Honeywell and Opower have introduced their new Energy Management Platform, which combines Honeywell's Wi-Fi thermostat and Akuacom utility management software with Opower's interactive, cloud-based application to give homeowners the ability to view and adjust energy use via smartphone or the Web.
The platform merges demand response and energy efficiency programs for utilities - traditionally separate activities - to streamline deployment and management, the companies say. The new technology is designed to provide utilities with both auditable peak and permanent load reduction.
Honeywell and Opower are currently testing the platform in a trial with California-based utility Pacific Gas and Electric Co. As part of the trial, Honeywell and Opower are recruiting participants and installing more than 500 free thermostats to validate energy savings. The trial will conclude in the first quarter of 2014.
