Page 2: Read the press release >>

By Jesse Berst

 

We've long speculated that third parties could disintermediate utilities -- could get between them and their customers and siphon off part of the profits. (To read more about the danger, read "When the future attacks: How 'disintermediation' could rob utilities of their customers.")

 

To compete with utilities, a firm would need a field staff for installation and service; a strong customer service group; an existing relationship with the customer; and goodwill and trust. In 2010, Parks Associates, a Dallas-based research firm, surveyed consumer attitudes about home energy management.  When asked who they trusted to help them with energy management, they answered:

 

1.     Utilities (by a wide margin)

2.     HVAC providers

3.     Cable, home security, and telcos (virtual tie)

In other words, cable companies such as Comcast have enough trust with consumers to become major players. To date, they've been content with a few small pilots. Now Comcast is expanding its experiment by offering customers a "learning thermostat" that can shave electric bills on its own, without direct customer involvement. Cloud-based service will be supplied by CA-based EcoFactor. (You can read the press announcement on page 2.)

 

We think home energy management will be one of the final smart grid markets to mature. When it does (2020 perhaps?), Comcast may be one of the contenders.

 

You might also want to read …

Why the stampede to next-generation efficiency may trample utilities

EcoFactor ushers in the automated era of home energy management

 

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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