2026 Event Schedule

Utility companies play a key role in smart cities. Electric companies, working in partnership with city officials, technology companies, consultants, and several other institutions are among the major players that help accelerate the growth of smart cities.

Case in point, Austin Energy's comprehensive Demand Side Management (DSM) programs demonstrate how municipal utilities can create foundational smart grid infrastructure that enables city-wide transformation while achieving aggressive environmental goals. This presentation showcases progress and programs that contribute to Austin's industry-leading 100% carbon-free energy target by 2035. This presentation highlights the on-going evolution from traditional energy efficiency metrics to greenhouse gas reduction measurements that better align with smart city objectives.

Austin Energy's smart integration approach leverages distributed energy resources through municipal solar installations, expanded EV charging infrastructure, and municipal building demand response requirements. The utility's innovative leadership is exemplified by next-generation energy efficiency programs that integrate beneficial electrification with demand response—requiring smart device rebates to include automatic enrollment in virtual power plant services through integrated marketplace platforms.

Central to Austin Energy's success is a collaborative "three-legged stool" approach balancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability through partnerships with over 40 diverse stakeholder organizations. This engagement framework ensures smart grid investments reflect community values while protecting vulnerable populations through targeted energy equity initiatives.

The presentation will detail Austin Energy's replicable framework for transforming traditional grid operations into smart city enablers. Key takeaways include proven methodologies for community engagement and approaches to measuring smart grid success through energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction metrics. Attendees will learn practical strategies for integrating demand-side management with distributed energy resources, creating scalable platforms that advance decarbonization goals while enabling broader smart city services