Parks Associates Whitepaper Explores Digital Strategies to Drive Consumer Adoption of Energy Management Solutions

New whitepaper developed for Cox Communications reveals 20% of US broadband households report that COVID-19 has increased their interest in smart energy solutions

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Parks Associates

Nov 16, 2021, 08:46 ET

DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new whitepaper from Parks Associates, Home Energy Management: Driving Consumer Engagement and New Revenue, reveals 20% of US broadband households report the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in smart energy solutions that can help them manage their energy use, cost, and comfort. The whitepaper, developed in partnership with Cox Communications, finds that while consumer interest in energy management options is increasing, there are parallel demands for simplicity and relevance in the information from these solutions that would enable the consumer to take action to reduce energy spend and increase the energy efficiency of their home.

Parks Associates: COVID-19 Impact on Interest in Smart Energy Solutions

"A variety of factors influence whether or not consumers adopt and use a specific solution, including ease of use, timeliness of information, and context," said Patrice Samuels, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. "Despite their lack of historical engagement with energy management solutions, consumers have energy-saving needs that can motivate them to participate, provided solution providers can design their offerings to meet these needs."

"When it comes to information sources, consumer preferences vary, so it is critical to engage with them on their terms," said Brett Lasher, Executive Director, New Growth & Development, Cox Communications. "New energy management solutions must be flexible enough to adapt to individual consumer preferences, while being simple enough for the consumer to engage with and meeting their most important need to reduce energy spend."

Roughly one-third of US broadband households receive a daily breakdown of their energy consumption, but only 7% of these consumers review this information daily, underscoring the need for energy providers to expand their efforts to engage consumers.

Lack of awareness remains a challenge for utility energy management efforts. Only 50% of households report awareness of at least one energy management program offered by their energy provider. Beyond lack of awareness, several other factors serve as barriers to program participation, including the complexity of information and limited access to energy devices.

However, there are signs that, as the US comes out of the pandemic, adoption of smart home devices will ramp up, with more than 40% of US broadband households planning to buy at least one device in the next six months.

"Utilities can leverage the increasing presence of connected devices to achieve and expand energy management capabilities and functionality in the home," Samuels said. "By incorporating smart thermostats, smart lighting, and smart plugs into energy management solutions, utilities can offer a comprehensive digital strategy to their customers that improves adoption of their energy management programs and generates additional revenue."

To request data or an interview, please contact Rosey Ulpino at [email protected], 972.996.0233.

About Parks Associates
Parks Associates, a woman-founded and certified business, is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions.

The company's expertise includes IoT, digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advanced advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.

Each year, Parks Associates hosts industry webinars, the CONNECTIONS™ Conference Series, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, and Future of Video: OTT, Pay TV, and Digital Media. http://www.parksassociates.com

Contact:
Rosimely Ulpino
Parks Associates
972.996.0233
[email protected]

SOURCE Parks Associates