Laura Ruff Agard is a market research analyst who specializes in distributed energy resources (DERs) and utility marketing data collection and analysis. In her role at E Source, Laura conducts both voice-of-the-utility (VOU) and voice-of-the-customer (VOC) surveys, analyzes the data using SPSS and Excel, and creates data-inspired deliverables. Laura’s goal as a market research analyst is to pull together the information utilities need to make a business case for new DER and marketing initiatives. Laura earned a BS in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. She then spent over four years in energy consulting, conducting fieldwork and analysis for rebate and incentive program evaluations.
Laura Ruff Agard
Senior Analyst, Market Research
Topical Expertise
Customer transactions
Market research
Segmentation
Voice of the customer (VOC)
Voice of the utility (VOU)
Distributed energy
Content by This Author
Strategic Electrification: Insights to Spark Your Interests
May 6, 2019
Electrification is a hot topic in the utility industry. We created an infographic with information from our 2018 Utility DER Strategy Benchmark and from our 2018 Electrification Forum Session to help you get kick-start your strategy. See what other utilities are saying!
How Do Residential Customers Typically Pay Their Bills?
July 2, 2018
Curious as to how residential customers prefer to pay their bills with other service providers? Our report, which uses data from the 2017 Claritas Technology Behavior Track and Energy Behavior Track studies, looks into the channels customers use to pay their electric, Internet, TV, and phone bills.
You Can Assign an Average of 40 Customers Per Key Account Manager
June 18, 2018
Since 2013, the average number of customers per key account representative has stabilized at around 40 customers. Check out our infographic, which uses data from the E Source Account Management Assessment and the E Source Gap and Priority Benchmarks, to learn more!
How a Younger Workforce Affects Trends in Account Manager Salary and Tenure
June 18, 2018
Utilities are experiencing high levels of turnover as the workforce shifts to a younger generation. It’s important to have account plans and processes in place so you can seamlessly transfer knowledge from seasoned veterans to the new workforce. Check out our infographic to learn more!
E Source Market Research Team Gets Wowed at the DOE Solar Decathlon
December 4, 2017
In October, the market research team visited the DOE's 2017 Solar Decathlon in Denver. We were overwhelmed by the innovations in the 11 solar-powered houses, but Northwestern University's home intrigued us the most. The students used research-based personas to inform the house's design.