Chartwell, an independent information firm that produces in-depth, objective research on customer-facing issues within the utility industry, has come up with a new report which predicts that electric utility customers will monitor their energy usage more frequently in the coming smart grid era.

Out of 1500 energy consumers surveyed by Chartwell, more than 1000 monitor their energy usage on a monthly basis. However, many consumers say they don’t want to monitor the energy usage on a monthly basis in the coming future.  Rather, most of them wish to monitor the usage on a weekly basis over the next few years.

"It's clear through our research that electric utility customers in the U.S. and Canada will definitely look to monitor their energy usage more frequently when the technology is available, but they don't see the need to view it in 15-minute or hourly increments," said Scott Johnson, Sr. research analyst with Chartwell, in a press release. "We have found that utilities will have to do a lot in the way of educating consumers on the value of this data as well as put other incentives on the table, most notably money."

Through its surveys, Chartwell helps customers learn how to monitor energy usage through preferred channels. The company has conducted over 3,000 consumer surveys and several focus groups since last year for its Smart Grid Customer Engagement (SGCE) Council, a utility-only group facilitated by Chartwell that looks at customer engagement issues and directs Chartwell researchers.

Another recent survey by Chartwell shows that most utility customers have never even heard of a smart meter and among those who have, barely half can identify the correct definition when it is presented to them. Another 10 percent believe it is a device that allows utilities to monitor customer movements inside their homes.

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Janice McDuffee