The Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC), an independent non-profit group working to foster mutual understanding between industry and consumers regarding the creation of a next-generation energy infrastructure, has announced several new members as the group continues its strong momentum among constituent groups throughout the smart grid ecosystem.

Formed earlier this year, the SGCC said it has "emerged as a key player shaping the future of the nation’s energy infrastructure, the focal point of industry and consumer collaboration, and an important industry spokesperson around the introduction of the smart grid." Member organizations receive access to an information clearinghouse of best practices and timely developments, including proprietary research, as well as a forum to meet and work with the full spectrum of stakeholders—utilities, vendors, and consumers.

The latest SGCC members include:

CNT Energy, a non-profit division of the Center for Neighborhood Technology dedicated to helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to reduce their energy consumption and costs.

Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a non-profit, non-partisan group created in 1983 by the Illinois General Assembly with a mission to represent the interests of residential utility consumers across the state.

Duke Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric power holding companies, serves approximately 4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Said Don Denton, Duke Energy’s GM for Smart Grid Strategy and Planning,

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an environmental organization committed to designing and transforming markets to bring lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. 

OG&E, serves 780,000 customers across 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas.

OPOWER, a provider of customer engagement software proven to reduce energy usage.