18 JAN 2011

Parks Associates to present new consumer research at Smart Energy Summit Workshop, including panel discussion with Austin Energy, TXU, Motorola Mobility, and Ingersoll Rand

IBM, Grid Net, U.S. Department of Commerce to keynote three-day Summit next week in Austin

Over 30% of U.S. broadband households are interested in the ability to remotely control appliances and thermostats and monitor security cameras through a PC or mobile device, opening opportunities in energy services for communications and security providers as well as manufacturers and utilities, according to international research firm Parks Associates. The firm, a leader in the consumer energy market research space, will host the 2nd Annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, in Austin, January 24-26, 2011, to analyze the growing energy management market.

“Utilities will be slow to ramp up their home area network efforts, reaching a mere 5% of U.S. homes by 2015, but they will deploy rapidly beyond that point, reaching nearly 40% by 2022,” said Bill Ablondi, director, home systems research, Parks Associates. "The energy management market will encompass a unique blend of utility deployments and independent solutions from a variety of players, and we look forward to hosting over 150 industry leaders at Smart Energy Summit to discuss new strategies and opportunities."

Parks Associates will present new research findings and strategic recommendations at a half-day workshop prior to the Summit, Monday, January 24. The workshop, “Energy: Consumer Demand and New Business Models,” will include an interactive session "Emerging Business Models – Alternative Approaches," with panelists from Austin Energy, TXU Energy, Motorola Mobility, and Ingersoll Rand.

“Smart Energy Summit features an incredible line-up of speakers, including keynotes from Grid Net, IBM, and NIST, who provide research, business, and regulatory expertise in analyzing the benefits of smart grid technologies and key strategies to engage consumers,” Ablondi said.

Keynotes:

Andres Carvallo, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Grid Net, will present the keynote "A View into the Future: Customer Driven Smart Grids" on January 25, 9:30 a.m.

Ron Ambrosio, Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM Global Research Executive, Energy & Utilities Industry, will present the keynote "Engaging the Consumer - How to make Smart Grids 'Participatory'" on January 26, 9:00 a.m.

George W. Arnold, Eng.Sc.D., National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability, National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, will present the keynote "How will Consumers Benefit from the Smart Grid?" on January 26, 12:30 p.m.

Smart Energy Summit is the premier event examining business opportunities and technical challenges as smart grid technologies move into the home. Visit www.smartenergysummit2011.com or contact 972-490-1113, [email protected] for information.

About Smart Energy Summit

Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer addresses the evolution of the consumer utility market, the impact of COVID-19 on energy management programs, and new opportunities to drive engagement in utility-sponsored programs. Virtual panels and networking sessions, featuring executive-level experts from multiple industries, address strategies for utilities, service providers, retailers, software providers, and manufacturers to expand and monetize energy management and other energy-focused offerings through consumer engagement, new business models, unique partnerships, and innovative technologies.

Smart Energy Summit features an in-person conference February 13-15 at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, with virtual sessions on June 15, August 17, and November 9. The summit agenda features leaders from utilities, state and national regulators, telecom and security companies, retailers, and OEMs. Follow the event on Twitter at @SmartEnergySmt and #SmartEnergy23. For information on speaking, sponsoring, or attending Smart Energy Summit, visit www.smartenergysmt.com.