-- UK-based advanced metering equipment manufacturer, Horstmann, has
already produced smart meters for the European market, with its H-series
and SG-series product lines. The combination electricity and gas meters
feature displays that provide consumers with an overview of their hourly,
daily and monthly energy consumption. The SG-series uses GSM/GPRS to
transmit data to the energy supplier for an improved and transparent
billing process.
-- Kamstrup, a leading global manufacturer of system solutions for energy
metering, plans to integrate Z-Wave technology into its metering modules
during the second quarter of 2009, allowing the meters to transmit
consumption data to smart energy displays, home control centers and
utilities.
-- Danish energy supplier Modstrøem, which has been providing an
innovative solution for reducing electricity costs since 2008, uses Z-Wave
to provide active assistance to its customers in their efforts to reduce
energy consumption. The savings made can then be either credited to the
household or invested in CO2 certificates.
"As the building of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the U.S.
accelerates with the availability of federal stimulus funds, Z-Wave is well
positioned to play a leading role given its success overseas," said Bill
Ablondi, director of Home Systems research with Parks Associates.
The Z-Wave AEC framework allows energy suppliers and smart meter
manufacturers to develop an intelligent and advanced domestic energy
management system that is designed to help homeowners better understand and
manage their home energy use. According to a recent study from the Consumer
Electronics Association (CEA), fifty-six percent of consumers show interest
in "smart energy meters" that provide information on optimum times to run
appliances for utility bill savings. Unlike other technologies on the
market, Z-Wave fulfils the requirements of energy suppliers and smart meter
manufacturers while simultaneously offering affordable products to
consumers that can be used to make domestic energy consumption transparent
and easily manageable.
There are more than 300 Z-Wave certified products on the market, providing
an end-to-end solution that allows the homeowner to manage and adjust
lighting, thermostats, appliances and other devices to reduce energy
consumption and spend.
"With the Obama administration calling for massive investment in and
stimulus funding for energy saving technologies, smart meters are becoming
more than a buzz word and Z-Wave's success in the European smart meter
market with the likes of Modstrøem, Horstmann and Kamstrup gives it a
significant competitive advantage as energy conservation and management
takes center stage in the U.S.," stated Ken Lowe, EVP Strategy at Sigma
Designs.
About Z-Wave
Z-Wave is an award-winning, proven and interoperable wireless mesh
networking technology that allows a wide array of devices in and around the
home to communicate including lighting, appliances, HVAC, entertainment
centers and security systems. Z-Wave brings many benefits to everyday life
including remote home monitoring, home healthcare, safety and security, and
energy conservation. Z-Wave certified products are currently available
from leading consumer brands in more than 300 products. Z-Wave is the
recipient of the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award in the
wireless category, the CNET "Best of CES Award" in the enabling
technologies category, along with PC World's World Class Award. For more
information about Z-Wave, please visit www.z-wave.com.
About the Z-Wave Alliance
Formed in January 2005, the Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of leading
companies in the home technology space dedicated to solidifying Z-Wave as
the standard for wireless home control products. The principal members
include Cooper Wiring Devices, Danfoss, FAKRO, Ingersoll-Rand Leviton,
Sigma Designs, Wayne-Dalton, and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI). Its
members lead the home controls market, providing leading edge products and
systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, energy conservation,
safety and security. Z-Wave technology is the foundation of all products
manufactured by the Alliance members. For more information about the Z-Wave
Alliance, visit www.zwavealliance.org.
Z-Wave® is a registered trademark of Sigma Designs, Inc. and its
subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Contact Information: Contact: Kristie Heins Fox Ruder Finn for the Z-Wave Alliance 312-329-3985 heinsfoxk@ruderfinn.com