Energy Effeciency: Home Market & Smart Grid

Energy Effeciency: Home Market & Smart Grid by Richard Matthews

The energy efficiency industry is undergoing unprecedented growth. This boom is driven by the increased participation of state and federal authorities, and movement toward a smarter grid. According to two new reports by Colorado-based Pike Research, the smart grid and deep retrofits for the home market are the next big energy efficiency initiatives.

Tax credits, low-cost financing, and other incentives are encouraging homeowner demand for more efficient heating systems, windows and insulation. The Pike report forecasts that the energy auditing market will triple from $8.1 billion in 2009 to $23.4 billion by 2014. Those auditors will recommend home improvements emphasizing efficiency upgrades. Pike Research predicts a $50.2 billion market in the installation of new electrical systems, appliances and major equipment, HVAC systems, roofing, windows and doors and other efficiency improvements by 2014, up from $39.3 billion.

Richard Matthews is a Marketing Consultant and author of The Green Market, a blog dedicated to green investing and the economy. Richard hails from Quebec Canada. He enjoys hiking, canoeing, and rock-climbing.