May 20, 2009 06:00 ET
Consumers Save Up to 44 Per Cent in Energy Conservation Pilot
Direct Energy program demonstrates smart home technology can enable conservation.
MILTON, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 20, 2009) – Results from a recent energy conservation pilot program in Milton, Ontario show dramatic savings for some participants, including up to 44 per cent energy savings during peak demand periods. The residents are part of the Direct Energy Smart Home Energy Conservation Program and research project. The pilot was conducted from July, 2007 to September 2008 with 209 Milton Hydro households. The goal of the pilot was to not only test technology, but also gain insights into consumer behaviours and motivations for change. Participants were able to monitor energy usage, and remotely control their home’s lighting and appliances with one easy-to-use web interface or a hand held device like a Blackberry. The portal and software, provided by Lixar SRS, provide the ability for two way communication with the thermostat in real time versus the alternative one way technologies.
The program was developed in collaboration between Direct Energy, Milton Hydro, and Bell with independent analysis by the University of Waterloo.
