Global Information Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the new clean energy market research report, Smart Grid Consumer Survey by Pike Research, and available academic and government discounted registration for the related Next Generation Batteries 2012 Conference in Boston, MA this summer.

Strong consumer interest in smart appliances and home energy management

Consumers are displaying solid interest in the overall concept of home energy management and in using smart appliances, according to the new "Smart Grid Consumer Survey: Preferences and Attitudes about Smart Meters, Home Energy Management, Demand Response Programs, and Smart Appliances" published by Pike Research. Among the primary goals of the smart grid movement is to empower consumers to better control the use of energy within their own homes, and consumer engagement with that premise remains strong despite industry challenges such as difficulty in designing appropriate user experiences, testing beyond small scale pilot programs, and fundamental questions about the role utility companies will play in providing energy services on the customer side of the meter in the future.

According to the report, 47% of consumers would be "extremely" or "very" interested in home energy management products and services that would allow them to monitor and control energy usage in their home, based on a general description of the concept provided in Pike Research's questionnaire. Similarly, 45% of survey respondents stated that they would be interested in connected smart appliances that would help them manage their electricity consumption more efficiently.

Pike Research's report, "Smart Grid Consumer Survey", analyzes the dynamics of consumer demand, preferences, attitudes, and price sensitivity related to four key smart grid product and service categories: smart meters, home energy management, demand response, and smart appliances. The survey, which is based on a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, includes a detailed examination of demand dynamics, segmented by various demographic and behavioral characteristics.

Next Generation Batteries 2012 Conference July 19-20, 2012

For further networking and discussion around advancements in and the future of clean energy, register now for the Next Generation Batteries 2012 Conference in Boston, MA, July 19-20, 2012.