by Martin LaMonica March 21, 2010
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In an effort to sell its home energy systems, Control4 is taking a page out of the iPhone playbook by designing a sleek device with a dedicated app store.
The home automation company on Monday is announcing at the DistribuTech utility conference that it has developed a Flash-based software developers kit for its EMS 100 home energy management display and the Advantage software that runs on it. The hope is that utilities or energy retailers in deregulated markets, notably Texas, will create customized applications to help consumers cut electricity bills.
The EMS 100 is a small touch-screen display that provides details on electricity use and gives consumers a way to program Zibee-enabled devices, such as a thermostat, lights, or an appliance connected to a wireless plug. It’s one of several home energy managements displays being developed, some of which will be rolled out through utilities.
With the Control4 system, people can participate in utility-run demand response programs to lower electricity during peak times. For example, a person could choose to let an electric hot water heater adjust the temperature setting during “peak events,” such as a hot day when the air conditioning load is high and the grid is generating capacity. In return for turning down the hot water heater, the consumer can get a rebate or reduced tariff….
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