AT&T and Digi have joined forces to offer Digi X-Grid, a suite of products and services designed to bring connectivity to energy-oriented devices in homes and businesses.
Utilities and software providers that develop for the smart grid industry can use Digi X-Grid to meet customers’ energy demand more effectively.
Through Digi X-Grid, delivered over the AT&T network in the USA, consumers and businesses can reduce power use and monthly costs with real-time monitoring of thermostats, electronics, meters and more.
Currently, AT&T enables two-way communications for more than 13 million electric meters on its wireless network. By developing a strategic relationship with Digi, it can provide an array of applications for these smart meters.
“Digi X-Grid, powered by AT&T’s wireless network, moves beyond the smart meter to provide innovative applications and devices for real-time insight into power consumption,” said Chris Hill, vice president for advanced mobility at AT&T. “These services can help both utilities and their customers use energy more efficiently.”
For example, for remotely adjusting thermostats, consumers can download Digi’s Energy Daytrader mobile application. When used with a Digi gateway, it lets users monitor energy usage and control their smart energy thermostats remotely.
When energy providers notice major spikes in consumption, they can take advantage of X-Grid’s load control features to take the strain off of the power grid. Consumers that give their utility company permission to turn off discretionary devices remotely can receive credits and savings on their bills, while the service providers can route energy to where it’s needed most.
Through Digi’s smart plugs, users can monitor and control individual appliance energy usage.
The Energy Daytrader application tracks all connected energy-consuming devices, from lamps to refrigerators to air conditioning units, and provides automatic alerts when overall consumption levels are higher than normal.
“Digi is a leader in providing energy efficient services to consumers and business owners by delivering an open platform for device connectivity,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president for global marketing and sales at Digi International. “Fuelled by the strength of AT&T’s network services, Digi X-Grid helps consumers make eco-friendly and cost-effective energy decisions and allows energy providers to improve the performance, load management and demand response capabilities of their smart grids.”
