At its annual Members Meeting & Fall Workshop this week, the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC) announced that the nonprofit group will officially become the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), effective immediately.
“In response to the continuing evolution of the energy industry, our pioneering consumer research has expanded from the smart grid and smart meters to the numerous consumer products and services that are enabled by these fundamental technological advancements,” explains Patty Durand, president and CEO of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.
“Within the past two years, under the direction of our 140-plus members, we have undertaken consumer research on residential/community solar, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, time-of-use rates and more. It was time the name of our organization reflected this shift in focus, as well.”
The new name, which was voted on by the board of directors at the beginning of the year, is accompanied by an evolution of the organization’s brand identity, including a new logo. This effort was conducted throughout the first half of the year by a sub-committee of SGCC members and Interprose Inc., a strategic communications firm with specialization in B2B technology innovation. The final design was selected in July by the board, which includes representatives from Itron, Georgia Watch, CenterPoint Energy, Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel and Southern Co.
“The consumer is arguably playing a greater role than ever before in the energy sector, and the need for accurate consumer research on today’s energy issues is more crucial now than ever,” comments Mark Brown, senior customer programs officer of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission and board chairman of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.
“With the new name and direction, we will continue to serve our agenda of listening to consumers via primary research, collaborate with industry stakeholders and educate consumers with outreach and messaging toolkits – but now on a broader scale.”
