ATLANTA – Despite the recent downturn in the rate at which utilities offer non-commodity products and services, several offerings have real growth potential, according to Chartwell research. Residential customers continue to show interest in green power, surge protection and outdoor lighting, and although many utilities already offer these products, more are planning to launch them this year or considering launching them within two years. For large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, utilities are adding green power, outage notification and power quality services.
These findings are based on two recent Chartwell surveys: a February 2003 survey of 86 utilities regarding their mass market products and services, and an April 2003 survey of 80 utilities regarding their products and services for C&I customers. The data and Chartwell’s analysis are presented in the newly released Chartwell New Products & Services Data Summary & Report 2003. The 422-page report is available for $1,695.
Green power is the fastest growing utility product for both mass market and business customers. According to survey results, 43% of utilities offer green power to their residential customers, with another 12% in the planning stages and 10% considering doing so. The growth potential for green power programs for C&I customers is even larger: 40% of utilities that offer electricity currently have such a program but another 21% say they’re in the planning stages and 10% are considering such a program.
Chartwell’s survey of utility marketing and product development executives reveals their activities and plans surrounding 19 different residential products and services and 12 different products or services for C&I customers. The surveys also ask about which products/services are most popular with customers, which are most profitable for the utility, marketing budgets and strategies, and business strategies surrounding products and services.
The Report is part of The Chartwell Utility Marketing Research Series, a 12-month subscription that includes:
• research and data analysis on residential and C&I products and services;
• monthly issue-oriented reports and case studies on various product/service offerings, and marketing issues;
• survey data in Excel format, which allows for sorting, etc.;
• member input into the direction of the research;
• one-on-one consultation with Chartwell researchers; and
• vendor profiles.
Membership in The Chartwell New Products & Services Research Series is $2,995. For more information, contact us at 800.432.5879.
Press contact: Jennifer Allen, 404.237.9099, jallen@chartwellinc.com
