During the June 30 webinar, Demand Response for All: Bridging the Participation Gap with HVAC, industry leaders from Carrier, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), and Parks Associates examined why residential demand response participation remains low and what utilities, manufacturers, and technology providers can do to change that. Parks Associates research presented during the session showed that while only 20% of U.S. internet households are aware of demand response programs, just 10% are enrolled, underscoring the need to reduce enrollment friction and deliver greater consumer value. Panelists agreed that successful programs must prioritize homeowner comfort, simplify enrollment, and provide meaningful bill savings while helping utilities address growing grid constraints driven by electrification and rising energy demand.

Speakers also highlighted HVAC as one of the most promising pathways to scale residential grid flexibility, given its significant contribution to peak energy demand and widespread adoption across U.S. homes. Carrier shared its vision for battery-enabled HVAC systems that can shift energy use without impacting occupant comfort, while utility leaders from PG&E and SMUD discussed the importance of predictable, dispatchable resources that improve grid reliability and defer infrastructure investments. Looking ahead, panelists emphasized that the future of demand response will depend on seamless customer experiences, intelligent load orchestration, and integrated energy storage solutions that enable consumers to participate automatically while lowering costs and supporting a more resilient electric grid.

Download the full replay: Demand Response for All: Bridging the Participation Gap with HVAC