Presentation Abstract: "The Consumer Mindset" This presentation serves as an introduction to this session, exploring the consumer mindset regarding smart grid capabilities, ancillary benefits, and willingness to go along with proposed initiatives. Survey data is presented showing the degree to which customers are motivated by saving money, how willing they are to "pay to save," and how they feel about allowing utility control over energy usage. Speaker and Moderator: Bill Ablondi Director, Home Systems Research Parks Associates Bill Ablondi is a technology market analyst with over 25 years experience advising systems manufacturers, software publishers, and communication service providers. Bill specializes in marketability analyses, competitive assessments, and market forecasts. He has directed syndicated advisory services and related custom consulting activities for several leading research firms in addition to Parks Associates. Bill began his information technology career as an engineer and business development manager at Texas Instruments. He holds a BS in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Columbia University with a concentration in management science, emphasizing operations research and finance. His areas of expertise include home systems, home controls, energy management, and smart grid. [back to Program Agenda]