GE Poll Finds Those Aware of Smart Grid Hopeful on Benefits

It's hard to say how consumer perceptions at this stage will make much difference in the build-out of a smart electrical grid, but General Electric this month set out to find out what they think.

GE commissioned a survey earlier this month by StrategyOne to learn more about consumers' awareness of the smart grid concept and their expectations about the technology.

The poll found that more than three-quarters of those surveyed (79 percent) where unfamiliar with the smart grid idea, but among those who were familiar with it, 78 percent expect a smart grid to reduce power outages and restore power more quickly when it does go out. Other benefits they are expecting include:

* 74 percent understand that smart grid will give them the info they need to make better decisions about their electricity usage

* 72 percent think that smart grid will help them save money on their monthly bills

* 63 percent believe smart grid will create new jobs in the energy sector

GE's conclusion:

"Consumers are ready to embrace the smart grid, and particularly time-of-use pricing models (75 percent of those familiar with smart grid), if it helps them save money."