DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Feb 12, 2014) - Parks Associates energy research finds both consumers and utilities, through energy-efficiency activities and unique services, are driving innovations in the Texas energy markets. The firm, which hosts the 2014 Smart Energy Summit February 17-19 in Austin, found Texan broadband households, over the last 12 months, made the following efforts to reduce energy costs:
52% adjusted their thermostats warmer in summer and cooler in winter
49% turned off appliances, computers, and other electronics when not in use
37% unplugged appliances, computers, and other electronics when not in use
42% switched some or all light bulbs to CFL/LED bulbs
27% purchased an energy-efficient model to lower their home's energy consumption
"Approximately 38% of Texan broadband households have switched electricity providers at least once, a much higher rate than the national average," said Tom Kerber, director, energy and home controls research, Parks Associates. "The Texas electricity market has hosted many innovative pilots to reduce load and engage consumers, with results that have national significance. Several Texas-based companies will be sharing their insights with attendees at the 2014 Smart Energy Summit next week in Austin."
"Making it easy and convenient is the key to getting electricity customers to take an active role in managing their energy use and costs," said Scott Burns, Director of Product Innovation at Reliant, an NRG company, which will participate in the summit. "We are empowering our customers with innovative, intuitive products and services like our Weekly Summary Email, our best-in-class Mobile App, and the Learn and the Conserve Plan with the Nest Learning Thermostat. Today, we have more than 700,000 customers using one or more of our smart energy products and services. At Reliant, we constantly seek ways to help our customers make smarter decisions -- both for the environment and for their budget."
Deborah Kimberly, VP of Distributed Energy Services, Austin Energy, will discuss Austin Energy's Power Partner Thermostat Program during the opening keynote "Leveraging New Approaches and New Technology in Addressing Utility Challenges" on Tuesday, February 18.
Additional Texas companies participating:
Just Energy
Landis+Gyr
TXU Energy
Pecan Street Project
The fifth-annual Smart Energy Summit will be held February 17-19 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. 2014 Smart Energy Summit sponsors are Speed Wire, Percepscion, Alarm.com, Earth Networks - WeatherBug, ecobee, EcoFactor, Lowe's, Opower, People Power, PlanetEcosystems, Qualcomm, Technicolor, Z-Wave, AlertMe, Schneider Electric, and Tendril.
Press passes are available at http://www.parksassociates.com/ses-presspass. To schedule a meeting, contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com or 720.987.6614.
About Smart Energy Summit
Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer examines the expanding market for energy solutions and home controls and its impact on utilities, service providers, retailers, manufacturers, and consumers. The fifth-annual Smart Energy Summit will take place February 17-19, 2014, at the Four Seasons in Austin, Texas. www.ses2014.com, www.smartenergysummit2014.com
Contact Information:
Holly Sprague
Parks Associates
720.987.6614
hsprague@gmail.com