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Intelligent meters from Horstmann make saving energy easier for consumers (30/3/2009)

Horstmann, manufacturer of energy controls and metering devices, offers consumers transparency and control for their energy consumption with its "H" Series and "SG" Series product lines. The combination of electric/gas meter and consumption indication gives consumers an overview of their energy usage - by the half hour, by the day, or by the month. Using GSM/GPRS, the Smart Metering data from the "SG" Series is transmitted to the power company for improved customer information and billing. The Home Energy Monitor receives the data via Z-Wave Mesh networking technology, and can also be integrated into a Home Control network.

Smart Metering technology is - thanks to intelligent metering - a basis for an individual statement of energy costs. With new rates oriented to actual requirements, energy suppliers create incentives for customers to take measures which reduce consumption. The load shedding capabilities of a home control solution combined with the energy monitoring system can produce substantial savings in a very short amount of time.

Home Control creates transparency

Horstmann Home Control devices form the basis for intelligent energy-saving measures. The Home Energy Monitor gives an immediate picture of the current rate of consumption via its large display screen, so that homeowners are aware of how much energy they use and during which times. This enables them to account for peak periods of consumption or reveal potential "vampire appliances" by highlighting certain devices. According to this principle, these can then be de-activated or replaced by new, energy-efficient devices. The rate of consumption in stand-by mode (which in numerous households goes unnoticed as a cost driver) becomes readily visible. The Home Energy Monitor displays the data in text and graphic form, in which case one also has the option to have the energy consumption displayed as a monetary value after inputting the price of energy. Over a longer period of time, consumption protocols can be drafted with which residents can receive a detailed overview of their sources of energy expense.

The "SG" Series includes various data registers which meter the consumption of gas and/or electricity. With the help of an integrated GSM/GPRS modem, the data is transmitted to the corresponding energy supplier, who generates statements of account and energy reports based on this data. By way of the integrated Z-Wave chip, the meters transfer the metered values to the Home Energy Monitor, which can be placed in a convenient location in the house following the setup of a home network. One can set eight different rates for metering. In addition, the meter features a load-switching function.

www.horstmann.co.uk