Reliant, EcoFactor, Duke Energy, Vivint, and TXU Energy to discuss consumer engagement strategies at 2014 Smart Energy Summit, February 17-19, Austin

New energy research from Parks Associates finds households with a choice in electricity provider are substantially more satisfied that those without choice, even though two-thirds with the ability to switch have never done so. The research firm will bring together leaders from Reliant, EcoFactor, Duke Energy, Vivint, and TXU Energy to discuss consumer engagement in energy services at the 2014 Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, February 17-19 in Austin, Texas.

"On average, 37% of U.S. broadband households are satisfied with their electricity plan, but satisfaction increases to 50% among households who can switch electricity providers," said Tom Kerber, director, research, home controls & energy, Parks Associates. "Consumers with free electricity on nights or weekends show similar results, with 53% satisfied with their electricity plan. At the 2014 Smart Energy Summit, we will analyze the programs that boost consumer interest and could generate higher revenues and wider adoption of energy efficiency."

The research, from a 4Q 2013 survey, shows 26% of U.S. broadband households can currently switch providers. Young consumers are more likely than older ones to switch providers, with over 40% of consumers 18-34 having switched electricity provider at least once. There are also regional variations, with consumers in states such as Texas switching at a rate higher than the national average.

“Competition in Texas is a huge success, and it’s helping to redefine how consumers buy and consume electricity," said Jennifer Pulliam, Director, Products and Innovation, TXU Energy. "TXU Energy’s recipe for success has been in giving customers the ability to choose a plan that fits their lifestyle, the convenience to engage how and when they interact with us, and the ability to understand and control their consumption.  For more than 100,000 Texas households, our Right Time Pricing plans like Free Nights and Free Weekends do just that.”

“We’re seeing greater interaction between utilities and their customers than ever before,” said Ted Fagenson, CMO, EcoFactor. “Consumer engagement is especially important in the rollout of energy management programs, and we’re excited to share our experience and best practices from a technology services standpoint and our work with utilities in achieving high customer satisfaction for these important energy efficiency programs.”

The 2014 Smart Energy Summit Session "Energy Management Programs: How to Engage the Apathetic Customer" will examine strategies to promote consumer interest in energy-efficiency solutions. Speakers include:

• Scott Burns, Director, Product Innovation, Reliant
• Ted Fagenson, CMO, EcoFactor
• Denis Garman, Category Leader, Energy Management & Information Group, Duke Energy
• Tim Lott, Director, Energy, Vivint
• Jennifer Pulliam, Director, Products and Innovation, TXU Energy

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

Parks Associates has gathered utility leaders from across North America to share their insights on consumer engagement and their experiences with innovative programs to reduce and shift load.  Smart Energy Summit attendees can to network with other utilities and smart home vendors, and event sponsors receive a concierge service that includes access to the attendee list and a meeting coordination service.

Information about the 2014 Smart Energy Summit is available at www.ses2014.com. The full agenda is available at http://www.parksassociates.com/events/smart-energy-summit/agenda. 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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