This research investigated how the utility business model would evolve as New Providers, like Cisco, Verizon, Best Buy and Google entered the energy management market. It assessed the impact on the customer relationship, the win-win opportunities, regulatory issues, process changes, and potential challenges and risks. It identified the need to share the consumer relationship with New Providers and the New Provider’s role in bringing marketing and innovative products to the energy management market.

This research investigated and identified new approaches and technologies that can drive increased energy savings in the next five (5) years. Its focus was on market ready solutions that can have an impact. The research investigated solutions in the residential and commercial markets including new technologies, behavioral change programs and new approaches such as commissioning and system optimization efforts. It identified the movement to all inclusive programs that focus on tailored and customer specific solutions to deliver large savings rather then the individual technology specific approaches being used today. An Excel spreadsheet model was developed to simulate the impact of these technologies and approaches on future savings.

This research assessed the key requirements and methods used for successfully communicating benefits to consumers, regulators and policy makers. The research presented a framework for communicating Smart Grid benefits and assisted the sponsors in understanding the specific communication needs and value proposition being communicated to consumers/policy makers, and what has worked or not worked to date. It identified the “value gap” between consumer expectations and the Smart Grid’s ability to deliver on these expectations.