GE Smart Grid Survey: Most Americans Willing to Change Energy Consumption Habits

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A GE national survey found that 79% of Americans would change their energy consumption habits and adopt Smart Grid technologies such as smart meters and smart appliances. A slightly smaller number, 72%, said they believe that how electricity is generated and used today could damage the country's economic growth. A total of 63% said they would be willing to work with their power company to change consumption habits. "There are some things that are essential to achieving a desired quality of life, and Americans overwhelmingly agree that investing in our nation's energy future is one of them," said Bob Gilligan, vice president of digital energy for GE Energy Services. Some of the most significant motivations were: a desire to save money and have better control over their energy consumption, make a difference for children and grandchildren, and environmental concerns. The survey by research consulting company StrategyOne found that 10% of Americans remain reluctant to accept the new technologies citing fears of rising power costs and potential privacy and security risks.

Quick Take: The survey results are certainly good news for all Smart Grid stakeholders. It's also worth noting that GE acknowledges that resistance is often the result of misperceptions that can be changed with continuing consumer education.

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