Reliant, Austin Energy, TXU Energy, and other Texas energy companies toshowcase energy management insights at 2014 Smart Energy Summit

Parks Associates energy research finds both consumers and utilities, through energy-efficiency activities and unique services, are driving innovations in the Texas energy markets. The firm, which hosts the 2014 Smart Energy Summit February 17-19 in Austin, found Texan broadband households, over the last 12 months, made the following efforts to reduce energy costs:

• 52% adjusted their thermostats warmer in summer and cooler in winter
• 49% turned off appliances, computers, and other electronics when not in use 
• 37% unplugged appliances, computers, and other electronics when not in use
• 42% switched some or all light bulbs to CFL/LED bulbs
• 27% purchased an energy-efficient model to lower their home's energy consumption

"Approximately 38% of Texan broadband households have switched electricity providers at least once, a much higher rate than the national average," said Tom Kerber, director, energy and home controls research, Parks Associates. “The Texas electricity market has hosted many innovative pilots to reduce load and engage consumers, with results that have national significance. Several Texas-based companies will be sharing their insights with attendees at the 2014 Smart Energy Summit next week in Austin.”

“Making it easy and convenient is the key to getting electricity customers to take an active role in managing their energy use and costs,” said Scott Burns, Director of Product Innovation at Reliant, an NRG company, which will participate in the summit. “We are empowering our customers with innovative, intuitive products and services like our Weekly Summary Email, our best-in-class Mobile App, and the Learn and the Conserve Plan with the Nest Learning Thermostat.  Today, we have more than 700,000 customers using one or more of our smart energy products and services. At Reliant, we constantly seek ways to help our customers make smarter decisions—both for the environment and for their budget.”

Deborah Kimberly, VP of Distributed Energy Services, Austin Energy, will discuss Austin Energy’s Power Partner Thermostat Program during the opening keynote "Leveraging New Approaches and New Technology in Addressing Utility Challenges" on Tuesday, February 18. Additional Texas companies participating in the event include:

• Just Energy
• Landis+Gyr
• TXU Energy
• Pecan Street Project

The fifth-annual Smart Energy Summit will be heldFebruary 17-19 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. Hosted by the Dallas-based international research firm Parks Associates, the summit is unique among energy conferences for its consumer-oriented focus and its exploration of partnership opportunities and new connected-home services in the home energy management market.

2014 Smart Energy Summit sponsors are Speed Wire, Percepscion, Alarm.com, Earth Networks – WeatherBug, ecobee, EcoFactor, Lowe's, Opower, People Power, PlanetEcosystems, Qualcomm, Technicolor, Z-Wave, AlertMe, Schneider Electric, and Tendril.

Information about the 2014 Smart Energy Summit is available at www.ses2014.com. Press passes for the event are available at http://www.parksassociates.com/ses-presspass. If you’d like to schedule a meeting with an analyst or speaker, please contact Holly Sprague at [email protected] or 720.987.6614.

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.
 

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