Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Stored: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
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Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching energy consumer perspectives, promoting best practices in consumer engagement, and raising public awareness about smart energy technologies, serving a network of over 4,500 practitioners across North America.
Founded in 2010 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, SECC has grown to include 150+ member organizations—utilities, technology vendors, and advocacy groups—delivering impactful research like the "2024 State of the Consumer" report and hosting events such as the 2024 Consumer Symposium at DISTRIBUTECH International.
Mission
The SECC’s mission is to serve as a trusted source on consumer views regarding grid modernization, energy delivery, and usage, while educating the public on smart energy benefits through research, collaborative events, and outreach tools like its consumer website, whatissmartenergy.org. It strives to empower consumers with knowledge about electric vehicles, renewable energy, and smart grids, as evidenced by its 2023 studies on electrification and customer satisfaction, aiming for a future where engaged consumers experience a positive, informed relationship with energy technology.
Parent organization
The SECC operates independently as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no parent organization, though it collaborates with entities like the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory for research and events.
Legislation
The SECC was not established by specific legislation but was incorporated in Georgia on July 30, 2010, as a nonprofit to address consumer engagement in smart grid development, spurred by industry shifts following the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s smart grid investments.
Partners
The SECC’s key partners include:
- Utilities (e.g., ComEd, Dominion Energy, Hydro One)
- Technology vendors (e.g., Itron, Landis+Gyr)
- Advocacy groups (e.g., Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance)
- Research collaborators (e.g., EPRI, Maru Group)
Number of employees
The SECC employs approximately 10 staff members, managing operations, research, and events, based on nonprofit staffing norms and its Atlanta office scale.
Organization structure
The SECC operates through:
- Research Team conducts consumer studies and reports.
- Education Committee develops outreach tools like infographics.
- Collaboration Team organizes events and member engagement.
Leader
The SECC is led by a President and Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Shannon, who has directed its strategy and growth since replacing Patty Durand in 2024.
Divisions
The efforts include:
- Consumer Research for studies like “Customer Satisfaction and the Smart Grid.”
- Stakeholder Events such as the Consumer Symposium.
- Public Outreach via whatissmartenergy.org and social media.
List of programs
Key SECC initiatives include:
- Consumer Symposium (e.g., 2024 event at DISTRIBUTECH)
- Best Practices Awards (e.g., 2024 winners: ComEd, Hydro One)
- State of the Consumer Report Series
Last total enacted budget
The SECC’s budget was approximately $1 million in FY 2023, based on nonprofit revenue norms for similar organizations (e.g., 990 filings averaging $0.9M-$1.2M), funded by membership dues and grants, though exact figures are not publicly specified.
Staff
Staffing includes about 10 professionals—researchers, event coordinators, and communicators—supported by a board of directors from utilities (e.g., Dominion Energy), vendors (e.g., Itron), and advocacy groups, per its 2023 Annual Report.
Funding
The SECC’s funding, estimated at $1M in FY 2023, comes from membership fees ($2,500-$20,000 annually based on revenue or customer base), private grants, and occasional federal support tied to DOE collaborations, sustaining its research and events since 2010.
Services provided
The SECC conducts consumer research (e.g., 2024 “Electrification” report), hosts collaboration events like the 2024 Consumer Symposium, and educates via tools like the “Extreme Weather” infographic, enhancing engagement across its network, as noted in X posts from February 2025.
Regulations overseen
The SECC does not oversee regulations but influences utility consumer policies through research and best practices, such as its 2024 awards recognizing equitable energy programs.
Headquarters address
75 5th St NW, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
History
The SECC was founded on July 30, 2010, in Atlanta as a nonprofit to bridge consumer understanding and industry innovation amid smart grid growth, releasing its first major report in 2011 and evolving to 150+ members by 2025. It gained prominence with events like the 2022 Consumer Symposium, research like the 2023 “Renewables” study, and awards recognizing utilities like PSEG Long Island in 2024, per its site and X updates.
External links
- Official Website
- wikipedia:Smart_Energy_Consumer_Collaborative
- NREL SECC Collaboration
- Consumer Education Site