This opening session frames the current state of smart energy consumption, distribution, and management. Panelists discuss changing incentives and policies, the challenge of distributed energy generation, grid modernization, and customer engagement. Experts from across the energy ecosystem identify the most critical issues facing the industry and where partnerships behind and in front of the meter can drive the market forward.

As homes become more connected and electrified, the challenge shifts from device control to holistic energy orchestration. This session explores how HEMS platforms, OEMs, and utilities can work together to automate load management, optimize energy use, and deliver personalized consumer value. Speakers discuss interoperability, data sharing, and the evolving role of AI in making energy management seamless and adaptive within the modern smart home.

The explosive growth of AI and cloud computing is driving unprecedented energy demand from data centers, straining grid capacity and accelerating the need for clean, reliable power. This session examines the response from utilities, developers, and technology firms through onsite generation, renewable procurement, and innovative grid partnerships. Panelists explore how policy, efficiency technologies, and market design can balance digital growth with sustainability and energy resilience.

Parks Associates analysts present new findings on how the smart home is evolving and how energy management fits into the larger market for connected, safe, and affordable living. Consumer-technology interactions shape daily energy needs and decisions and open opportunities for utilities to align customer goals with system needs. The discussion explores behavioral shifts, automation trends, and how these dynamics create a foundation for shifting energy behaviors at home.

Residential solar and battery storage are reshaping how consumers interact with the grid, offering both resilience and new opportunities for load flexibility. This session dives into the critical trends shaping the market—from virtual power plants and solar-plus-storage bundling to financing innovations and evolving net metering policies. Panelists discuss how utilities, installers, and technology platforms can align to maximize customer value, grid stability, and long-term sustainability.

As energy systems grow more distributed and dynamic, consumers face complex decisions around time-of-use (TOU) pricing, DER participation, and home energy automation. Generative AI — embedded in voice assistants, home energy dashboards, and utility apps — promises to simplify this complexity by providing personalized, context-aware recommendations and autonomous optimization. This session brings together technologists, utilities, and smart home leaders to explore how generative AI, large language models, and predictive automation are transforming the way households interact with energy systems and connected devices.

Data intelligence is redefining how utilities identify value and deliver service. This keynote panel examines how advanced analytics, AI, and forecasting tools convert data streams into operational efficiency and new market opportunities.

Building consumer trust is central to the connected energy economy. Consumers are willing to share energy data to achieve savings but remain concerned about the security of their data in connected devices and services. This discussion explores privacy, interoperability, and transparency challenges, highlighting how strong data stewardship supports both innovation and long-term customer value.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the most dynamic elements of the distributed energy landscape, transforming how utilities, automakers, and consumers interact with the grid. This session explores the evolving EV value chain — from managed charging and bidirectional power flow to the convergence of home, fleet, and public charging networks. Panelists share insights on enabling interoperability, unlocking demand flexibility, and turning EVs into valuable grid and customer assets.

As utilities seek to scale customer programs, enrollment and retention have become critical success metrics. This session highlights proven approaches—from incentive design to cross-sector partnerships—that increase participation while improving consumer trust and satisfaction.

Research from Parks Associates shows that clear program value and transparent communication remain the top drivers of retention, influencing the economics of participation.
 

Multifamily properties present some of the toughest yet most promising frontiers for energy efficiency, electrification, and smart technology adoption. This session explores how utilities, property owners, and technology providers can collaborate to overcome split incentives, streamline retrofits, and deliver scalable electrification solutions for diverse tenant bases. Panelists discuss the business models, partnerships, and innovations enabling multifamily buildings to become active participants in a flexible, decarbonized grid.

Parks Associates will facilitate this small-group workshop to foster dialogue and co-creation between traditionally siloed energy players. Attendees will form cross-sector teams (utilities, technology vendors, OEMs, energy aggregators, policy experts, and data solution providers) to brainstorm solutions for pressing energy-industry challenges from both the grid and behind-the-meter perspectives. Each group will discuss practical frameworks, business models, or partnerships to address these challenges, followed by short presentations and open discussion.

Parks Associates presents new consumer research on distributed energy adoption and attitudes toward data sharing. Learn how transparency, interoperability, and perceived value shape consumer openness—and what this means for future partnerships and business growth.

The user experience is becoming central to energy engagement. This session highlights emerging interfaces—from voice assistants to integrated apps—that make energy data visible, contextual, and rewarding.

The next wave of smart energy adoption will come from mainstream households seeking simplicity, savings, and reliability. At the same time, millennial and Gen Z households are the most responsive to gamified or app-based energy incentives, signaling a need for new models to drive participation and profitability.

This session explores how utilities, technology providers, and energy innovators are reimagining marketing, incentives, and engagement to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that bring smart energy to every type of home — from renters to rural customers. Panelists discuss emerging business models, affordability strategies, and technology pathways that can make connected energy management universal, equitable, and impactful at scale.

Scaling solar, storage, and electrification requires financial models that make smart energy investments accessible, predictable, and profitable for all consumers. This session explores how utilities, lenders, and technology providers are rethinking financing through on-bill repayment, subscription energy services, and public–private partnerships that reduce upfront costs. Panelists discuss how innovative funding approaches can unlock mass-market adoption, advance equity, and accelerate the energy transition.