HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, April 29, 2026 — Energy Marketing Conferences (EMC) successfully concluded its 25th semi-annual conference, EMC25, held April 20–21, 2026, at the Hilton Post Oak Galleria in Houston, Texas. Centered around the theme “THE POWER SHIFT: Redefining Competitive Energy Markets,” the event brought together hundreds of energy leaders from across North America and international competitive power markets, to examine the forces reshaping the industry.

A defining moment of the conference was the presentation of EMC’s two most prestigious honors: the 2026 Supplier of the Year Award and the Broker Excellence Award, recognizing organizations that are not only performing at a high level, but they are also raising the standard and actively redefining what leadership looks like in today’s evolving energy landscape.

Rhythm Energy was presented with the 2026 EMC Energy Supplier of the Year Award in recognition of its forward-thinking approach to retail energy, its leadership in distributed energy integration, and its role in advancing customer participation in evolving market structures.

Operating in ERCOT and expanding nationally, Rhythm has distinguished itself by moving beyond traditional price-based competition and building a modern retail platform centered on flexibility, technology, and customer empowerment.

Over the past year, the company has taken a leadership role in integrating residential battery programs aligned with ERCOT’s evolving ADER framework, enabling customers to actively participate in ancillary markets and contribute to grid resilience.

This shift represents a broader transformation within competitive energy, where suppliers are evolving from commodity providers into platforms that unlock value from distributed energy resources and real-time market participation.

“Rhythm Energy represents the next generation of competitive energy suppliers,” said Jack Doueck, Founder of Energy Marketing Conferences. “Their ability to combine innovation, customer-centric design, and market integration reflects exactly where this industry is heading. They are not just adapting to change; they are helping define it.”

EMC Broker Excellence Award Winner

NextEra Advisors, was presented with the first EMC Broker Excellence Award, recognizing its leadership in delivering structured, data-driven procurement strategies at national scale while maintaining a strong commitment to transparency, governance, and client-first advisory.

NextEra Advisors has evolved into one of the largest and most respected brokerage organizations in the competitive energy market, serving commercial, industrial, institutional, and public sector clients across North America.

The firm’s approach combines disciplined market analysis, formalized RFP processes, and advanced analytics with innovative solutions such as renewable procurement structures and expanded access to clean energy programs.

A standout accomplishment from the past year included structuring a large-scale retail-delivered renewable power purchase agreement that aligned financial performance with long-term community impact, demonstrating how brokerage can extend beyond transaction execution to strategic value creation.

“NextEra Advisors exemplifies what excellence looks like in today’s broker channel,” said Doueck. “At scale, with discipline, and with integrity. Their ability to combine analytical rigor with real-world impact sets a standard for the entire market.”

Recognizing Leadership Redefining Energy Choice and Competitive Power Markets

The EMC25 awards reflect a broader shift underway across competitive energy markets. As customer expectations evolve and technologies such as distributed energy resources, advanced analytics, and digital engagement reshape the landscape, leadership is increasingly defined by innovation, adaptability, and the ability to deliver measurable value.

Both Rhythm Energy and NextEra Advisors represent organizations operating at the forefront of this transformation, demonstrating how suppliers and brokers alike are redefining their roles within a more dynamic and interconnected energy ecosystem.

About Energy Marketing Conferences

Energy Marketing Conferences (EMC) is the leading forum for retail choice and competitive energy leaders across North America and global markets. Through its semi-annual conferences, EMC convenes suppliers, brokers, utilities, technology innovators, regulators, and policy leaders for focused, high-value conversations that reflect the realities of the market and the direction it is heading.

More than an event, EMC serves as a working platform for the industry, where relationships are built, strategies are challenged, and new ideas are tested among the professionals actively shaping competitive energy. From emerging technologies and distributed energy models to evolving customer expectations and regulatory dynamics, EMC brings together the full ecosystem driving change across the sector.

Looking ahead to EMC26

Following the success of EMC25, Energy Marketing Conferences continues to expand its role as the central meeting point for the leader’s driving transformation across competitive energy.

The next conference, EMC26, will take place October 19–20, 2026, in Washington, DC, under the theme: “America 250: Energy Innovation – Powering the Future.” Set against the backdrop of the nation’s capital during a milestone moment for the country, EMC26 will convene industry executives, policymakers, technology innovators, and market leaders for a focused look at the future of energy infrastructure, competitive markets, and innovation.

With increasing convergence between policy, technology, and market design, EMC26 is positioned to bring together the voices and organizations shaping what comes next across the U.S. and global energy landscape.

Early Bird Registration is Now Open. We hope to see you there.