“Utilities desire alternative demand response communication options in addition to the current one-way deployed technology,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International. “Two-way IP-based solutions enable improved measurement and verification and an overall potential reduction in carbon emissions caused by unnecessary program surveys or service calls – some of the many benefits provided by a Smart Grid.”
The solution is being developed to support utility Smart Grid initiatives and future real-time pricing programs. “Cooper Power Systems is committed to advancing our demand response offerings currently which are an important part of our overall Smart Grid solution portfolio,” said Tom Pitstick, vice president and general manager of the Energy Automation Solutions division at Cooper Power Systems. “By establishing an IP-based demand response solution using the iDigi platform, we enable utilities to easily deploy demand response so they can improve system management and deliver innovative services to their consumers.”
The flexible ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy offers Ethernet and ZigBee connectivity. The Digi solution installs seamlessly and leverages the in-home processing capability of the gateway to optimize energy service offerings. All Digi gateways can be remotely configured and upgraded using the iDigi platform, making them future proof by allowing new services to be offered after the system is installed.
