As Part of the TXU Energy Conservation Program, the Free Internet-Based Tool Helps Customers Manage Home Energy Usage, Save Money and Help the Environment
DALLAS, Texas, June 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Today, TXU Energy introduced its new energy conservation product - the TXU Energy iThermostat(TM). It replaces a customer’s old thermostat with one designed to manage home energy use, save money and help the environment from any device connected to the Internet. It also allows TXU Energy to manage electric use during periods of peak energy demand.
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"Our focus is on helping customers control their energy use so they can save money," said Jim Burke, chief executive officer, TXU Energy. "Combined with the TXU Energy Conservation program, this new tool will help accomplish that and help the environment at the same time."
The TXU Energy iThermostat(TM) benefits include:
-- Customer control: At home, from work or on the road, a customer can
control their home’s heating and cooling system from any Internet-
connected device.
-- Save money: Settings can be adjusted for weekdays and weekends, with
up to four programmable periods a day. Depending on use and settings,
customers can save as much as $150 or more every year in energy costs.
-- Help the environment: The TXU Energy iThermostat(TM) helps the
environment by allowing TXU Energy to manage peak electric use, which
can prevent power interruptions and help keep prices down.
The iThermostat is free to eligible customers in the Oncor Electric Delivery service area who sign up for the TXU Energy Conservation Program. This program allows TXU Energy to cycle on and off a customer’s heating and air conditioning system during periods of peak energy demand -- typically between the hours of 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May through September. However, customers have ultimate control and can easily override a cycle period from any Web-enabled computer or by calling TXU Energy. Cycling in this way can help TXU Energy reduce the strain on the state’s transmission and generation facilities and ensure everyone has the electricity they need to keep their homes comfortable.
The TXU Energy Conservation Program has a two-year minimum term. However, customers can choose to change TXU Energy plans at any time without affecting the participation in this unique and beneficial program. For more information about this program, customers can visit http://www.txu.com/iThermostat or call 1-866-733-1807.
Going High-Tech to Conserve Energy
The iThermostat, in conjunction with the TXU Energy Conservation Program, represents one of the nation’s first Internet-based electricity demand response programs. It uses broadband Internet service and ZigBee(R) technology. ZigBee is a low-power, short-distance wireless standard that has great possibilities in applications from home automation to industrial control. iThermostat was developed in partnership with Comverge, Inc. (Nasdaq: COMV), a leading provider of clean energy solutions, and Digi International (Nasdaq: DGII), a leader in device networking.
"The iThermostat incorporates technology to deliver a two-way demand response program over a high-speed Internet connection. The iThermostat will ultimately leverage Texas’ advanced metering system scheduled for full deployment over the next several years," said Robert M. Chiste, Comverge Chairman, President and CEO.
"We are seeing numerous applications where ZigBee and other wireless technologies are being used to network devices," said Joe Dunsmore, CEO, Digi International. "We are pleased to be working closely with TXU Energy and Comverge Inc. Our wireless gateways connect the iThermostat to the Internet and provide the technology that enables customers to enjoy cost savings and reduce their environmental impact."
About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million electricity customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit http://www.txuenergy.com for more information about TXU Energy.
About Comverge
Comverge is a leading provider of clean energy solutions that improve grid reliability and supply electric capacity on a more cost effective basis than conventional alternatives by reducing base load and peak load energy consumption. For more information, visit http://www.comverge.com .
About Digi International
Digi International, the leader in device networking for business, develops reliable products and technologies to connect and securely manage local or remote electronic devices over the network or via the Web. Digi offers the highest levels of performance, flexibility and quality, and markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Press Contacts:
Hokie Chan
Channel Marketing Manager, Asia Pacific
Tel: +852-2235-2206
Email: hokiec@digi.com