Norcross, Ga.-based Comverge Inc. has introduced SmartConsumer, a customer engagement solution that integrates software and services to help utilities reduce base load by educating and inspiring residential customers to become more energy-aware.
SmartConsumer includes the new IntelliSOURCE PowerStory Portal. The portal helps educate customers about their energy consumption through commonly used consumer devices such as personal computers, smartphones and tablets. The solution also includes services that help optimize customer interactions at key touch points such as bill pay, move in/move out, customer service calls and prior to or during load control events. This is complemented by a real-time measurement and verification system that uses data analysis, Comverge adds.
The company has also introduced its IntelliTEMP DirectLink smart thermostats and IntelliPEAK DirectLink digital control units (DCUs). By leveraging broadband communications, Comverge says the new thermostat and DCU provide utilities significant flexibility in deploying targeted and cost-effective demand response programs without requiring investment in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
For utilities with AMI deployed, the Comverge DirectLink solution enhances the value of the AMI investment by providing robust consumer engagement capabilities and enabling data analytics that better integrate demand response and whole-home metering data, Comverge adds.
