GE is introducing an energy information panel for the home that will grant consumers insight into how they are using energy and the control needed to properly manage energy consumption.  The multi-function unit is designed for the home consumer.

The touch-screen device communicates wirelessly using ZigBee or Wi-Fi with smart meters, smart appliances, and smart thermostats installed in the home.  The display panel gathers information from these enabled devices in real time for the homeowner to review in a very user-friendly format.  As energy prices fluctuate throughout the day, energy consumers can make informed decisions and adjust their consumption accordingly.

The display units came about as the result of a partnership between GE and OpenPeak, an expert in communications technology.  Resembling a picture frame, the ultra-portable device can be placed just about anywhere within the home. 

The units are available for purchase now through selected utility companies.  The level of functionality is dependent on the level of smart grid technology that has been deployed by the energy provider.

Interfacing with a GE smart meter and combined with a time of use pricing program, the information panel will inform users when the best time is to perform power-intensive tasks such as running the dishwasher, drying clothes, or running a pool pump. 

The unit can also be set up to interact with smart appliances in ways that react to fluctuations in energy prices instantly.  Over time, the unit will compile historical data and can make recommendations to the consumer that will conserve energy and save money.

“Information is power,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president of transmission and distribution for GE Energy.  “Give consumers more information about their energy usage and they’ll find ways to make better decisions.”  Gilligan made his remarks in a press release.

“As part of our smart grid suite of offerings, the panels will empower consumers to better manage their energy usage based on real-time information,” Gilligan continued.  “The panels will connect consumers with the knowledge they need to be better energy stewards and take charge of their energy use and carbon footprint.”

GE’s smart panel also provides instant messaging and can connect to news and information and social networking sites over the Internet.  The functionality enhances the display unit as a central control panel for the home and encourages the consumer to interact with it.

“Combining other useful information and entertainment applications with energy management information increases the frequency of consumer interactions with the device,” said Dan Gittleman, chief executive officer of OpenPeak.  “And frequent consumer engagement means a greater number of opportunities to communicate consumption and conservation information.”

Consumers that choose to participate in the social networking aspect of the unit can compare energy consumption within their home with the neighborhood and city average.  Doing so may encourage participants to find more ways to conserve energy.

With the help of its industry partners, GE will soon deliver one of the most robust portfolio offerings of smart grid technology that will bring the power grid into the modern age from the point of generation to the point of consumption.  GE has developed smart appliances, smart meters, hybrid-vehicle technology, and renewable power infrastructure that promise to deliver serious results.

General Electric
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06828
http://www.ge.com

OpenPeak Inc.
1750 Clint Moore Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33487
http://www.openpeak.com

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