IBM recently released its 2008 Global Utility Consumer Survey – you can read the report here: Lighting the way: Understanding the smart energy consumer.

The report states that in the short term it will be up to the individual to drive changes in energy consumption and management based upon their own personal initiative and income levels. However, in the medium- to long-term it is expected that the current generation of youngsters will start to drive more significant changes in energy consumption as they mature.

Despite this, over 90 per cent of people surveyed indicated that they would like a smart meter at home including tools for better managing their energy usage. The caveat, however, is that consumers are not necessarily willing to pay for such services even though they might save money. Those under 25 are the most willing to pay a premium for such services and were the most interested in services such as having a message sent to their mobile when the power goes out at home.