Tag Archives: Smart Utilities

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Smart Gas Meter Revenue Will Surpass $1.5 Billion Annually by 2020, Forecasts Navigant Research

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Smart Gas Meter Revenue Will Surpass $1.5 Billion Annually by 2020, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– As in the electricity meter market, gas meters for residential and commercial locations are shifting to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables remote, automated interval meter reads as well as offering command and control features, increased accuracy, and the potential for enhanced energy use management. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, annual revenue from smart gas meters will grow from $258 million in 2013 to more than $1.5 billion in 2020.

“The transition to the latest gas modules connected to AMI networks is just getting started,” says Neil Strother, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Meters with one-way communications capabilities are now giving way to two-way devices that will open up a host of new benefits and efficiencies for both gas utilities and their customers.”

While the deployment of smart gas meters shares some characteristics with the utilization of smart electricity meters, there are significant differences in the terminology and the fundamental assumptions applied to the two markets, according to the report. Unlike electric utilities, gas utility managers can store their product and do not face the same load balancing challenges. In addition, time-of-use billing is not a priority for gas consumption, since the price does not shift dramatically during the course of a day as it does for electricity.

The report, “Smart Gas Meters”, examines the global market opportunity for smart gas meters, and analyzes the drivers and inhibitors shaping the market, along with major technology issues. The report also provides market forecasts through 2020 for smart gas meter shipments and the associated revenue, broken down by meter type and by region. Key vendor profiles, analysis of new market players, and a guide for utilities to build a business case are also included. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/12/smart-gas-meter-revenue-will-surpass-15-billion-an/

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Electric Bicycle Sales to Reach Nearly 38 Million Units per Year by 2020, Forecasts Navigant Researc

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Electric Bicycle Sales to Reach Nearly 38 Million Units per Year by 2020, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Driven by intensifying urbanization, the increasing use of bicycles and other two-wheeled vehicles for everyday commuting, and the rise of new market entrants and more mature products, the market for electric bicycles has become well-established in some regions, particularly in Asia Pacific and Europe. According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide sales of e-bikes will grow slowly but steadily through the remainder of this decade, growing from 30.6 million units annually in 2013 to 37.9 million units in 2020.

“In many cities, the streets are so clogged with traffic that they are virtually unnavigable by car, and e-bikes are seen as an increasingly viable option for urban mobility,” says Dave Hurst, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The utilization of high-quality, affordable lithium ion batteries, among other factors, is helping open this market to people outside the normal e-bicycle demographic. Younger riders are more frequently turning to e-bicycles in countries in North America and Western Europe.”

China accounts for the vast majority of e-bicycle sales: 90 percent of the e-bicycles sold worldwide from 2013 to 2020 will be sold in China. Many cities in China, however, either already have or are considering bans on e-bicycles because of increasing accidents and bicycle congestion. The report’s forecasts assume that bans will either remain in place or be enacted in parts of several major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

The report, “Electric Bicycles”, provides a detailed analysis of the market forces, key drivers of growth, technology, and government influence on the worldwide market for electric bicycles. Forecasts are included, both base and aggressive scenarios, for annual e-bicycle sales through 2020, broken down by region and by battery technology. The report also includes profiles of key e-bicycle manufacturers, suppliers, and other market players. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/electric-bicycle-sales-to-reach-nearly-38-million-/

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Smart Grid Industrial Control Systems Continue to Face Funding Challenges, According to Navigant Res

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Smart Grid Industrial Control Systems Continue to Face Funding Challenges, According to Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Discussions of security for smart grid industrial control systems (ICS) among utilities, vendors, systems integrators, and public regulatorshave become more common in recent years, and utilities as a group appear to be better informed of cyber risks to their gridsand substations. However, funding for these upgrades remains spotty, according to a recent report from Navigant Research. The market for smart grid ICS cyber security will reach $608 million in 2020, expanding at a relatively slow compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, the study concludes.

“Utilities’ awareness of potential threats and risks to industrial control systems is growing, but utilities mainly view security as a method of limiting costs, and advances toward meaningful regulations remain weak,” says Bob Lockhart, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Despite that discouraging overview, though, progress will be steady as the cost of complacency becomes more visible.”

One sign of progress is the increasing number of utility cyber security consulting engagements. However, legacy systems often lack basic information on devices’ locations and their mode of communicating with the network, making security assessments difficult. In such cases, a pre-assessment project to map the network is required. For utilities hoping to deploy one or two new products and declare victory, this can be disappointing news.

The report, “Industrial Control Systems Security”, examines in detail the market dynamics and most important technology issues for the emerging smart grid control systems security sector. The report profiles key providers of control systems cyber security, and provides detailed analysis of the market by smart grid application, by region, and by type of control system technology, including human-machine interfaces, control consoles, telecommunications, and device controllers. Worldwide market forecasts for 2012 through 2020, segmented by application, by technology, and by region, are also presented. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, a part of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant), provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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More Than 400 Microgrid Projects Are under Development Worldwide, Finds Navigant Research Tracker

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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More Than 400 Microgrid Projects Are under Development Worldwide, Finds Navigant Research Tracker

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Recent widespread power outages from severe weather events and other causes have increased the appeal of microgrids, which can operate in isolation from the wider power grid. According to a recent tracker report from Navigant Research, the number of active microgrid projects around the world continues to increase rapidly. The report, the fourth edition of Navigant Research‘s Microgrid Deployment Tracker, identifies at least 405 microgrid projects that are currently planned, proposed, under development, or fully operating.

“The microgrid market is highly dynamic, and many projects remain under the radar,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “However, the microgrid platform is moving increasingly into the mainstream, and new projects will feature substantial investments in hardware and software, and therefore represent more lucrative business opportunities than previously recognized.”

North America remains the world’s most fertile environment for microgrids, according to the report. Connecticut, which has suffered massive power outages several times in recent years, is the first state in the United States to move forward with a policy program to promote microgrids. The report identifies 219 microgrid projects in North America, more than half of the world total.

The report, “Microgrid Deployment Tracker 4Q12“, covers five microgrid market application segments and four principal geographies. The tracker lists proposed, planned, under development and operating microgrids – as well as selected projects that lay the foundation for viable microgrids over the next six years. The goal of this database is to provide the most up-to-date summary of microgrid projects available globally. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, a part of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant), provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYS: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Worldwide Shipments of Wireless Controls for Smart Buildings Will Exceed 36 Million Units by 2020, F

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Worldwide Shipments of Wireless Controls for Smart Buildings Will Exceed 36 Million Units by 2020, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Wireless technology is finally entering the mainstream of the commercial buildings controls market. While building automation and controls have been used for decades, wireless networks are enabling more granular control over building systems without many of the design and labor challenges involved with running traditional cabling to support communications and/or power. According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide shipments of wireless controls for building automation systems will exceed 36 million units by 2020.

“While various forms of wireless controls have been used for at least a decade, the ZigBee and EnOcean standards are catalyzing mainstream market adoption,” says Bob Gohn, senior research director with Navigant Research. “Though wireless will not displace traditional wired controls, it will be an essential tool in every supplier’s solutions toolbox, especially for retrofit projects.”

Following years of niche, proprietary solutions and slow standards development, open standards such as ZigBee and EnOcean are replacing proprietary, vendor-specific wireless RF technology, ensuring device interoperability and ease of installation and operation. Shipments of ZigBee and EnOcean products will account for nearly half of all wireless building control node shipments by 2020, the study concludes.

The report, “Wireless Control Systems for Smart Buildings”, examines the state of the global wireless commercial building controls market today and provides forecasts through 2020. Including market analysis and forecasts for HVAC, lighting, fire & safety, and security & access controls, the report covers the development of both propriety and standards-based wireless technologies and details the market drivers and barriers for each. The forecasts are segmented by region and by technology, and the report includes profiles of more than 20 key industry players, including building controls manufacturers and integrators. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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North America Will Lead the World in Building Commissioning Services Revenue Through 2020, Forecasts

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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North America Will Lead the World in Building Commissioning Services Revenue Through 2020, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Unlike automobiles, which are tested and tuned up on a nearly annual basis, buildings – which consume far more energy – often go through their entire lifecycles without ever being tuned, let alone re-tuned. According to a new report from Navigant Research, the demand for building commissioning services, which ensure that a commercial building’s equipment and control systems are performing as designed, is accelerating worldwide. North America will lead the world in this expanding market, accounting for $13.8 billion, or nearly half, of the $28.8 billion in total worldwide revenue for building commissioning services during the period from 2012 to 2020, the study concludes.

“Concerns about the initial costs of commissioning, as well as a lack of understanding and awareness of its benefits, have kept the practice of commissioning relatively rare in the construction industry worldwide,” says senior research analyst Eric Bloom. “In the long term, however, these barriers will start to fall as the concept is further proven and as green building certification and other high-performance building standards become more commonplace and desirable.”

Over time, the delivery of commissioning services will be transformed through the advent of building energy management systems with continuous commissioning capabilities, according to the report. These systems, which tie into a building’s existing building management system or building automation system, can continuously monitor and provide fault detection and diagnosis within a portfolio of buildings, enabling a level of continuous improvement that today’s commissioning services and solutions cannot.

The report, “Building Optimization and Commissioning Services”, examines the worldwide market for building commission services, including initial commissioning, recommissioning, retrocommissioning, and continuous commissioning. Market drivers and barriers are explored in detail, along with global demand-side dynamics. The report analyzes future technology trends in continuous commissioning and profiles 22 key industry players. Market forecasts, segmented by region and by type of commissioning, are provided through 2020. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, a part of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant), provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Small Wind Power Annual Installations Will Double in Capacity by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Small Wind Power Annual Installations Will Double in Capacity by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Small Wind Turbine (SWT) industry is maturing, signaled by the expanded role of SWT certification, the existence of hundreds of manufacturers located around the world, the expansion of dealer networks, and the growing number of national and regional industry associations. The number of applications is also growing, including applications in telecommunications, defense, and other sectors that involve producing power in remote locations. According to a new report from Navigant Research, annual global installations of SWTs will roughly double in the next five years, growing from 86 megawatts (MW) in 2012 to 172 MW in 2018 and representing $3.3 billion in revenues.

“While the U.S. market for small wind turbines tries to regain momentum following the reduction or expiration of rebates and other key incentive programs in leading states, the overall market for SWTs is growing as a result of Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policies in the United Kingdom and Italy,” says Dexter Gauntlett, research analyst with Navigant Research. “Beyond FITs, the small wind power market will be driven by growing demand for onsite generation, volatile diesel fuel costs, and China‘s growing need for power.”

At the same time, small wind faces a strong challenge from the solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector, which has seen dramatic price drops in solar PV modules over the past few years as well as the emergence of innovative business models – including leasing programs and third party financing models – that have yet to be made available to the vast majority of small wind customers. Wind still offers unique advantages, however, and the growth of solar PV has, in some regards, paved the way for SWTs.

The report, “Small Wind Power”, examines the global market for small wind power, focusing on manufacturers of small wind turbines. Market drivers and barriers, technology issues, and the competitive landscape are explored in detail, and worldwide forecasts for both revenue and capacity for small wind systems, segmented by region, extend through 2018. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, a part of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant), provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Annual Energy Storage for Ancillary Services Capacity Installations Will Increase Ten-Fold by 2023,

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Annual Energy Storage for Ancillary Services Capacity Installations Will Increase Ten-Fold by 2023, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Designed to respond to the technical challenges of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity, ancillary services are required to balance the grid regardless of the structure of the electricity market. Energy storage is poised to take advantage of several global trends in the ancillary services market. According to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, annual worldwide installations of energy storage for ancillary services will increase more than ten-fold over the next ten years, growing from less than 330 megawatts (MW) in 2013 to more than 3,500 MW in 2023.

“The value of ancillary services to utilities and grid operators is becoming more explicit,” says senior research analyst Anissa Dehamna. “This will allow energy storage system (ESS) providers to present clear business cases for ESSs for ancillary services in the coming decade, and while this market will still be relatively small by 2023, the opportunities for providers are significant.”

In regulated markets, the customers for both ancillary services and energy storage providing ancillary services are vertically integrated utilities. By contrast, the customers for ancillary services in deregulated markets are grid operators. However, the grid operators do not own assets that provide ancillary services – they procure these services from other parties. Therefore, according to the report, the customers for energy storage systems in this case could be generators, third-party service providers, or resource aggregators (such as demand response aggregators).

The report, “Energy Storage Systems for Ancillary Services”, analyzes the global market for energy storage to provide ancillary services. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the demand drivers and technology issues associated with the ancillary services market. Key industry players are profiled in depth and worldwide revenue and capacity forecasts, segmented by technology and region, extend through 2023. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Nearly 56 Gigawatts of New Long-Duration Energy Storage to be Installed From 2012 to 2022, Forecasts

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Nearly 56 Gigawatts of New Long-Duration Energy Storage to be Installed From 2012 to 2022, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Rapidly changing energy mixes and increasing volatility in load profiles are challenging grid operators to deliver reliable and secure electricity. These factors are also encouraging demand for long-duration or bulk energy storage, known as energy storage on the grid (ESG). According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the market for ESG will expand rapidly in the coming decade: nearly 56 gigawatts of ESG will be installed from 2012 to 2022, the study concludes.

“Newer and emerging energy storage technologies – such as next-generation compressed air energy storage and pumped storage, as well as advanced batteries – are changing the energy storage space with innovations in efficiency, footprint, materials science, and system flexibility,” says senior research analyst Anissa Dehamna. “These innovations will help enable grid operators to optimize grid assets, defer transmission and distribution upgrades, and integrate renewable energy sources.”

Presently, it is still difficult for many energy storage vendors to make a business case for their technologies based on a single application. To that end, some vendors are layering applications, according to the report. Instead of focusing on a single application, as with traditional energy storage installations, they are delivering solutions for several issues with a single installation. The industry is at a key point, as vendors attempt to fully commercialize technology and develop business cases that highlight total value, rather than simply applications.

The report, “Energy Storage on the Grid”, analyzes the global market for long-duration energy storage and forecasts the amount and revenue associated with this rapidly changing market using an application-driven forecast. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the demand drivers, business models, policies, and technology issues associated with the ESG market. Key industry players are profiled in depth, and worldwide revenue and capacity forecasts, segmented by technology and region, extend through 2022. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Residential Demand Response Participation Rate Will Reach Sixteen Percent Worldwide by 2018, Forecas

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Residential Demand Response Participation Rate Will Reach Sixteen Percent Worldwide by 2018, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Demand response (DR) is becoming an important part of the resource mix for utilities and grid operators, especially in managing peak electricity demand. Utilities face significant challenges, however, in rolling out DR programs to large numbers of their residential customers. According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the worldwide participation level of residential demand response programs will reach only 16.4 percent by 2018, among households with access to such programs.

“Utilities around the world are gradually realizing the potential benefits of introducing demand response programs to their residential customers,” says senior research analyst Marianne Hedin. “While the total number of households participating in demand response programs will be more than 23 million in 2018, that still represents a relatively small fraction of the total addressable market.”

Among the forces constraining more rapid growth in the residential DR market are consumer backlash to smart meters, the cost of delivering demand response to residential customers, and an overall lack of consumer engagement with and interest in this option. Pricing programs that rely on dynamic pricing, which offer consumers a clear financial incentive for adoption of DR, will be the fastest growing segment of the residential DR market.

The report, “Residential Demand Response”, examines the developing global market for residential demand response programs, including technology issues, market drivers and barriers, and regulatory factors. The report includes detailed comparisons of price-based and direct load control DR programs as well as profiles of 17 key market players. Market forecasts for residential DR participation, spending, and load curtailment (in megawatts), segmented by region, are provided through 2018. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYS: <a target=_blank …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance