Though demand response technology has been around for decades, developers have been working for years to fine tune the system and make energy efficiency programs–such as smart grid communications and automated demand response–more accessible to consumers.
Today, global smart grid company Trilliant released its newest energy software, the Trilliant Consumer-Engagement Solutions, which uses Trilliant’s UnitySuite software, SecureMesh networking and DDX technology to give consumers more and more relevant information regarding personal energy consumption.
“Engaging customers in their energy consumption is one of the most critical benefits of a smart grid,” said Trilliant Chief Marketing Officer Rob Conant.”This new offering provides a platform for a simpler rollout of consumer programs, with proven interoperability on a variety of electricity meters and in-home devices and systems.”
While Trilliant’s DDX technology was previously used to build distributed between the millions of smart meters installed in customers’ homes, the new software provides enhanced communications systems.
Consumer Engagement Solutions streamlines device management making it easier for consumers to see where and how they are using energy. It also includes HAN security systems to protect consumer privacy, a long standing concern with smart grid technology.
If it works, smart grid and demand response technology could allow for much high energy efficiency. Consumers could cut back for example when they see on a smart meter that a device is still plugged in and pulling energy. Companies could effectively manage their office energy use by time of day, season and load peaks, and grid operators could better manage outages, peak demands and load shedding.
In time with the announcement, Trilliant also announced today partnerships with 16 home energy companies that will sell interoperable home energy awareness devices that operate on the new Trilliant software.
Interoperability has repeatedly been cited as another major concern with smart grid technology, as the communication system relies on many different parts effectively and securely talking with each other.
“Consumers will ultimately be the biggest beneficiaries of the smart grid,” Conant said.
