Page 80 - North American Clean Energy March/April 2019 Issue

energy efficiency
Smart Homes Need
Smart Consumers
by Bruno Sarda
Registration is Open
ESA’s Annual Energy Storage Conference and Expo, April 16-18, 2019, is the energy stor- age industry's premiere event.
The conference features world-class speakers, includ- ing nationally recognized lead- ers in energy, politics, and busi- ness; exhibitors; and educational sessions.
Come early for Monday’s Golf Tourna- ment, take a site tour to one of Arizo na’s leading storage facilities, and more! We look forward to seeing you there!
Phoenix Convention Center
April 16 - 18, 2019 esacon.energystorage-events.org
WHAT’S POSSIBLE WHEN PEOPLE BETTER
understand their electricity—how it’s made, how and when it’s used? As it turns out, a lot.
We’re living in an exciting era of customization, where the end-customer has control over everything from their morning co ee order to shopping with just one click. Our hyper-connected, “one-touch” world depends on a fuel that we can’t see, smell, or touch—electricity—yet the average consumer spends more time considering their toothpaste options than their electricity choice. But that’s starting to change as new technology partnerships unlock a brand-new portal into consumer-facing electricity.
New technologies, when paired with an innovative electricity provider and an empowered customer, turn into personal energy e ciency command centers. With simple verbal commands, homeowners have the ability to turn up or down their lights and thermostat, inquire about their billing, check in on their energy usage, and more. Just like that, today’s fuel—electricity—moves from ubiquitous and often overlooked, to tangible and relatable.
is new level of consciousness can have a major impact on consumer preferences and behaviors. When customers are armed with all of the information surrounding the products they engage with in their everyday life, their interest moves beyond cost and into social and environmental impact. is presents a huge opportunity to make a meaningful di erence.
If all consumers became engaged with their power through smart technology, what would they demand from companies like us? Would they change their consumption depending on price? Might they request energy that’s 100 percent renewable and reliable, or free power at night or on
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