Smart Grid PR

Thanks to smart grid technology and smart grid public relations, our methodology for managing energy output and efficiency is currently undergoing a notable transformation. Smart grids refer to the overlay of digital communications technology on existing electrical infrastructure. Almost 99.9% of Americans have electricity and with over 75% of Americans having access to the Internet, the impact is about to be widespread.

Smart grids let houses and utilities talk to each other through Internet-enabled energy meters called “smart meters”. Connected appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners broadcast data about energy consumption over a secure network and, if necessary, electrical utilities can be remotely controlled to avoid overloading the grid. Individual users will also be able to monitor billing and usage, compare trends, and control their devices in real-time from anywhere they have Internet access.

With such far-reaching benefits clear, why would there be any lack of support for such a project? In two words - upfront costs. That’s where savvy smart grid public relations can come into play. Smart grid public relations is becoming a hotbed for both the hoards of innovative companies looking to mainstream their smart metering technology and towns and cities try to pass funding for smart grid implementation.
Successful smart grid PR programs will aim to emphasize long-term savings, raise awareness, target local support and generate fundraising opportunities. Smart Grid PR plans for individual companies should focus on generating positive press regarding emerging smart metering technology and the individual products positive differentiation points.

Microsoft and Google have employed smart grid PR for the launch of their smart metering devices, and Apple has filed patent applications pointing toward its own entry into the smart metering game. Whatever form ends up on top, expect smart grid public relations transform the way customers interact with their utilities.

There are several popular avenues for executing effective smart grid public relations communications. Because smart grid PR efforts are built upon interaction and communication, social media and smart grids are a natural fit. Whether it’s a smart grid application that incorporates smart metering and community sharing, YouTube channel, Facebook page(s), Twitter feed(s), weekly podcast, daily blog or forum commentary, smart grid PR via social media must stay consistent. Your smart grid public relations activity will naturally drive traffic to your other social media channels and your brand website by way of links and natural SEO building. Now that you are building your smart grid public relations presence, how are you going to measure your smart grid PR results? Votes? Device penetration? Customer surveys? Social media views or fanship? Make sure your smart grid PR programs have definable goals.

Makovsky + Company understands that by utilizing smart grid public relations techniques to help provide customers and voters with more information, they are helping them make smarter decisions. As the smart grid continues to expand its reach, smart grid PR will do its part to help usher in the new way we manage energy.

Unlike many public relations agencies, Makovksy + Company has followed the smart grid PR landscape from the beginning. They understand the importance of branding by generating a consistent buzz via consistent smart grid public relations efforts. To truly maximize the effectiveness of smart grid public relations involvement, Makovsky + Company believes smart grid PR should be an integrated component of a cross-channel marketing strategy. By combining smart grid public relations efforts with targeted marketing tactics, smart grid PR can help expedite technology and program adoption.

Make sure your smart grid initiative employs a tactical smart grid public relations strategy to keep you ahead of the game. Learn how the Makovsky + Company “Power of Specialized Thinking™” can turn your smart grid PR efforts into a success story today.

About Makovsky + Company
Founded in 1979, Makovsky + Company (www.makovsky.com) is one of the nation’s leading independent global public relations, smart grid public relations, investor relations and branding consultancies, focused in financial services, professional services, health care, technology, branding and investor relations. The firm attributes its success to its original vision: that the Power of Specialized Thinking™ is the best way to build reputation, sales and fair valuation for a client. Based in New York City, the firm has agency partners in more than 25 countries and in 35 U.S. cities through IPREX (IPREX.com), the second largest worldwide public relations agency partnership, of which Makovsky is a founder.