Latest SBI Energy Report Explores Smart Grid/Consumer Dynamics and Challenges

The report investigates the intriguing but previously obscure dynamics of the relationship between the smart grid and consumers (i.e., the end-users of electricity).

Rockville, MD, July 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- MarketResearch.com has announced the addition of SBI Energy’s new report “Smart Grid and Consumers” to their collection of reports. For more information, visit:

http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=2601062

The zone of interaction between the smart grid and the consumer has been characterized as “the great unknown.” Yet ready or not—with the smart grid rapidly taking shape, a rush of companies swarming the market, state mandates kicking into effect, and actual deployments being built out—the smart grid is now poised to plunge headlong into this largely unexplored land of consumer demand. Yet so far, despite optimistic reconnaissance gathered from pilot projects and other preliminary tests, real-world expeditions into the new consumer frontier have met with a host of problems—from cost overruns to consumer resistance.

The smart grid is currently conservatively valued at just over $20 billion in the United States and over $70 billion globally, states the report. Yet only about 10% of this amount is accounted for by consumer applications—mostly smart meters. The smart grid will only truly achieve its goals if it establishes positive two-way communications between utilities and consumers. This means that residential applications and services must necessarily gain significantly in share before the smart grid can realize its visionary promise.

The paradox of the smart grid industry is that in the roll-out of smart grid meters, sensors, appliances, and other components, consumers have yet to be fully informed even though they are the key to smart grid success. Some consumers don’t even know that the smart grid exists. Nevertheless, consumers are keenly concerned about energy costs and energy options as it impacts them personally. This indicates a solid base on which to build consumer support for the smart grid, according to SBI Energy.

“Smart Grid and Consumers” is a first of its kind landmark study on the critical intersection between the smart grid and consumers. The report examines the issues involved in building positive two-way communications interactions, and the intrinsic negative resistance that can be expected. With a focus on residential applications and services, it provides an in-depth analysis of advanced metering infrastructure, smart meters, demand response, dynamic pricing, home energy management systems, home area networks, smart appliances, popular communications platforms, and futuristic technologies. The study also introduces an original classification system, dividing the smart grid into three sectors: grid infrastructure, consumer applications and software, and information/communications technology.

For further information, visit:
http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=2601062

Contact:
Veronica Franco
MarketResearch.com
vfranco@marketresearch.com
240.747.3016

###
Contact
MarketResearch.com
Veronica Franco
240.747.3016
www.marketresearch.com/
ContactContact
Categories