Smart Home Devices Could Help Boost Uptake of Time-of-Use Programs, Says Parks

While 28 percent of U.S. broadband households are familiar with time-of-use rate programs, only 18 percent report their utility offers one, said Parks Associates Wednesday. Of those who have been offered a TOU plan, 38 percent signed up, said analyst Brad Russell. Familiarity with these programs hasn’t budged much since 2015, Russell said, but smart home devices such as smart thermostats could open a new line of communication with consumers to boost familiarity and convey benefits. They could also help reduce consumers' fears of loss of control, the top inhibitor to TOU enrollment, said the analyst.