Market Research Solutions for Public Power

To thrive in today’s complex landscape of emerging technologies, rising demand for renewable energy, and customers expecting online access to detailed information, community-owned utilities must factor in the voices of their customers when making strategic decisions.

Without it, they risk flying blind into an uncertain future. GreatBlue Research gives utilities reliable and actionable data about customer and employee perceptions and interests.

Improve my customer targeting and marketing

Our Partner for Market Research

Providing actionable customer intelligence and market research to community-owned utilities

Learn More about GreatBlue Research

Benefits

GreatBlue’s analytics on customer satisfaction and interest in potential new services enable the utility to make data-driven decisions.

Base strategic decisions on what residential and business customers want and expect
Gain precise insight into market demands and the utility’s overall performance
Prioritize utility programs, products, and services according to customer feedback
Benchmark the utility against regional and national peers
Access actionable content and customer engagement tools for marketing and communications teams

The information that we received back from the survey will be used to help the RPU Board set a direction for future residential rate structures as well as make decisions regarding electrification, energy conservation, energy consumption behaviors, and customer communications. Hearing from and considering the input of our customers is vital to be a community-focused utility,

— RPU General Manager Mark Kotschevar

Features

GreatBlue provides solutions that impact organization, operations, and marketing effectiveness through a diverse set of research methodologies, including telephone interviews, digital surveys (web and mobile-based survey programs) and focus group sessions.

On-Site Call Center for Interviews

GreatBlue employs computer-aided interviewing platforms for both telephone-based and online research studies resulting in comprehensive and statistically reliable data.  Its in-house, 24-seat bilingual Call Center provides personal day, evening and weekend service. Following data collection and analysis, GreatBlue compiles thorough and insightful summary reports listing specific, actionable results.

Focus Groups

Equipped with event video and audio recording, concealed client viewing rooms and lounges, private client entrance, and web streaming for those unable to attend, GreatBlue takes each focus group project from start to finish through professional recruiting, moderation, analysis and the reporting that provides the information necessary to help clients identify, address and improve their offerings. Focus groups may meet in person or virtually in Zoom.

In-Depth Interviews

For those that need a personal deep dive into a particular topic, GreatBlue professional interviewers can guide recruited participants through one-on-one interviews. GreatBlue can conduct IDIs at its facility, remotely at a facility of the client’s choice, via telephone, or via Zoom. Whether just gathering thoughts and opinions or testing out a product or website, IDIs provide insight into specific client needs.

Digital Research to Keep Up with Consumers

To help your utility stay close to your customers, you may deploy a customized or off-the-shelf digital survey to learn first hand what your customers need and expect. You will send a link to your customers to fill out an online survey. You may use all of your communication methods—email, social media, bill insert, website, and/or text message—to distribute a link to the survey. Your customers will access a web page featuring your logo. To keep costs low, the off-the-shelf option is a one-size-fits-all survey for which GreatBlue has thoughtfully selected 20 standard questions based on extensive experience in the utility industry. Digital research will help you factor in customer opinion research when making utility management decisions.

"Quick Hit" Testing

GreatBlue has redefined the art of quick-hit testing. The company combine the speed and affordability of automation with the care and guidance of working directly with an experienced (and responsive) research team.  Because consumers are making purchasing decisions very rapidly, GreatBlue developed a process specifically to reveal key insights to drive the utility in the right direction, as fast as possible.

Public Power Data Source Subscription Service

GreatBlue Research is partnering with The American Public Power Association to give community-owned utilities 24/7 access to industry trends and consumer preferences, habits, and future expectations. The Public Power Data Source online service empowers public power professionals with actionable and affordable data, customer insights, and strategies for success.