with Parks Associates

This session focuses on the current adoption and future demand for renewable energy sources, smart grids, and advanced energy storage systems. Parks Associates shares its latest research and data, highlighting the business challenges and opportunities for utilities, energy providers, builders, device manufacturers, and more as we all must balance conservation with ensuring a reliable and sufficient energy supply.

This session explores the growth of AI-powered platforms and IoT devices to transform home energy management, optimize consumption patterns, and reduce costs. Participants share examples of successful integration of energy management platforms with smart home ecosystems for enhanced efficiency and convenience.

Energy providers are working hard to collaborate with consumers to balance electricity demand and supply through demand response (DR) programs. The session features insights from industry experts on innovative approaches to DR, including real-time pricing and automated load-shedding techniques.

In this keynote presentation, Savant’s Will Dillion discusses how the energy industry can standardize and simplify to own our own future.

Parks Associates shares research highlighting key points of integration between energy solutions and the other markets active in the smart home and where consumer research points to new opportunities.

Marketing to the consumer is a challenge—this session reviews research and past case studies to reveal effective communication strategies that resonate with consumers and encourage participation in energy efficiency programs and renewable energy adoption. The discussion includes the role of behavioral economics in shaping consumer attitudes towards energy conservation and the adoption of sustainable energy practices.

This panel of experts examines regulatory and technological advancements driving grid modernization efforts to accommodate renewable energy integration and EV charging infrastructure. The session explores the concept of virtual power plants and decentralized energy networks as solutions for optimizing grid orchestration and resilience.

Sponsored by NRG

The smart grid relies on vast amounts of data to optimize energy distribution, improve efficiency, and enhance consumer experiences. However, this increased connectivity also raises significant concerns about data security and privacy. This session includes insights on the requirements for securing energy data, safeguarding consumer privacy, and strengthening grid infrastructure against cyber threats. Industry experts will share insights on best practices, consumer perspective,  regulatory considerations, and technologies that support a secure, resilient, and consumer-centric smart energy ecosystem. 

In a world where utilities, OEMs, and policymakers play key roles in the future of our energy infrastructure, consumers remain the missing link in realizing the full potential of a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient grid.

However, engaging consumers effectively has been a challenge. Competing priorities, confusing options, and fragmented approaches have led to missed opportunities and grid inefficiencies. The reality is simple: consumers will do what’s right for them. The key is to design energy solutions that naturally fit their lives, help them save, and empower them to make smart choices. 

This keynote introduces a new path forward and attendees can expect to learn:

• Consumers hold the key to our energy future – how unlocking their potential benefits everyone.
• Better experiences drive better energy solutions – what seamless, personalized, and engaging approaches look like. 
• Small shifts can create big impact – Real-world results prove what’s possible at scale.

By flipping energy industry needs into customer-centered solutions, we can transform energy challenges into opportunities.

Sponsored by Universal Electronics
RSVP to attend.

Not long ago, a “smart home” might have included a programmable thermostat or light. Today’s smart home can feature electric vehicles, battery storage, rooftop solar, smart appliances, and sensors, all integrated through a hub with AI-powered automation. Who will lead this smart home revolution to deliver a simple energy hub as well as create value for both customers and the grid? Utilities? Big Tech? Or perhaps some other yet-to-be-identified player?

Join us as Southern Company’s Director of New Ventures, Robin Lanier, explores the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology and the key players driving this revolution.

with Parks Associates

Electric vehicles, solar photovoltaics, and battery storage systems will play a critical role in creating resilient and sustainable energy ecosystems now and in the future. This session highlights successful models of integrating distributed energy resources to enhance grid reliability, reduce climate impacts, and empower communities.

Effective data sharing and energy monitoring are pivotal to empowering consumers and driving meaningful change. This session delves into critical strategies and emerging trends that ensure the right information reaches consumers, fostering informed decision-making and active participation in energy management.

Parks Associates shares new research revealing opportunities to align new and emerging energy solutions with consumer demands and expectations.

Smart thermostats can optimize indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption and utility bills, yet these benefits have yet to translate into strong adoption trendlines, despite strong consumer interest in personalized insights, remote monitoring, and household efficiency. This panel reviews best practices for capturing consumer attention and imagination when designing and discussing smart thermostat technologies and capabilities.

This session delivers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of consumer-centric energy management solutions. Participants explore future trends in home energy management technologies and their impact on consumer behavior and lifestyle. 

This session highlights the latest advancements in home energy management and smart distribution technologies with insights from Schneider Electric's Jonathan Hastings. Discover how emerging solutions enhance energy efficiency, grid resilience, and consumer control, shaping the future of smart, connected homes.

With AI compute requirements on the cusp of an explosion, greater efficiency in power management coupled with a massive increase in power access is a must in bringing data centers online. This fireside chat session explores what it means to meet the power and compute demands for the coming tide of technology growth, and how energy orchestration can lead to prosperity and deliver infrastructure needs to create new economies and growth for cities and states.

Parks Associates analysts launch the conference with an overview of the firm's latest consumer research and industry insights.

Energy providers are making moves behind the meter with partnerships and acquisitions of companies building a smarter, more secure home. Explore the powerful synergy between smart home technology, residential security providers, energy management players, and utility providers. Gain strategic insights into how these industries intersect and discover opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Sponsored by Arcadia

As households become increasingly integrated with IoT (Internet of Things) devices and smart technologies, understanding the dynamics of energy use within these environments becomes critical. This study delves into how connected home devices, including smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances, impact overall energy efficiency and sustainability. The presentation seeks to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of energy management solutions in connected homes, with a focus on promoting environmental sustainability and reducing energy use in individual homes and multifamily environments.

Energy providers have an established and ongoing relationship with customers today, and market leaders are building on that relationship and diversifying with additional value-added home services.  Discover the potential inrush of new revenue with evolving business models within the smart home and energy industries. Gain valuable insights into new revenue streams, partnership opportunities, and innovative approaches to delivering smart home and smart energy services in an ever-changing market landscape.

This keynote session addresses the driving forces behind smart home adoption, including energy-saving initiatives, convenience, and enhanced security. Join us to hear about the latest developments in smart home technology, including the wide array of devices, platforms, and communication protocols that are shaping the connected home landscape. This discussion will highlight the pivotal role that smart home technology will play in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals, empowering utilities to optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact.

Builders today have the materials, renewable generation technology, and home automation technologies necessary to offer consumers affordable zero net energy homes. Learn how builders are incorporating solar, storage, and home automation technologies to meet Zero Net Energy goals and utility programs supporting their efforts.

Connected products and systems can expose consumers, utilities, and ecosystem players to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Explore the critical aspects of security and privacy in the context of smart home energy systems. Discuss best practices for protecting data, securing devices, and ensuring consumer trust in the interconnected energy ecosystem. In addition, speakers address the role of data analytics, pivotal to the monitoring and optimization of smart home energy systems.

Parks Associates summarizes key points shared across the day in the closing comments, as well as take questions from the audience.

Join Parks Associates and leaders of the smart home and utility markets for networking and cocktails. Request a pass for the reception.

This session will explore the latest advancements in the connected home including adoption of broadband, connected devices, and the future market driven by services.  Participants will gain insights into the current trends shaping the smart home industry, including the integration of AI and IoT technologies, user privacy and data security concerns, and the role of interoperability in creating seamless smart home ecosystems.

Dive into the latest advancements in smart energy devices that are transforming residential energy management. Discover cutting-edge technologies such as smart thermostats, energy monitors, and connected appliances that provide real-time energy consumption data, enable remote control, and facilitate intelligent energy optimization. Learn how these devices empower homeowners to make informed decisions, reduce energy waste, and contribute to a greener future.

Sponsored by Resideo

This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in EV and solar technology, market trends, and sustainability impacts. " This session offers a deep dive into the factors driving consumer interest and market trends in these two key areas of sustainable technology. Attendees will explore the latest research findings on consumer preferences, adoption barriers, and motivational factors influencing the shift towards EVs and solar energy solutions.

Multifamily property owners and operators seek to control energy costs, have confidence in their power supply, and attract residents who increasingly seek smart and “green” lifestyles. Three-fourths of multifamily owner-operators report interest in deploying solar and EV chargers on their properties.  Explore the unique challenges and opportunities in implementing smart energy technologies in multifamily residences. Discover innovative solutions for energy management, security, and enhanced living experiences in shared living spaces.

This session focuses on the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging infrastructure. Speakers explore how advancements in EV technology and the expansion of charging stations are shaping the future of transportation, emphasizing their impact on energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and the integration of EVs into daily life and smart city planning.

This keynote session addresses the evolving landscape of consumer energy markets, focusing on innovative revenue streams and business models. Speakers provide insights into the impact of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, on traditional energy markets, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), and the integration of smart home technologies.

With governments around the globe, major car makers, and big tech all investing in electric vehicles, the market is primed for growth. The next few years represent a challenging but critical time for players in energy and connected technology industries to determine how the rise of EVs will impact their industries and to develop strategies to ensure their solutions will be part of the new reality. This session addresses the opportunity for home energy management device makers, EV charger-makers, and utility players as adoption of these technologies grows.

Increased environmental awareness, introduction of new devices enabling energy savings like smart thermostats and smart sprinkler systems, and the spotlight on electric grid challenges are drivers for the adoption of renewable energy sources. The need for more electricity and alternative sources beyond fossil fuels has led to the development and promotion of renewable alternatives, such as solar panels and storage, EVs, and other devices that enable demand response activities. This session addresses how consumers are gravitating towards these solutions as electricity costs increase, new interest in monitoring energy usage, and as regulations and tax incentives are rolled out.

New tax incentives for battery storage make inclusion of a battery in a solar system an easier sell, and more systems with batteries will push up the revenue per system installed. In the coming years, a tightening economy will create downward pressure on growth for solar solutions. Rising energy costs and concerns about grid stability will be exacerbated by electric vehicle sales and the associated home charging installations. Together, these factors will build a tailwind for energy cost-reduction products and services growth.

This session addresses the changes in the market of solar power, battery technology, and integration of devices and systems with the electrical grid. This session highlights growing consumer and industry demand for home energy management systems and the changes in how we manage and consume energy at home.

Sponsored by Questline Digital

In general, integration with smart home solutions delivers four key benefits to utilities and energy providers: increased consumer engagement with energy management programs, facilitation of smart product integration in demand response programs, increased adoption of smart products for use in energy management, and increased program awareness through cross-marketing efforts. This session highlights the state of the energy management markets, including the impact on the consumer, utility, and connected home industries.

Sponsored by Google

Energy management includes many value propositions that can be delivered as part of a broader smart home solution. The market for energy management solutions has just started to take off, but energy companies are highly motivated to invest in solutions and offerings that provide more energy efficiency and automation in homes. This session examines the emerging energy management capabilities and the opportunity for different channels to provide energy management services and to tie efficiency solutions to a variety of products, including smart lights, pool pumps, smart blinds, and smart fans.

Utilities can leverage the growing number of distributed energy and smart home products and services to help manage the grid. As the adoption of distributed generation expands and daily load profiles resemble the duck curve, aligning consumption with local supply will become critical to grid operation.

The question for utilities and energy providers is how to integrate smart home and distributed energy resources into the grid. This session examines the incentives are needed for consumers to engage in utility programs and operate their home in a way that is aligned with the needs of the grid operator.

 Sponsored by Resideo

EV adoption is entering a new phase. As consumer familiarity rises, incentives and regulatory policies continue to drive increased adoption and interest. EV owners are much more likely to have smart home solutions at home, including two times more likely to have a smart thermostat and video doorbell compared to the general population. These ownership stats open more opportunities among device and car manufacturers for increased integration and new services. This session addresses the future of electric vehicles, including growth in charging stations.

Sponsored by Google

Nearly 75% of MDU property managers and owners are very concerned about residents wasting energy, so they are highly motivated to adopt energy management solutions, including smart thermostats, smart outlets, smart lights, and connected HVAC systems. These solutions can help managers reduce OPEX; for example, they can remotely adjust lighting and temperatures in unoccupied units via smart lighting and energy management system, a top value proposition. This session addresses the role of integrated systems in the future of apartment living and building ownership.

Forward-thinking utilities are investigating strategies to integrate multiple devices and aggregate data to deliver a truly comprehensive and actionable picture to consumers of their household energy consumption. These offerings will help build positive consumer engagement, open avenues to expand service portfolios, and ultimately generate new revenues, even as energy consumption is reduced. This session addresses market expansion and growth in energy services, new business models, and partnership success.

Sponsored by Austin Energy

The convergence of technological advances, energy awareness and concerns, and growing demand is driving adoption of smart home solutions that can deliver new solutions in the energy sector. Parks Associates presents research and analysis highlighting the key benefits for energy providers and builders when they incorporate smart products into their offerings.

For home builders, smart technology delivers multiple benefits—financially and through market differentiation. Both builders and home buyers alike are appreciative of energy-saving rebates as well as the longer-term benefits of lower energy bills. From a sales and marketing perspective, newer smart homes offer additional lifestyle benefits such as built-in security, energy management, and entertainment control.