Utilities & Energy Market Research

The Utilities and Energy sector is a complex industry, constantly under pressure to deliver a seamless and problem-free product: the ability to “power” our modern lives. Gas, electric and water must be delivered efficiently, and affordably, to a range of different customers, and must resiliently withstand the often-catastrophic impacts of severe weather and aging infrastructures. At the same time, companies in this industry must also balance the pressures of meeting governmental guidelines and mandates, while offering innovative solutions to reflect the evolving needs of our homes and businesses. The demands on this industry are hefty.

TRC can help utility companies refine their priorities and messaging

Understanding these complex needs, we’ve had to uniquely tailor our market research approaches to help our utility clients explore, plan, and implement more effective marketing and business strategies.

Need to explore and utilize customer insights?

Point-in-time studies or ongoing tracking programs — we’ve used both to gather critical feedback from residential and commercial customers in order to guide our utility clients’ decisions and strategy. We’ve also deployed other key approaches for this industry:

• Brand and image evaluations to provide a holistic view of performance in the marketplace
• Satisfaction research  to understand customer perceptions and experiences with overall sentiment about the company
• Awareness tracking to measure the impact of marketing and communications activities
• Key driver modeling and analysis to deliver tactical guidance for effective, efficient, and actionable decisions.

How can you optimize awareness and participation?

Rebate programs represent significant opportunities for utility providers to improve home energy efficiency. Are customers taking advantage of advancements like smart meters, AI powered appliances, tankless water heaters, and zone control HVAC systems? Do they know the utility company rewards these upgrades with savings opportunities? TRC has found fewer than 30% of utility customers are aware of rebate programs offered for these efficiencies. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we can help utilities maximize consumer participation in these valuable offers.

We apply advanced research methods without compromising privacy

Our approach to utility research includes secure, specialized methodologies designed for the industry’s unique needs:

• Online communities tap into real-life, day-to-day customer insights. TRC has extensive experience creating and managing communities built from customer bases.
• Our HITRUST® certification means we maintain good security hygiene to protect personal data. We ensure the privacy of your utility customers by offering data security excellence and continuous monitoring of security protocols.

Our Commitment

Our research focuses on providing findings that are thorough, insightful, and actionable. Delivering on our promise to help utility companies meet their business objectives in today’s challenging environment.

Greenbook.org, the market research industry directory, reached out to our clients and verified their reviews of TRC.