We are excited to share the 2026 agendas for both the Research Committee and the Education & Outreach Committee. These quarterly calendars highlight the key topics that will be explored during committee meetings and published for members and the industry at large throughout the year.

The Research Committee begins the year with the “2026 State of the Consumer” report, which will be released in mid-February, before moving on to the “Exploring Energy Affordability: Barriers and Opportunities” study, which will explore one of the industry’s cornerstone issues for 2026.

In the second half of the year, the Committee will examine alternative rate plans and home electrification with the “Analyzing Rate Choices: Implications for Consumer Behavior” and “Pathways for Home Electrification: Exploring Consumer Adoption” reports. The Committee will also continue the Smart Energy Snapshot Series, beginning with a short survey on residential demand response programs.

This year, the Education & Outreach Committee will begin with its annual paper that provides utility examples for the “2026 State of the Consumer” themes; however, this year’s playbook-style resource will pay particular attention to customer communications and outreach campaigns.

In the second and third quarters, the Committee will develop a two-part series – “The Time and Place of Energy” – that will help consumers better understand the efforts to deliver safe, reliable power. To end the year, the Committee will release a paper with successful utility examples of how providers are using the latest technologies to help consumers better manage their energy costs.

If you’re an SECC member and are interested in joining upcoming meetings to help us develop these resources, contact SECC’s Deputy Director Jason McGrade to be added to the distribution lists. If your organization is not yet a member, contact SECC's President & CEO Nathan Shannon to learn how you can get involved in our 2026 initiatives.