Americans Optimistic but Challenges to Moving Beyond Commodity Focus of Smart Meters
Published 05-25-10
Submitted by EcoAlign
EcoAlign, a strategic marketing agency, and Clasma Events, Inc., a global event company, released the 8th EcoPinion survey report today entitled, "Separating Smart Grid from Smart Meters," in conjunction with the ConnectivityWeek 2010 taking place this week in Santa Clara, CA.
Approximately 70 percent of Americans are not familiar with the phrase "smart grid." But once consumers were given a definition, the EcoPinion survey found strong levels of consumer good will and expectation in anticipation of the smart grid rollout. A majority of Americans (55 percent) believe that the smart grid will be of significant benefit to them. One half of all respondents find the ability to review their own energy consumption to be extremely or very appealing.
"Consumers conceptually like the idea of smart grid," stated Jamie Wimberly, EcoAlign's CEO and author of the report. "But the report also highlighted three critical challenges: meeting consumer expectations of smart grid to lower costs or cut energy consumption; moving beyond the commodity (smart meters) to a much fuller value proposition (smart grid); and aligning the smart grid with smart communications and marketing that recognizes personal preferences and needs."
Other top line findings include:
"The industry has made a compelling business case for smart grid on the utility side of the meter, but we are in a period of discovery in regards to the consumer benefits of smart grid," stated Anto Budiardjo, CEO of Clasma Events. "The report points to the need for a more refined communications strategy as a bridge to the introduction of new products and services."
A copy of the full EcoPinion report is available at no charge by visiting EcoAlign's website at www.ecoalign.com
EcoAlign is the energy and environment marketing agency. We develop and execute marketing strategies for utilities, renewable energy providers and vendors operating in the energy and environment space. We are uniquely suited to help companies achieve their business objectives, from reaching efficiency program targets and improving customer satisfaction, to launching new products, increasing market share and repositioning for growth in the clean tech space.
Clasma Events, Inc. is a global event company specializing in strategic conferences at the center of the worldwide energy discussion. With a finger on the pulse of leading industry technologies and trends, Clasma provides a stage for collaboration and cooperation amongst industry thought leaders at the forefront of the smart energy movement. Focusing on smart grid, connectivity, and the new energy economy, Clasma's major events include ConnectivityWeek, GridWeek, and Grid-Interop. More information on Clasma is available at www.clasma.com.
EcoAlign is a strategic marketing agency focused on the energy and environment space. Our mission is to align consumer behavior with energy and environmental needs for products, services and programs. We evaluate, create and execute alignment through a set of unique research techniques, insightful strategy and innovative communication approaches.
Our customers benefit from a fresh and insightful approach that delivers business results in a budget-constrained environment. You can count on us for:
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