SGCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered to be the trusted source representing major stakeholders including consumers, advocates, utilities, and technology providers in order to advance the adoption of a reliable, efficient, and secure smart grid and ensure long-lasting sustainable benefits to consumers.

The work of SGCC can be defined by three pillars. SGCC seeks to:

• Listen to consumers via primary consumer research
• Collaborate with all stakeholders via shared best practices
• Educate consumers via outreach, events and messaging toolkits for member use

The research plan of SGCC has two components, one short-term and the other assuming a long-term perspective. In the short term, SGCC is undertaking a series of qualitative focus groups in different parts of the country to determine consumers’ concerns and preferences on the subjects of home energy management and the smart grid. Later, SGCC will conduct a quantitative survey of a broad representation of the public in order to obtain in-depth information about consumer priorities with regard to smart grid, smart metering and grid modernization. SGCC will also seek a more precise understanding of the different practical consumer segments of the population and of how to develop messaging about the smart grid to best serve each segment. See SGCC’s research here.

SGCC maintains a knowledge base of best practices in areas including customer engagement, privacy, education, outreach and customer support relating to the smart grid. These best practices are developed and shared among all stakeholders. See details about SGCC’s 2012 Annual Symposium here.

Using findings from market research and case studies, SGCC produces educational materials designed to communicate to consumers the key issues and the benefits of the smart grid. These tools are made available to member organizations and are at their disposal for use in smart grid outreach efforts. See our Radio Frequency fact sheet here.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SGCC cannot legally engage in political activities beyond educating policymakers on smart grid issues. As such, SGCC does not hire lobbyists to influence legislation at a federal or state level, does not organize grassroots campaigns to lobby for pro-smart grid legislation, does not have a political action committee (PAC) and does not use member funds for political contributions.

SGCC was founded on March 17, 2010.

SGCC is based in Atlanta, Georgia. SGCC’s offices are maintained on a virtual basis in order to save energy, resources and time.

SGCC's Board of Directors structure provides for 17 directors, including representatives of six industry members, five utility members, five advocacy or consumer affiliate groups and the Executive Director. Each of the founding members currently has one designee on the Board. Beginning in 2012, the SGCC Board will have staggered terms, with approximately six directors elected each year to serve a two-year term.

SGCC is open to all consumer and environmental advocates, technology vendors, research scientists, municipals, co-ops and electric utilities that want to get involved in its mission of listening to consumer needs, educating consumers about smart grid and collaborating in ways that include best practices. Read more here.

There are two membership levels: Full Membership and Affiliate Membership. Full Memberships apply to business and commercial entities. No-charge Affiliate Memberships apply to nonprofit organizations, academia, research labs and advocacy groups. Read how to join here.

Members are expected to pay their dues in full and on time; to support the mission and goals of SGCC; to abide by all rules pertaining to anti-trust and intellectual property; and to designate at least one (1) person to serve on at least one (1) working committee.

There are currently working committees focused on research, education and outreach, marketing/PR and membership. The committees usually meet through conference calls.

SGCC members enjoy full access to both the top line and in-depth results of market research. Findings that are deemed important for public use are widely released via special announcements.

Commercial entities pay $5,000 to $20,000 per year on a sliding scale corresponding with annual revenue. Utility members join for an annual fee of $10,000. Municipals and co-ops pay $5,000 to $10,000 per year according to consumer base. There is also a no-cost Affiliate level of membership for consumer advocacy and similar groups. For more details, contact membership@smartgridcc.org or submit our online form.

Contact membership@smartgridcc.org to obtain a membership application specific to your organization or fill out our online form. All applications go to the Board of Directors for final approval and are activated upon signing an agreement and paying the membership fee, if any.