Consumer engagement is a major priority for utilities to retain and increase demand response participants
Parks Associates announced energy and utility research ahead of its 15th annual Smart Energy Summit at DISTRIBUTECH, finding 13% of US internet households are currently enrolled in a demand response (DR) program. Ten percent participated in a DR program in the past but are no longer enrolled. Among these households, 28% say they discontinued participating in a DR program because it was no longer available, while 23% felt the incentive was too low.
The 2024 Smart Energy Summit is co-located with DISTRIBUTECH, the largest utility and energy-focused conference in the world, on February 27-28 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. Smart Energy Summit sponsors are SkyBell, SmartThings, Arcadia, Resideo, and Universal Electronics.
“DR programs proliferate, but their names, benefits, and branding often change, which causes confusion among consumers,” said Jennifer Kent, VP, Research, Parks Associates. “With more than one in four former DR participants saying they no longer have a program available to them as they shift between energy providers or move to new markets, it is a major lost opportunity for energy providers. Energy providers need new ways to educate consumers and engage consumers in DR programs.”
Parks Associates research finds 43% of US internet households currently participate in at least one energy program. Additional energy research from the firm:
- 24% own a generator for backup power
- 7% own solar panels
- 5% own an EV
- 16% own a smart thermostat
Smart Energy Summit will feature keynotes from Tyson Brown, Manager Strategic Partnerships, Google, and Donald McPhail, VP Product, Uplight. Confirmed session speakers include the following:
- Dr. Gabriela Bunea, Chief Solar Innovation Officer, GAF Energy
- Martin DeBono, President, GAF Energy
- Geoff Martin, President & Co-founder, vipHomeLink
- Mike Mulqueen, Director, Commercial Partnerships, SWTCH Energy
- Bruce Nordman, Research Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
- Chris Thorson, Chief Marketing Officer, FLO
- Paul Wezner, Chief Product and Customer Officer, Powerley
- Paul Williams, Managing Director of Home Management Business Unit, Nice
Parks Associates is currently accepting speaker submissions for Smart Energy Summit at www.smartenergysmt.com. For more information or to speak with an analyst, contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein at mindi.sue@parksassociates.com.
About Smart Energy Summit
The 17th annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer addresses the rising demand for energy, accelerated by the growth of data centers and AI, and its impact on energy management, renewable adoption, and grid modernization. Organized by Parks Associates and co-located with DISTRIBUTECH, Smart Energy Summit brings together leaders from energy, smart home, and technology industries to explore strategies and partnerships critical to the energy transition.
Smart Energy Summit takes place February 3-4, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center. It will focus on integrating smart energy solutions, leveraging AI and IoT for home energy management, and tackling challenges in demand response and grid orchestration. Supported by Parks Associates’ consumer and industry research, the event provides key insights into market trends and the path forward for utilities, technology providers, and consumer brands.
Follow #SmartEnergy26 on Parks Associates’ LinkedIn. For information on speaking, sponsoring, or attending Smart Energy Summit, visit www.smartenergysmt.com.
