Participants in Mason County PUD 3’s Renewable Energy Pilot Project have been cited as One of Five Smart Grid Startups in the Nation to watch. According to a news release, the digital media company GigaOM is highlighting the pilot program to measure the ability to match renewable energy generation with customer energy use. Kirkland-based GridMobility is collaborating with PUD 3 and the Bonneville Power Administration on the program which uses the company's Renewable Demand Response™ software to test the time-shift of electricity use based on renewable electricity delivery. PUD 3 is installing special devices, developed by Allyn Technologies, on water heaters that will tell them to turn on or off, based on conditions of the regional electrical system and the amount of renewable energy available. Homeowners can override the device at any time. GridMobility has been chosen along with 16 Pacific Northwest teams as regional finalists in the "Cleantech Open." This competition is designed to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today's most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges.