Utility Automation & Engineering T&D - Comverge launches nation's first ZigBee-enabled demand response system in Houston pilot program

East Hanover, NJ, December 19, 2007 -- Comverge Inc., a provider of demand response and energy efficiency solutions, has launched what it says is the nation's first ZigBee-enabled demand response program as part of a pilot sponsored by the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies (CCET).

ZigBee is the name that's been given to the IEEE 802.15.4 communication standard for wireless personal area networks (WPANs). It is intended for such applications as home automation.

Using ZigBee-enabled demand response thermostats (SuperStat) and digital control units (DCUs), Comverge successfully executed load control operations from its hosted data center in Atlanta, Ga., to selected residents in Houston, Texas. The CCET pilot is designed to integrate demand response systems with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. The Houston pilot is being conducted across 500 homes in the CenterPoint Energy service territory and includes retail electric provider participation from Reliant Energy, TXU Energy and Direct Energy.

The ZigBee enabled demand response system utilizes an AMI solution from Itron, integrated with Comverge's demand response technology. Itron's OpenWay CENTRON smart meters, currently being tested in a limited deployment by CenterPoint Energy, communicate with Comverge's SuperStats and DCUs to control central air conditioning systems and other high-usage residential appliances such as electric water heaters and pool pumps. During times of high electricity usage The demand response system can change thermostat settings by a few degrees or cycle off air conditioning systems for short periods of time by utilizing the AMI system as a 2-way communications infrastructure. The system will also enable more advanced options such as in-home displays, critical peak pricing programs, and other price responsive rate options.

"Integrating demand response with AMI allows utilities to better leverage their investment in AMI and provides significant benefits to utilities and their customers," said Edward J. Myszka, Comverge President & COO, Smart Grid Solutions Group. "While we have provided demand response technology to utilities for years, this is the first application using wireless ZigBee-enabled technology.

Myszka noted that the ZigBee-enabled equipment can provide two-way communications between a utility and its customers and enable new products and service offerings even beyond demand response.

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