Energate Announces New Technologies for Demand Response
Designed for ZigBee, a unique combined smart thermostat and in-home display provides greater savings and improved consumer experience
OTTAWA, Canada (September 2, 2008) — Energate today announced the availability of an innovative combined smart thermostat and full-featured in-home display that functions as an integral extension of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. Named the Demand Response Control Center (DRCC), this breakthrough product gives consumers real-time, advanced information on their energy usage, and the means to control it, in one easy to use device.
Currently being deployed in Demand Response (DR) pilot programs with two of North America’s premier utilities, the DRCC is at the forefront of designed for ZigBee in-home solutions that are tightly integrated with and communicating over an AMI system. The utilities will measure consumer responsiveness to time of use and critical peak pricing rates, as well as the impact on energy demand during peak usage periods.
Energate has collaborated with Elster to integrate the innovative capabilities of the DRCC with Elster’s EnergyAxis® System, providing a leading-edge, robust solution for utilities that gives more energy usage awareness and control to consumers.
“With the advanced features found in the Demand Response Control Center, we have evolved from a smart thermostat to a product that is a true hub for consumers to understand and control their energy use,” said Niraj Bhargava, CEO of Energate. “With features such as bright LED indicators of curtailment and critical price events, and text messaging, the DRCC is also an important new touch point between utilities and their consumers. Energate has taken the consumer’s convenience and comfort into account, while balancing their needs with those of the utility’s.”
Based on Energate’s Pioneer platform, the DRCC provides a simple to use and highly versatile user interface and real-time communications, as well as load shedding, and the means to alert consumers. Some features that homeowners can access include:
- Billing information for the current and previous periods, per rate tier and in both kWh and $
- Instantaneous consumption (kWh)
- Permit customers to override scheduled events on load switches in the home, such as water heaters and pool pumps
- Adjustable thermostat response to different pricing tiers
“Our goal is to help utilities deploy Demand Response programs that are both economically feasible and engage the homeowner,” said Bhargava. “In designing our solutions, we look beyond pilots to mass deployments, where consumer engagement is really put to the test. Through our working relationship with Elster, we’re confident that we’ve developed a product that will not only promote energy savings especially during peak periods, but also lead to an improved consumer experience.”
Energate will be demonstrating the Demand Response Control Center at Autovation® 2008: Utilimetrics International Symposium, September 7-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Visit us at booth #117.
About Energate
Energate’s home energy management platform lets consumers and utilities manage energy use and reduce peak demand without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Building upon over 25 years of HVAC industry experience, Energate smart thermostats offer industry-leading equipment interface technology and comfort control algorithms. Founded in 2004, Energate’s corporate offices are in Ottawa, Canada with sales offices in Texas and California, USA. Visit www.energateinc.com
Contact:
Lisa Courtney Lloyd
Jolita Communications for Energate
lcourtneylloyd@jolita.ca
613-271-7512
