DALLAS, TX – Remote access and control via broadband are expanding opportunities for energy management systems and services, according to research firm Parks Associates. Lighting controls, programmable thermostats and self-monitoring systems will each exceed $1 billion in U.S. revenues by 2015, Parks Associates forecasts. The research firm’s report, Residential Energy Management 2011: Trends and Opportunities, projects that 13 percent of U.S. households will have some type of energy management network by 2015.
The availability of these broadband-connected systems, along with consumers’ growing interest in energy savings, will open opportunities outside the utility industry for manufacturers and service providers. One-third of consumers in broadband households say they find remote control of lights, appliances and thermostats via Web-enabled devices very appealing. Nearly 50 percent find email/text notification of smoke, fire, water, or gas leaks very appealing.
“The market for residential energy management (REM) solutions is entering a pervasive growth period characterized by the entrance of many more firms with a variety of solutions, growing consumer awareness and significantly increasing sales volumes over the next five years,” says Bill Ablondi, director, home systems research, Parks Associates. “Engaging consumers is critical to success in this market. Companies such as ADT, Best Buy, GE, Intel, and Verizon have entered the market from several different entry points; all have the marketing clout to educate consumers about the benefits of REM solutions and drive market growth.”
