CONSUMERS WANT SMART

CEA Survey Finds Consumers Want Smart, Energy-Efficient Technologies But Lack Knowledge of Current Electricity Management Systems
June 2, 2011 (Consumer Electronics Association)

"A new survey from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® found consumers are concerned about the cost of their energy use, yet lack awareness of emerging energy management systems.

"While many consumers turn lights off, shop for energy efficient devices and practice other eco-friendly practices, just 10.2 million of 119 million U.S. households are estimated to have enrolled in electricity management programs. Utility companies, the study found, are in the best position to raise awareness of these programs to boost consumers’ understanding of energy consumption."

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"Currently, energy management systems allow consumers to control their home air conditioning and heating units through a programmable display. In the future, a smart grid would enable consumers to adjust home cooling and heating systems with a smartphone, run their dishwashers at times of low energy costs, or control home appliances remotely, among other applications…

"The survey of 1,250 adults, conducted in April, sought to better understand consumer awareness and attitudes regarding energy management and how energy efficiency gains in consumer electronics products have changed purchasing habits. More than half (55%) of consumers expressed interest in an electricity management program sponsored by a utility or electric company. Consumers also indicated they would prefer to use a device in the home (41%), an online portal (41%) or a mobile device (32%) to monitor energy use."

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"Looking forward, 46% of respondents aware of electricity management programs available in their area expressed an interest in enrolling in the coming years. Many more expressed interest in buying efficient consumer electronics devices. The research also showed those with energy management systems had slightly lower electricity costs, although much greater energy savings is possible when a truly interactive smart grid comes online.

"There are no silver bullets to advancing energy management solutions and eventually creating a smart grid that will allow consumers to remotely monitor and control products and appliances in their home,” said Ben Arnold, senior research analyst for CEA…"