Smarter Energy at Home: How Consumers Are Taking Control with Smart Home Tech

GearBrain has long covered the smart home space and frequently sources Parks Associates' research for our reporting, including this article. Parks’ recent findings and the expert insights shared at CES 2025’s CONNECTIONS™ Summit — specifically during the "Demand for Energy Management at Home" session — reveal how the convergence of technology, utility innovation, and consumer behavior is reshaping the energy landscape.

The smart home market is no longer just about convenience; it's rapidly becoming a key tool in managing the evolving energy ecosystem. As Michael Siemann, PhD, and Distinguished Engineer at Resideo, noted during CES 2025, the rise of EVs, data centers, and electrified appliances is putting tremendous strain on the grid. Simply asking consumers to reduce their energy use manually isn’t realistic—automation and coordination are critical.

Parks Associates research confirms this urgency. Their studies show that over 40% of U.S. broadband households now consider their electricity bill a concern, and more than 60% are interested in tools that help monitor and reduce energy use. Consumers increasingly want solutions that blend intelligence, convenience, and cost-savings, and smart home technologies are rising to meet this demand.

One of the most widely adopted smart energy devices is the smart thermostat. Parks Associates data shows a steady increase in adoption, especially among households planning renovations or moves in the next 6 months.

Solar and battery storage solutions are gaining traction, with Parks Associates noting rising familiarity and purchase intention across U.S. households.

Parks Associates research reveals that more than 30% of homeowners who started renovations in the past 12 months cited energy efficiency as a top reason.

Time-of-use rates, for instance, encourage users to shift usage to cheaper, off-peak hours—often facilitated by smart devices that automate this behavior.

Yet, Parks Associates reports that barriers remain. Many households cite a lack of information or time as key reasons they haven’t taken more steps. Better education and user-friendly platforms will be crucial to overcoming these challenges.

According to Parks, households with multiple smart devices are significantly more interested in centralized energy optimization apps—especially when these are provided by trusted utilities or tech brands.

With support from utilities, manufacturers, and industry coalitions—and fueled by research from groups like Parks Associates—the path forward is clear to me: energy efficiency in the home must be intelligent, interoperable, and impactful.

From the article, "Smarter Energy at Home: How Consumers Are Taking Control with Smart Home Tech" by Mark Westlake

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Smarter Energy at Home: How Consumers Are Taking Control with Smart Home Tech

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