FARMINGTON, Conn. June 19, 2000 -- Carrier Corporation, a subsidiary of United
Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), is providing Internet-accessible thermostats to a
pilot program for Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) customers this summer.
The program -- which begins later this month among 50 selected households in
CL&P's Farmington Valley and Stamford service areas and runs through October 1
-- will allow CL&P customers to help reduce power demands during peak emergencies,
while also helping them lower their monthly electric bills.
"Carrier thermostats were selected for this cutting-edge program because they have a
proven track record for helping homeowners reduce energy costs through easy-to-use
programming," said Jon W. Ayers, president, Carrier Corporation.
"Connecticut Light & Power's program also represents an important step in
connecting homeowners with their homes through the Internet, while serving as a critical
link for energy management between energy suppliers and their customers. By reducing
demand during peak hours, utilities can realize substantial savings and homeowners can
enjoy lower electric bills. Reduced power consumption leads to a more reliable power
supply and mitigates the need for increased production capacity, which reduces investment,
preserves natural resources and lowers harmful air emissions."
Carrier and Silicon Energy, the leader in e-business energy enterprise solutions, have
teamed up this summer to offer utilities the ComfortChoice program. The ComfortChoice
program is an Internet-based, residential demand-side management solution that enables
utilities to recognize peak demand savings without compromising homeowners' comfort
and control. The program helps utilities reduce demand, save energy and the environment,
and enhance customer value.
CL&P's test includes the installation of a new, high technology Carrier Energy
Management Interface (EMi), an Internet-communicating 7-day programmable
thermostat, in homes with central air conditioners or heat pumps. Using Web-based software
developed by Silicon Energy, CL&P will communicate with the thermostats remotely over
the Internet to increase the current temperature setting during peak demand periods.
The air conditioner still may run during this period, but it should operate less
frequently because of the higher indoor temperature setting. The homeowner will have the
ability to override the temperature setting via the Internet or thermostat if the home
becomes too warm.
Using a Web browser interface, a CL&P operator accesses Silicon Energy's
energy curtailment program to initiate a thermostat setback, specifying how many degrees
and for what duration. At any time, the homeowner can choose to override the setpoint
change directly through the EMi, and a message will be transmitted via the Internet
back to the utility.
The customer also can remotely access the EMi from a Web browser to obtain status,
adjust setpoints and perform overrides. Carrier's EMi uses emWare's device
networking software to remotely monitor and control the thermostat. emWare's software
enables the communication and data transmission to and from the homeowner's EMi,
the Internet and CL&P. AT&T Global Network Services provide the network
connectivity.
"This imaginative use of cutting-edge technology may yield another method to
reduce demand when there is a power crisis," said Michael W. Townsley,
CL&P's Manager of Market Planning and Conservation Programs. "The initial
research project will help us understand how customers use this technology so that an
effective program can be designed that fits into their modern lifestyles without
compromising comfort, health and the environment."
About Northeast Utilities
CL&P is a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, New England's largest electric
utility. CL&P offers a network of imaginative energy efficiency programs and services
for residential and commercial customers. These programs are designed to help customers
manage their energy usage, reduce costs and preserve the environment. Call 1-877-602-SAVE
or visit www.cl-p.com.
About Silicon Energy
Silicon Energy Corporation, the global leader in Enterprise Energy Management
solutions, is a privately held technology company based in Alameda, Calif. Silicon
Energy's product suite is a powerful business-to-business enterprise management
application that reduces energy costs by optimizing energy management and procurement
across an enterprise. Silicon Energy allows real-time assessment and intelligent control
over enterprise-wide energy usage as well as comprehensive reporting and monitoring
capabilities through a Web browser. In addition to its software, Silicon Energy hosts
Application Service Provider (ASP)-based energy management services for utilities and
enterprises. Silicon Energy also offers value-added services designed to provide ongoing
support to its installed base. For more information visit www.siliconenergy.com.
About emWare
emWare provides a device networking infrastructure capable of making a wide range of
devices found in homes, businesses and factories communicate with each other and with
people. emWare is founder of the Extend The Internet (ETI) Alliance-a group of technology
companies cooperating to provide complete, solutions based on standard Internet
technologies that enable any electronic device to be managed and controlled over the
Internet. Established in May 1996, emWare Inc. is a privately-held company based in Salt
Lake City, Utah. For more information visit http://www.emware.com.
