ZigBee Announces Availability Of Smart Energy Public Application Profile
The ZigBee Alliance announced public availability of its ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile. ZigBee Smart Energy is described as a ready-to-use solution offering utilities and technology suppliers a secure, interoperable, easy-to-use wireless global standard for developing products that improve energy management and efficiency for both consumers and corporations.
ZigBee Smart Energy was developed through collaboration between utility companies, product manufacturers and technology suppliers in response to demand for a global wireless standard for better energy management. It is said to enable wireless two-way communication between utility companies and common household devices, empowering consumers to manage their energy usage more precisely. ZigBee Smart Energy is said to allow utility companies to implement more sophisticated programs for greater energy management, and to respond to government demands for energy efficiency. It is available for free download by the public.
In May, the Alliance certified 19 ZigBee Smart Energy products. These products represent a full range of devices necessary to implement a wide variety of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) programs. All ZigBee Smart Energy products are certified to perform regardless of manufacturer, allowing utilities and consumers to purchase with confidence.
"Reliant Energy continues to be a strong supporter of ZigBee Smart Energy because standards accelerate the development of a broad array of products and solutions for our customers," said Glen Stancil, Vice President of Smart Energy R&D from Reliant Energy. "With the introduction of certified ZigBee Smart Energy products, consumers will have the ability to get more information, choice and control over their energy use."
"ZigBee Smart Energy is a significant achievement because it is the only global wireless standard among utilities, product manufacturers and technology suppliers," said Bob Heile, Chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "The introduction of ZigBee Smart Energy to the public will exponentially increase and advance the development of more products and services to boost the energy efficiency movement. As more products get certified, consumers and utilities gain more choices in how they implement new efficiency programs in homes and businesses worldwide."
