Parks Associates announces Sri Solur, Chief Executive Officer, Kenmore and Brands, as Visionary Speaker for Smart Energy Summit

7% of US internet households have a smart refrigerator

Parks Associates today announces Sri Solur, CEO, Kenmore and Brands, as the visionary speaker for the upcoming Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer virtual session “State of the Home Energy Management Market” on August 17, at 11 a.m. CST. The research firm will share the latest adoption of renewable alternatives, such as solar panels and storage, EVs, and other devices that enable demand response (DR) activities, with discussion on the consumer demand and attitudes driving this growth.

Smart Energy Summit speaker

Smart Energy Summit is sponsored by CSA - Connectivity Standards Alliance, Rapid Response Monitoring, Schneider Electric, Calix, Austin Energy, Questline Digital, Copper Labs, Resideo, and Google.

“State of the Home Energy Management Market” features the following executives:

  • Anne Arquit Niederberger, PhD, SVP Market Development, Enervee
  • Suzanne Ogle, President and CEO, Southern Gas Association
  • Mark S. Martinez, Sr Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets and Technology Program, Southern California Edison
  • Ben Thacker, EVP, Business Development, Emporia

“Consumers want to reduce their energy consumption,” said Jennifer Kent, VP, Research, Parks Associates. “Bringing more education to home energy management solutions is critical to growth given the current lack of awareness. This is a great session to understand the current view from appliance makers and service providers on the energy management market.”

The firm’s latest primary consumer research study, Energy Management and Services in the Home, features the following data:

  • 7% of US internet households have a smart refrigerator
  • 16% of US internet households have a smart thermostat
  • 7% of US internet households own solar panels
  • 5% own an electric vehicle (EV)
  • 48% would prefer to have electricity providers provide energy monitoring services

Parks Associates will host its 15th annual in-person Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, featuring Google as a keynote, in partnership with DistribuTECH, February 26-27, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. Apply for a Press Pass here.

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.