ATLANTA, July 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- As with most products or services related to energy efficiency, air conditioning cycling programs are in a growth mode. Currently 31% of surveyed utilities offer an air conditioning cycling program, with another 9% planning or considering doing so, according to Chartwell's newest report, Residential and Small Business Load Control and Demand Management. In addition, load management/AC cycling is growing in popularity with 12% of Chartwell-surveyed utilities rating it as their most popular residential product or service in 2004, compared to only 7% in 2003 and 2002.
The report also reveals data on the types of utilities most likely to offer AC cycling, as well as participation rates, the amount of load that can be reduced and the type of technology used. The data comes from Chartwell's April 2004 survey of 80 utilities regarding their products and services for residential and small business customers.
The 58-page report includes not only Chartwell's proprietary survey data and analysis, but also two in-depth case studies: one detailing the successful small business thermostat control pilot at Southern California Edison; and the other about Dakota Electric Cooperative Association's residential AC cycling program that has achieved a 37.8% participation rate. In addition, eight vendors of AC cycling technology and program development and management are profiled.
Residential and Small Business Load Control and Demand Management, which is available from Chartwell for $395, is part of The Chartwell Utility Marketing Research Series, which covers products, services, marketing issues and customer relations. The Series is an ongoing information service that provides utility case studies; topical analysis and research; and a database of utilities and the products and services they offer. The Residential Products and Services Data Summary & Report 2004 also explores green power, broadband over power lines (BPL), surge protection, in-home wiring and piping plans, HVAC and appliance-related offerings, outbound outage notification, and other utility products and services aimed at both mass market and C&I customers. Members of the Research Series have input into the direction of the research and design of the survey instrument.
For more information about the ongoing Research Series, the Residential and Small Business Load Control and Demand Management report, or Chartwell's utility products/services database, please call Juli Collins at (800) 432-5879, or (404) 237-9099.