Understand what a Smart Grid does? Know how to handle a Smart Meter? You’re one of the few.

In the latest research market study, 79 percent of Americans claim to know little to nothing about the Smart Grid, while 76 percent have only a rough understanding of what the Smart Meter does. According to Market Strategies International E2 (Energy + Environment) Study, more than three quarters of Americans know what these devices promise; namely, a decreased energy bill.

Oddly enough, just a few weeks ago Energy Digital covered the turmoil over the latest Smart Grid installations in Northern California, where residents were concerned about their personal safety and energy costs following the updates. Nonetheless, home owners around the nation cease to understand the benefits of these technological updates, which will help turn high energy costs down, improve energy efficiency and eventually curb global warming.

"There are very clear benefits to these technologies," said Jack Lloyd, a vice president in the Energy Division at Market Strategies. "Still, the lack of knowledge of the smart grid and smart meters could hinder their implementation and delay the energy and environmental benefits they can provide," he said.

The study also details those Americans who understand the Smart Meter and Smart Grid – roughly 75 percent are perceptive to the changes, while a little over half agree that these technologies changes could have an overall positive effect.

But it’s not just in the United States where this problem is occurring – Australia and the Netherlands have also conducted similar studies indicating that the public is generally unaware of the benefits to Smart Meter technologies. Connection Research likewise conducted a study in Australia that deals with similar issues.

"The evidence is clear. The electric industry must make smart grid and smart meter education a top priority if it hopes to implement the technologies successfully across the U.S.," said Lloyd.
 
Source: Connection Research