by Shane Henson — June 6, 2011—A consumer survey examining consumer perceptions and attitudes in regard to the smart grid found that while American awareness of it is low, consumers like the concept of the smart grid and believe it will benefit them personally.
Approximately 1,000 people responded to the survey, conducted in April 2011 by EcoAlign, a strategic marketing agency in the energy sector. Findings include:
- 56 percent said the ability to review their personal energy consumption data along with new options enabled by the smart grid was “extremely appealing” or “very appealing.”
- 56 percent believe the smart grid will either “greatly improve” or “improve” the customer experience and customer service.
- 43 percent said they were most concerned with saving money on their utility bill.
- 80 percent thought it would be extremely or very valuable to find out how the smart grid would impact their bill, and what the smart grid would cost.
- 25 percent of consumers would allow the utility to control their high-use appliances automatically; another quarter would like notifications so they can make the adjustments themselves. An additional one-third expressed willingness if the price paid was sufficient, while only 16 percent said they would never allow this.
- 43 percent said they were most concerned with saving money on their utility bill.
To read the full survey, visit EcoAlign’s Web site.
