Energy Bill Incentives Would Influence Smart Home Buying: Parks

About 23% of U.S. broadband households that recently bought a smart thermostat did so due to an incentive, discount or rebate from their energy provider, blogged Parks Associates Wednesday. Six in 10 acquired their device less than two years ago, it said. “Eighty-four percent of households take some mindful action to reduce energy consumption," including 45% that adjust a thermostat to save energy, said analyst Patrice Samuels. Smart thermostats’ ability to automate energy-saving actions drives product appeal, she said. The majority of consumers who don’t own or plan to own a smart product say saving money on energy bills, incentives to lower the cost of insurance premiums or rebates on smart products “would positively influence their likelihood to buy.”