Parks Associates has unveiled compelling findings indicating that 43% of U.S. internet households are currently participating in energy programs. This significant statistic was highlighted at the recent Smart Energy Summit, featuring insights from industry leaders such as NRG and Savant. The event, dedicated to exploring technological advancements in energy management, showcased the rising trend of Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans, which have gained notable popularity among households.
The Smart Energy Summit report highlighted that 50% of participants actively work on reducing energy consumption, while 36% of households reported needing assistance with energy management. An impressive 42% prefer to partner with their electricity provider to receive dedicated apps aimed at monitoring their energy usage.
Despite the growing interest in energy efficiency, only 22% of smart thermostat owners are currently engaging in demand response programs. This element signifies a substantial opportunity for utility providers to enhance consumer education and participation, fostering better incentive structures.
Moreover, customer satisfaction remains a critical area of concern for electricity providers. The summit's findings revealed a concerning Net Promoter Score (NPS) of -25, indicating challenges in maintaining customer loyalty and satisfaction. This feedback opens up avenues for utilities to rethink their engagement strategies to improve overall consumer experiences.
From the article, "Majority of US Online Households Join Energy Programs Today" by Thomas Cooper