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

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.

“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 rosey@parksassociates.com, 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 provides business intelligence and research services through its proprietary methodologies developed over decades, including quarterly surveys of 10,000 internet households.

The company's expertise crosses many industries: home security and smart home, streaming video, broadband and pay-TV services, digital media and platforms, gaming, Wi-Fi and home networks, connected health, support, consumer electronics, home control systems, energy management, and tech solutions for the multi-dwelling (MDU), small-to-medium business (SMB), and commercial building markets.

Each year, Parks Associates brings thousands of leaders together for its webinars and annual events. The firm hosts the annual executive research and strategy conferences CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video. https://www.parksassociates.com

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