[May 20, 2013] |
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Favorable Attitudes Toward Smart Grid and Smart Meter Technology Increased in 2012, According to Navigant Research Survey
BOULDER, Colo. --(Business Wire)--
As rollouts of smart grid systems and smart meters have accelerated in
the United States, utilities have struggled to effectively communicate
the benefits of these technologies for consumers. Convincing end-users
to embrace this technology, by communicating the possibilities for
greater energy management and conservation it enables, is critical to
the long-term success of utility smart grid programs. According to a
recent consumer survey from Navigant
Research, favorable attitudes toward the concept of the smart grid
in general, and toward smart meters in particular, increased noticeably
in 2012.
Forty-one percent of the consumers surveyed have a "favorable" or "very
favorable" attitude toward smart grid and smart meters, according to the
survey. That is an increase of ten percentage points over the findings
from Navigant Research's 2011 survey.
"Less than ten percent of the respondents have an unfavorable opinion of
smart grids and smart meters, which is an encouraging sign for utilities
and policymakers," says Neil Strother, senior research analyst with
Navigant Research. "However, utilities still have a long way to go in
persuading a majority of their customers that they should approach these
technologies with enthusiasm."
Consumer attitudes toward the smart grid vary in direct proportion to
educational attainment and income level, the survey found. Nearly half
of the respondents with graduate degrees have favorable opinions, while
about 26 percent of those with only a high school degree showed positive
responses. Similarly, more than 45 percent of people earning at least
$75,000 have positive opinions of smart grids and smart meters.
The report, "Smart
Grid Consumer Survey", details findings from a web-based survey of
1,001 consumers in the United States. The study assesses consumer
preferences, opinions, and awareness toward smart grid applications.
More specifically, the report analyzes the dynamics of consumer demand,
preferences, and attitudes toward several key smart grid product and
service categories: smart grids and smart meters, home energy
management, time-of-use pricing, renewable energy, prepaid electricity
services, smart appliances, and demand response. Navigant Research's
detailed examination of demand dynamics is segmented by various
demographic and behavioral characteristics. The survey was conducted in
the fall of 2012 using a nationally representative and demographically
balanced sample. An Executive Summary of the report is available for
free download on the Navigant
Research website.
About Navigant Research
Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and
Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research
can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.
About Navigant
Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm
dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the
face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level
engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical
expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory
and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly
regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare
industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business
needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.
* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, "Smart Grid Consumer Survey," is a summary and reflects
Navigant Research's current expectations based on market data and trend
analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain
and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this
press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a
complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report's
conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither
Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any
of the information contained in this press release or the report.

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