New Technologies - Utilities

e-Radio

Direct Energy, one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services companies, has signed an agreement with e-Radio USA, Inc., an operator of wireless communications networks and manufacturer of FM receiver modules for “smart grid” devices, to market and distribute e-Radio’s solution.

e-Radio’s Utility Message Channel solution allows utilities, energy retailers, or government agencies to send alerts, messages and commands to smart grid-enabled devices and consumer appliances which instructs them to reduce their energy consumption and operate more efficiently. The notifications are sent to the home-based device/appliance through FM radio signals across a municipality or utility service area resulting in significantly reduced peak energy demand. The technology can also intervene on the consumer’s behalf, cycling off appliances for set periods of time during those high-priced, high-demand peaks.

There are three options currently provided by Direct Energy through the agreement:

Option 1 – One way Load Control Thermostat

• Low cost reliable solution
• Meets most utility program requirements
• Can include utility messaging
• Independent of other systems and networks

Option 2 –Load Control Switch

• Typically controls electric water heater or air conditioner compressor
• Installs on outside of home and in a lot of cases, can be installed without the need to go into a customers home (provides an opportunity to make the installation more efficient)
• Lower cost

Option 3 – Interface to Smart Meter

• Same functionality as option one
• Includes ability to read data from smart meter
• Provides ‘in home display’ functions, which allows customer to see real time consumption and spending
• Can also connect into Home Area Network (HAN)