Agenda

2026 Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement

SECC + PLMA's Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement will feature engaging sessions on two important angles of the distributed, flexible energy transition: grid operations and customer engagement.

Below you will find details on the joint keynote sessions and SECC's breakout sessions for this event. You can view the complete agenda – including PLMA’s two breakout tracks – on PLMA’s website here.

Monday, February 2

Pacific Time Zone

8:30 a.m.

Registration Open

Join us at the San Diego Conference Center. Be sure to stop by DTECH's registration desk first to pick up your badge!

9:00 a.m.

Welcome from PLMA and SECC

We welcome everyone to our 2026 Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement. Room 6C

Nathan Shannon, President & CEO, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Richard Phillip, Executive Director, PLMA

9:15 a.m.

Morning Keynote Address

To-be-announced utility executive. Room 6C

9:30 a.m.

Morning Keynote Panel: The Nexus of Grid Operations and Customer Engagement

This joint panel discussion will showcase how utilities are working with consumers to achieve success in today's energy landscape. Room 6C

10:30 a.m.

Coffee Break

To attend SECC's breakout sessions for the rest of the day, transition to Room 4 after the break.

11:00 a.m.

Stories of Success: How Utilities Are Serving Smarter Consumers

Hear from your peers as we showcase award-winning, consumer-centric engagement programs and educational outreach efforts. Gain valuable insights, learn how to overcome common challenges and hear recommendations for program success. Room 4

12:00 p.m.

Joint Luncheon

Come network with old friends and meet new connections in Rooms 6C And 4 as you mix and mingle with fellow attendees of the Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement.

1:00 p.m.

Are We Hitting the Brakes on EVs?

Has the termination of federal electric vehicle (EV) incentives changed the direction of consumer interest in electric transportation? Learn from your peers as we map out innovative ways utilities are engaging and educating new and existing EV owners. Room 4

1:45 p.m.

Batteries Included: How Consumers Are Adopting New Energy Storage Solutions

From using cleaner energy sources to addressing reliability concerns, consumers today seem more willing to adopt battery storage solutions. Hear from experts and your peers as we discuss how consumers are benefiting from these new opportunities and what is driving their adoption. Room 4

2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Networking Break

2:45 p.m.

Bridging the Rural, Suburban and Urban Divide

“Location, location, location” might be a real estate professional’s mantra, but how does it impact a consumer’s energy outlook? Discover how where a person lives impacts their energy values and behaviors, their willingness to engage in demand flexibility programs, their interest in home electrification and more. Room 4

3:30 p.m.

AI at the Utility: Friend, Foe or Just Fine for Consumers?

SECC research shows continued growth in consumer adoption of and interest in AI, but trust issues remain for some consumers. Hear from industry experts as they look at how AI is helping shape new programs and services for consumers and discuss how to optimally address their concerns. Room 4

4:00 p.m.

Cocktail Reception

Join us for a cocktail reception in the Terrace Area to network with fellow members and other attendees from the combined Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement.

5:00 p.m.

DTECH Monday Keynote + Concert

For the first time ever, DTECH will be hosting a keynote and evening party on Monday. To enter the keynote and evening party at the Rady Shell, all attendees must have their event badge. Learn more here.