Modstroem, a Danish utility company announced that its customers can save on their electricity bills by using Z-Wave based tools for the monitoring of energy use.

 

Modstroem said Z-Wave has shifted from the home control market to the utility market and it can actually enable households to save the environment by reducing energy consumption.

 

Z-Wave is an interoperable wireless mesh networking technology which enables communication between devices inside the house like appliances, lighting, HVAC, entertainment centers and security systems. Z-Wave offers convenient wireless control in every walk of life like at home, healthcare, electronics besides energy use.

 

A small digital camera provided on the electricity meter enables the reading of energy usage and Modstroem’s customers can view the actual energy usage pattern on a Web site. The gateway used for energy monitoring is also used for the control of devices for the reduction of energy, utilizing the wireless technology of Z-Wave. Further the electricity meter need not be replaced, so the service can be provisioned quickly.

 

“With its undisputed strength in interoperability and its range of available products, Z-Wave does not only provide for the simple communication from an electricity meter to a gateway and a wireless display in the home. It also enables the control of devices in the home that actually consume the power,” said Roar Seeker, CEO of Modstroem, in a statement. “Especially this second aspect is essential for Modstroem’s advanced service and key to actually achieving energy reduction without compromising comfort for the consumer.”

 

Danish Energy Savings Trust (DEST) is supporting the Modstroam offering being a subsidiary of Denmark’s Energy and Climate Ministry. DEST proposes to use TV commercials to promote this concept besides using magazines.

 

Z-Wave offers a variety of products which exhibit better interoperability, range and low power consumption. The chief advantage however is that Z-Wave will not be affected by WLAN or Wi-Fi interference nor from other devices working in the 2.4 GHz band. This solution was developed by Modstroem and Data Respons a system integrator in wireless communication technology.

 

“Modstroem is a tremendous example of how a scalable, yet simple solution can make this world a little greener. Hand in hand with the marketing drive to explain consumers how energy can be saved, we expect it to be highly effective,” commented Tony Shakib, CEO of Zensys, the company behind the Z-Wave technology.

 

“We believe that a system like Modstroem’s that is easily installed and does not require an overhaul of the energy metering infrastructure is a very attractive addition to the many other energy conservation solutions that have been developed by Z-Wave Alliance members,” concluded Shakib.