2026 State of the Consumer Report
Author: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Date: February 17, 2026
Topics: State of Consumers
Resource Type: Reports
Download the “2026 State of the Consumer” report, which summarizes the key findings from SECC’s 2025 consumer research – including the Smart Energy Snapshot Surveys and Customer Insights Spotlight Series – and provides actionable themes to help electricity providers and other stakeholders better meet the needs of today’s consumers.
The report emphasizes the key role that energy affordability will play in 2026. Across every consumer segment, income level and generation, energy affordability sits at the top of consumers’ priority list. However, while affordability dominates, reliability and resilience are consistently in the next tier of consumer expectations.
Another consistent pattern across 2025 research projects is that technology is both a major opportunity and a major barrier. Gen Z owns the most smart devices but underutilizes them for energy management, while Curious and Capable consumers are willing learners but require guidance. Low-income consumers show strong interest in using energy management technologies but lack resources to acquire or install them.
Recommended Resources
