Experimental Home Energy™ learning center launches via BestBuy.com, plus physical departments within three U.S. Best Buy stores, to provide product selection, self-assessment, and various home services that help to put the power to conserve energy in consumers’ hands

MINNEAPOLIS – Nov. 4, 2011 – Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today launched its Home Energy™ retail concept, via an Online Learning Center on BestBuy.com and physical departments within three U.S. Best Buy stores, to provide technology products, solutions and services that help consumers understand, control and reduce their energy consumption and costs. Both the online experience and the physical departments, located within three Best Buy stores in Chicago, Houston, and San Carlos, Calif., provide unique services including self-assessment tools, home energy survey and audits, and product installation.

“Through several small-scale experiments over the past two years, from home energy audits to installation of home charging stations for electric vehicles, we have learned there is real consumer interest in options to cut energy costs and use in their lives, particularly in the home,”

 said Neil McPhail, senior vice president, new business customer solutions group, Best Buy. “Our role is to help consumers make the most of the technology in their lives, and the Home Energy concept is our latest experiment that will demonstrate the knowledge and expertise of our employees, and how our brands and our channels can help consumers understand how to own, use, and maintain energy efficient technologies.”

The Online Learning Center

The Home Energy Learning Center on BestBuy.com is a dynamic, content-driven experience that delivers a content-rich experience about home energy management solutions and services: product demonstration videos, an energy self-assessment tool, self-guided product and solution selection tools, ENERGY STAR rebate finder, and links to online support from knowledgeable employees.

The in-store experience

The three in-store concept departments feature demonstration vignettes for a touch and feel experience with home energy management, home control, and home assurance technologies. A consultation bar with knowledgeable Blue Shirts and Agents help guide customers through questions about products, solutions and featured services, including energy assessments, home energy surveys and audits, product installation, and local energy incentives and rebates. The departments showcase the Best Buy partnership with three key energy partners: Constellation Energy in Chicago; Reliant in Houston; and Pacific Gas and Energy Company in San Carlos, Calif. Best Buy will be working together with these energy companies to discover new ways to put smart energy technology in the hands of consumers.