned with the technical capabilities of the platform.

Project Management & Stakeholder Coordination: Throughout production, I managed all aspects of campaign delivery, coordinating between OVO Energy's brand team, Saatchi & Saatchi's creative team, and Amazon's certification requirements. I ensured timelines were met and that all parties aligned on the vision and execution.

Testing & Certification: I led the testing phase with Amazon, managing the submission process, quality assurance, and certification requirements to ensure the skill met all platform standards. This included testing across multiple Alexa devices and user scenarios to validate the experience worked seamlessly.


“Commenting on being the voice of OVO’s Alexa Skill, James Norton said: ”Everyone wants to do their bit for the planet, but it can sometimes feel a little daunting. It’s important to remember that even small changes can be impactful. OVO’s Power Nap skill makes it really easy to know when the grid is greener with simple, easy to action tips and advice.”

James Norton

Actor | Voice of OVO Power Nap

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Conclusion

The OVO Power Nap Skill demonstrated that voice technology can be a powerful tool for social good when paired with real utility and thoughtful design. By combining real-time grid data with James Norton's calming voice guidance, we created an experience that made complex sustainability concepts feel simple and actionable.

The campaign's historic recognition as one of the best digital ads of the last 125 years validates our approach: that innovative and emerging platforms like voice can deliver brand experiences that genuinely serve users while driving meaningful impact. It proved that effective sustainability messaging doesn't need to feel like a lecture, it can be a moment of calm that benefits both people and the planet.

Get in touch.

LinkedIn, IG or dalveenkm@gmail.com

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LinkedIn, IG or dalveenkm@gmail.com

Get in touch.

LinkedIn, IG or dalveenkm@gmail.com