Comverge Inc., a provider of clean energy solutions based in East Hanover, N.J., and Itron, a provider of intelligent metering, data collection and utility software solutions based in Liberty Lake, Wash., have integrated Comverge's Web-based demand management platform, Apollo, and Itron's advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution, OpenWay.
The integration enables interactive, two-way communication between the utility and its customer, a significant step toward the smart grid, according to the companies.
This integration will enable utilities investing in AMI to expand energy-efficiency and demand-response programs. Leveraging the OpenWay infrastructure, Apollo allows utilities to communicate with energy management devices to perform demand-response events and send and receive price and rate signals. The integration will aid in reducing strain on the electric grid during times of peak demand and help customers manage their energy costs.
‘This development is another realization in the promise of our Apollo platform and is a significant step toward the smart grid vision of the future,’ says Comverge Chief Technology Officer Bud Vos. ‘The Apollo/OpenWay collaboration will facilitate a utility's adoption of AMI by providing a secure, real-time communication between utility and customer. The combination of these smart-grid technologies enables a true two-way dialogue that will engage the consumer and utility and provide them with the necessary tools to use energy more efficiently.’
The Comverge/Itron integration operates with the ZigBee Smart Energy Profile within the home area network, allowing for seamless communication between the utility and any in-home device in real-time, without the need for a broadband connection.
SOURCE: Comverge Inc.
