Parks Associates analysts present new findings on how the smart home is evolving and how energy management fits into the larger market for connected, safe, and affordable living. Consumer-technology interactions shape daily energy needs and decisions and open opportunities for utilities to align customer goals with system needs. The discussion explores behavioral shifts, automation trends, and how these dynamics create a foundation for shifting energy behaviors at home.

As energy systems grow more distributed and dynamic, consumers face complex decisions around time-of-use (TOU) pricing, DER participation, and home energy automation. Generative AI — embedded in voice assistants, home energy dashboards, and utility apps — promises to simplify this complexity by providing personalized, context-aware recommendations and autonomous optimization. This session brings together technologists, utilities, and smart home leaders to explore how generative AI, large language models, and predictive automation are transforming the way households interact with energy systems and connected devices.