Parks Associates' 2009 Residential Energy Management Survey determined the average expenditures for electricity among U.S. households are over USD170 per month during high-cost periods and over USD75 per month during low-cost periods. It is not surprising based on these facts and the current difficult economic times that more than 80% of consumers are very interested in learning about ways to cut energy expenditures.
Parks Associates believes adoption of remote monitoring systems and services will occur gradually and only after consumers become aware of these capabilities. However, major service providers might ignite consumer demand and accelerate adoption by developing remote home control and monitoring services that complement their Internet, voice communications, and content services. Research conducted over the past few years proves that some consumers are interested in remote home monitoring and likely to subscribe as these services become available. A recent survey asked consumers to rate their interest in several remote monitoring applications, and remote home monitoring via IP or web cameras scored the highest of the applications listed. Remote monitoring and control of thermostats followed, and remote lighting controls were third in popularity.
In Parks Associates' 2010 Residential Energy Management Survey, some, but not many, consumers already exhibit interest in and a willingness to pay for an energy monitoring service; however, we are at an early point in the life cycle of residential energy management solutions. The 2010 survey also measured the appeal of an in-home electricity monitor. Nearly one-half of all respondents expressed strong interest in such a device, but lack of interest was also substantial. In fact, 20% indicated that they are "not interested at all."
From the article, "Consumer Attitudes and the Benefits of Smart Grid Technologies"
