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40 Percent of Consumers Are Willing to Allow Their Utility |
A recent survey of over 1000 U.S. consumers by ON World found that two in five are willing to allow utilities to remotely control home area network (HAN) devices if provided incentives such as discounted home energy equipment equipment or a real-time energy pricing plan. San Diego, CA February 20, 2014— A recently completed survey with over 1000 U.S. consumers by ON World found that two in five are willing to allow utilities to remotely control home area network (HAN) devices to save on energy costs. Of the respondents willing to participate, 52% would like a free thermostat and 23% would accept a real-time energy display. “Consumer friendly smart home solutions enabled by cloud platforms and Internet connected smart devices have revolutionized energy savings and paved the way for a new generation of demand response programs,” said Mareca Hatler, ON World’s research director. In the survey, smart thermostats were the most popular home energy management devices followed by lighting controls and smart appliances. Even though only 10% of respondents are likely to use a real-time energy display, “access to real-time energy usage information” was ranked one of the top three most important home energy equipment purchasing decisions. This illustrates the high demand for alternative home energy interfaces such as smartphones and tablets. For youths, a smartphone/tablet app is one of the most important purchasing considerations. For example, 30% of respondents aged between 18 and 24 ranked “smartphone/tablet control” as the most important consideration. In a challenge to home service providers, “No recurring service fee” was the most important home energy management consideration for younger respondents. “No service fee” was the most important home energy purchasing consideration by 46% of respondents aged 25 to 34. Using a smart meter, real-time pricing plans provide maximum energy savings and peak load savings when combined with home energy equipment. ON World’s survey found that 29% of the willing demand response respondents with household incomes over $50,000 would accept a real-time energy pricing plan in exchange for allowing their utility to remotely control in-home devices. The survey, “Home Energy Management: Consumer Views & Preferences,” is published in PowerPoint and may be purchased separately or as part of a report set. More information is available from: http://www.onworld.com/smartenergyhomes/consumers About ON World: Media contact: Back to News
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