"demand response" articles
Technology within our homes is here to stay. New devices and applications seem to enrich the connected home market almost daily, and research indicates that more and more households are embracing these technological advances.
However, bigger technology also means bigger energy output. Though consumers are willing to purchase and use smart devices in their homes, the adoption rate of energy-saving programs and initiatives by utility companies is not near the same rate. In fact, Parks...
Parks Associates announced new research finding at the 2014 Smart Energy Summit in Austin this week. The results of a new consumer satisfaction survey report that many consumers are nervous about switching to a variable rate or time-of-use (TOU) energy program, thinking that their energy bills will increase after doing so. However, once a household adapts to off-peak consumption patterns, their bills could actually decrease.
Additionally, Parks Associates research...
Residential demand response is in transition. Smart meters, participation in energy markets, and connected products are all forcing executives to consider new approaches and business models that take advantage of the new environment.
Smart meters and the associated meter data management systems enable utilities to create new DR programs that reward participation. At the Smart Energy Summit panelist will evaluate the impact of smart meters on DR programs and discuss the...
Developing a more cost-effective approach to executing demand response is one of keys to advancing the industry. One of the key technologies that will reduce overhead associated with demand response is the automation of energy transactions. Automating energy transactions will enable an energy marketplace, permitting smart appliances and thermostats to act on their owner's behalf and participate in the demand response market.
Demand response programs at the wholesale level are already...
Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer is an annual event hosted by international research firm Parks Associates. The event covers energy management from every angle, with Parks Associates' analysts providing market analysis and consumer and industry research, with sessions exploring market timing, value propositions, consumer engagement models, and revenue streams for all players in the industry.
The 2012 conference in Austin, Texas, featured speakers from utilities, retail...
Energy management is moving into mainstream markets. Smart meter deployments will reach 56 million by 2015, at which time 45% of U.S. households will have a smart meter. Smart meters and the data they generate will enable utilities to add services to improve their relationship with consumers. Energy management systems can mine each customer's smart meter data and provide meaningful comparisons, individualized recommendations, and real-time feedback on usage anomalies. Broadband and...
EcoFactor and Comcast recently announced it they will create a new service that optimizes the heating and cooling patterns of a home and integrates with the Xfinity Home platform. By collaborating with EcoFactor, Comcast is further enhancing its Xfinity Home service and developing a new solution that, when available, can help customers potentially reduce their energy use and save money on their utility bills year round. EcoFactor's proprietary, cloud-based software incorporates real-time...
Home monitoring and controls companies will need to take alternate, more indirect routes to reach mass-market status, according to international research firm Parks Associates.
Almost 50% of U.S. households are very interested in an energy-monitoring device, with nearly 80% willing to pay $100 provided it saves 10-30% on their electricity bill. Energy applications are popular now because of the need for cost savings, but in the end, all home systems will need to be interconnected. By...
