Communications and Technology Industry Research

Market Strategies International, a market research consultancy with expertise in the energy industry, recently released a survey which showed that personal and societal benefits of smart grid technologies are equally important to customers’ consideration, support and acceptance.

The 2011 Consumer Pulse (News - Alert) Survey, a national research project conducted for the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC) was conducted by telephone from August 15 to September 6, 2011. SGCC is a consumer-focused nonprofit organization aiming to promote the understanding and benefits of modernized electrical systems among all stakeholders in the United States

The survey included participation of 1,200 residential consumers who shared their opinions about home energy management, smart meters, and smart grid technologies in general. All the participants were over the age of 18.

According to the study, customers are encouraged by various factors to use the new technologies to manage energy usage. Understanding the drivers of adoption can help energy and technology providers to develop messages and programs that meet consumer needs.

"We've found consumers to be remarkably consistent in their evaluation of the benefits commonly associated with the smart grid and smart meters," said Patty Durand, SGCC executive director, in a statement. "The fact that respondents rated practical and financial concerns on par with environmental, conservation and energy independence issues tells much about what consumers value and the factors that may influence their energy decisions."

During the survey, Market Strategies International used a national RDD (random digit dialed) landline and cell phone sample. The data were weighted by age, ethnicity, gender and region to align with national population parameters. The margin of error for the total sample size of 1,200 is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at a confidence level of 95 percent.

SGCC will release additional Consumer Pulse findings, including a robust consumer segmentation, this month to SGCC members.

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves