What to Watch at DISTRIBUTECH: Tracking Energy Trends
VirtualSmart Energy Summit
In-PersonSmart Home Technologies for Energy Management
VirtualFrom advancements in renewable energy integration to the latest in grid modernization, this session highlights the emerging trends driving the future of energy. Panelists share insights on key topics to be discussed at DISTRIBUTECH in 2025, including the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar storage and the shift from one-directional to bidirectional energy flow, which allows consumers to consume and generate and store energy. This bidirectional flow, enabled by technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems and smart inverters, is transforming energy distribution and empowering consumers to take a more active role in energy management.
11:00 AM CT
Hosted by Parks Associates, collocated with DISTRIBUTECH at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, in Dallas, Texas.
09:30 AM CT
10:00 AM CT
This session focuses on the current adoption and future demand for renewable energy sources, smart grids, and advanced energy storage systems. Parks Associates shares its latest research and data, highlighting the business challenges and opportunities for utilities, energy providers, builders, device manufacturers, and more as we all must balance conservation with ensuring a reliable and sufficient energy supply.
10:15 AM CT
This session explores the growth of AI-powered platforms and IoT devices to transform home energy management, optimize consumption patterns, and reduce costs. Participants share examples of successful integration of energy management platforms with smart home ecosystems for enhanced efficiency and convenience.
11:00 AM CT
Energy providers are working hard to collaborate with consumers to balance electricity demand and supply through demand response (DR) programs. The session features insights from industry experts on innovative approaches to DR, including real-time pricing and automated load-shedding techniques.
11:45 AM CT
12:45 PM CT
Parks Associates shares research highlighting key points of integration between energy solutions and the other markets active in the smart home and where consumer research points to new opportunities.
01:00 PM CT
Marketing to the consumer is a challenge—this session reviews research and past case studies to reveal effective communication strategies that resonate with consumers and encourage participation in energy efficiency programs and renewable energy adoption. The discussion includes the role of behavioral economics in shaping consumer attitudes towards energy conservation and the adoption of sustainable energy practices.
02:15 PM CT
This panel of experts examines regulatory and technological advancements driving grid modernization efforts to accommodate renewable energy integration and EV charging infrastructure. The session explores the concept of virtual power plants and decentralized energy networks as solutions for optimizing grid orchestration and resilience.
03:00 PM CT
03:15 PM CT
04:00 PM CT
04:30 PM CT
07:00 PM CT
09:30 AM CT
10:00 AM CT
10:15 AM CT
Electric vehicles, solar photovoltaics, and battery storage systems will play a critical role in creating resilient and sustainable energy ecosystems now and in the future. This session highlights successful models of integrating distributed energy resources to enhance grid reliability, reduce climate impacts, and empower communities.
11:00 AM CT
Effective data sharing and energy monitoring are pivotal to empowering consumers and driving meaningful change. This session delves into critical strategies and emerging trends that ensure the right information reaches consumers, fostering informed decision-making and active participation in energy management.
11:45 AM CT
12:45 PM CT
01:15 PM CT
Parks Associates shares new research revealing opportunities to align new and emerging energy solutions with consumer demands and expectations.
01:45 PM CT
Smart thermostats can optimize indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption and utility bills, yet these benefits have yet to translate into strong adoption trendlines, despite strong consumer interest in personalized insights, remote monitoring, and household efficiency. This panel reviews best practices for capturing consumer attention and imagination when designing and discussing smart thermostat technologies and capabilities.
02:30 PM CT
This session delivers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of consumer-centric energy management solutions. Participants explore future trends in home energy management technologies and their impact on consumer behavior and lifestyle.
03:00 PM CT
As homes become increasingly connected, the role of smart devices in optimizing energy use is more significant than ever. This session features the latest innovations in smart thermostats, energy monitoring systems, and home automation solutions that empower consumers to manage energy consumption more efficiently. This session is a must-attend for executives focused on integrating smart home solutions into energy management strategies.
11:00 AM CT