The way I read it, the 25% is not going to the user directly. It just simply goes into an account the manufacturer controls and is earmarked for the user. The user will only be able to spend it as the manufacturer allows. This is more along the lines of Google Opinion Rewards rather than being part of a mining group.
I have to wonder how they're going to market these things to people without breaking any consumer laws. It seems like you'd almost have to trick people into using them for any extended period of time (like after they get their first electric bill), which will make them a prime target for lawsuits, Attorneys General of every state, the FTC, Congress, etc.
