iControl Networks, a California-based company developing wireless systems for home security officially launched an energy management feature for its ConnectedLife home management platform.
Targeting broadband companies and other service providers the system would allow these companies to enhance interactive offerings for broadband home management. Additionally, it allows utilities to implement demand response and energy efficiency services to control peak energy usage.
iControl said current partners in the home security, broadband and telecommunications industries will deploy the technology to the mass market in 2010.
ConnectedLife Energy Management for Service Providers is available for broadband, telecommunications and home security companies to offer as a standalone service or layered with interactive home security offerings to complete the broadband home management platform.
The system offers monitored energy usage in real time to track and compare daily, weekly and monthly trends to pre-set energy usage goals. It also allows remote management and control of devices (e.g. thermostats) from the web, iPhone or other mobile phone.
iControl said using the system can reduce the average energy bill by a minimum of $10 to $20 per month.
The system employs an in-home ZigBee-based gateway that wirelessly communicates with two-way smart meters and controls thermostats, lights, appliances and more. It leverages existing advanced metering infrastructure systems for real-time metering information, pricing signals, and utility command and control messages.
iControl systems use a widget-based touch screen panel for user interface.
"iControl offers a compelling value proposition for broadband service providers, utilities and home security firms with its ability to link energy management with its other broadband home management capabilities," said Bill Ablondi, director, home systems research for Parks Associates. "Our research shows that a majority of consumers are interested in, and willing to pay for, a system that helps them monitor and control energy consumption."
In August, iControl announced a Series C funding round of $23 million. Investors in iControl include ADT, Charles River Ventures, Cisco, Comcast Interactive Capital, GE Security, Intel Capital and the Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers iFund.
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