Satisfied customers save utilities money
When customers are aware of and engaged in multiple program, product and service offerings, satisfaction levels with utilities rise. That is a conclusion derived by J.D. Power study, now in its second year, based on…
The future of Google’s Nest
Even before Google acquired Nest for $3.2 billion, the maker of the Learning Thermostat was a name brand. By taking its instantly recognizable, smart energy-saving device directly into the homes of countless Americans, Nest performed…
The power of prepay
The world of utilities is changing, and companies are beginning to cater more to their customers by offering them tools to keep their energy costs lower. For companies like NV Energy, the benefits of…
Demand response is not just for emergencies
The promise of demand response goes beyond hot summer days. It’s been a tough winter. The polar vortex hit the grid hard, and the nation’s electric utilities faced high demand, extended outages, and disgruntled customers….
California’s IOUs plan to offer time-of-use rates
Customers’ acceptance or resistance to time-of-use-rates hinges on two key factors—how well the rates are designed, and how effectively they are marketed—according to Peter Cappers, a research scientist with the Electric Markets and Policy Group…
Time-of-use rates bring high levels of satisfaction
Dive Brief: Homes with time-of-use (TOU) rates are more satisfied with their electric service, according to Parks Associates, a consulting firm. For example, among people that have rates with free nights or weekends, 53%…
How should utilities make a play for the smart home?
Google’s decision to buy Nest for $3.2 billion has put home energy management (HEM) in the spotlight, but mass retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy and Staples are reaching millions of people with their smart…
How Simple Energy gamified energy efficiency
What’s the best way to get consumers to reduce their energy use? That’s a big question facing the demand response and energy efficiency sector as it continues to mature. Right now, there are two main…
