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Online tools replacing in-home energy audits for utilities, new Chartwell report reveals
ATLANTA – June 1, 2010 – The number of utilities offering online energy audits surpassed the number of utilities offering in-home audits for the first time last year, according to newly released utility industry research by Chartwell Inc.
Chartwell’s latest report, Energy Audits for Mass Market Customers, found that, contrary to prior years, more utilities offered online audits than in-home audits. The latest data shows that 66% of utilities offered online audits – a number which is growing – while 62% offered in-home audits, a number that is falling, the report reveals.
A service that can be provided by utilities or third-party vendors, energy audits inform end-use utility customers how much energy their home or business is using and why, based on an evaluation of the appliances in place coupled with the state of insulation, duct work, window sealants and other measures. Online audits provide a self-service option for customers and a more cost-effective way for utilities to offer the service without sending contractors or staff into the field.
Chartwell also found that, according to proprietary data supplied to Chartwell by utilities across North America, participation rates in both online and in-home energy audits have increased. Energy Audits for Mass Market Customers outlines participation rates for online and in-home energy audits for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 and provides details on participation rates for various mass-market audit types at more than 45 utilities.
Energy Audits for Mass Market Customers is available as part of Chartwell’s Products, Services & Programs Research Series, which focuses on utility products, services and marketing issues. Twelve-month Series membership includes the data provided by utilities regarding products, services and programs for residential and commercial/industrial customers, as well as regularly released reports on issues such as utility market research, marketing, energy management, demand response, and environment-focused programs.
ABOUT CHARTWELL INC.
Chartwell Inc. is an independent information firm that produces in-depth research on customer-facing issues within the utility industry. With our research as the springboard, we offer conferences and other educational events where utility leaders and Chartwell analysts discuss successful programs, innovative strategies and solutions to the industry’s most pressing issues.
PRESS CONTACT
Jennifer Allen
404-237-9099, ext. 28
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