Online Board Meeting 

Thursday, November 4, 2010, 10am-11am PDT / 1pm-2pm EDT

The smart grid is a subject not widely and accurately understood by the general public. As the smart grid moves further into the consumer-facing realm, with the release home energy management gadgets and cloud capabilities, how do smart grid technology companies bridge the communication gap between consumers and home energy management systems providers? How do technology companies relate to the consumer? What message do they want to convey? In this online board meeting (Thurs., Nov. 4th, 10am PT/1pm ET), we'll hear from industry experts on the challenges that exist regarding this prominent communication gap as well as successful tactics for engaging the consumer.

• Identifying the Consumer: Who are the early-adopters for home energy management solutions and how do specifically target such "trend-setters?" What is the consumer’s motivation? To save money? To save energy? What level of involvement do consumers want to have in relation to their home energy use? Hands-off (automated) vs. interactive dashboards and gadgets?
• Techniques for Reaching the Consumer: What innovative techniques exist to educate and involve the consumer in the technologies and applications for home energy management? (Example: integrating social networking and web-based games to track and manage energy use.)
• Techniques for Improved Customer Relations and Visibility: When implementing residential smart grid solutions, technology companies and utilities must clearly express to customers the purpose and capabilities of new deployments (for smart meters) and new applications (for home energy management). (Examples: press statements and brochures, increased focus on customer service.)

Speakers:

eMeter, Chris King, President, eMeter Strategic Consulting and Chief Regulatory Officer

OPOWER, Nadeem Sheikh, Director, Client Solutions

McKinsey & Company, Adrian Booth, Associate Principal

Download the Agenda

Meet the Panel

Please contact derek.top@agrion.org for any further questions.