Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Helping Consumers Understand the Value of Smart Meters

As cities across the United States continue to introduce smart meters, consumer adoption and satisfaction are keys to making a successful transition to the smart grid. Utilities can help with adoption by implementing time-variant pricing. However, a major barrier to a successful implementation is getting consumers to opt-in.

According to Parks Associates, nearly two-thirds of broadband customers in the United States are willing to pay for a smart energy management service, but a lack of information and knowledge is hindering progress. The value of the smart grid is clear to utilities. However, despite the numerous benefits, smart meters still raise concerns for many mainstream consumers. Many don’t fully understand how they work, why they are needed and how it will benefit them.

From the article "Helping Consumers Understand the Value of Smart Meters" by Marcus Scheiber.

Previously In The News

Something Hilarious Happens When Potential Customers See That a Product Has AI Features

In another study highlighted by the WSJ, researchers at the firm Parks Associates surveyed around 4,000 US consumers' feelings towards AI marketing, with a slightly more blunt approach: "We straight u...

Top 10 Outdoor Security Cameras for Unmatched Peace of Mind

The Parks Associates 2024 Connected Home Research emphasizes the growing importance of smart detection features, such as distinguishing people, vehicles, or animals, to reduce false alerts and improve...

Can too much AI backfire? Study reveals why ‘AI-powered’ products are turning buyers away

A related survey by Parks Associates, also cited by The Wall Street Journal, found that 58% of the 4,000 American respondents said the presence of the term “AI” made no difference in their buying deci...

Why Smart Home Compatibility Still Sucks in 2025 — And How GearBrain Can Fix It

Parks Associates estimates over 60% of U.S. broadband households now own at least one smart home device. From the article, "Why Smart Home Compatibility Still Sucks in 2025 — And How GearBrain Can...