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HomeGrid Forum Strengthens Smart Grid Commitment Through Liaisons with Z-Wave Alliance and DRSG Coalition (1/12/2009)

G.hn Next-Generation Wired Networking Standard Supports Power Efficiency, Home Automation

HomeGrid Forum, a global, non-profit trade group promoting the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts is gaining support from the Smart Grid sector for the broad adoption of a single standard for wired home networking. On the heels of its recent appointment of a Smart Grid-focused working group, the organization today announced new liaison agreements with the Demand Response Smart Grid (DRSG) Coalition and Z-Wave Alliance. HomeGrid Forum is linking efforts with these organizations to promote G.hn and ensure upcoming G.hn-based products and devices are compliant with the requirements for deployment in Smart Grid, home energy management, and home automation applications.

 “HomeGrid Forum is aligning with organizations that have a clear understanding of where the Smart Grid market is headed, including groups like DRSG and Z-Wave Alliance,” said Matthew Theall, president of the HomeGrid Forum. “The members of Z-Wave Alliance and DRSG are looking for effective ways to leverage both wired and wireless technologies for efficient power utilization and home automation. G.hn compliments these efforts with technology that will unify the networking of content and devices, over any wire, while supporting the Smart Grid.”

DRSG is the trade association for companies that provide products and services in the areas of demand response, smart meters and Smart Grid technologies. “This is a great opportunity for both organizations and for their members,” said Dan Delurey, executive director of DRSG Coalition. “Having resources like HomeGrid Forum will help us better represent the Smart Grid industry in Washington.  It will also give the members of HomeGrid Forum an additional way to stay aware of developments that may affect Smart Grid companies.”

The Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of more than 160 leading companies manufacturing a broad assortment of interoperable Z-Wave wireless home control and energy management products including lighting, thermostats, shade, and appliance controllers.  “The Z-Wave wireless smart home ecosystem is greatly enhanced with a wired backbone for content distribution and control. G.hn offers a single standard solution for this to be done over any wire,” said Raoul Wijgergangs, chairman of Z-Wave Alliance. “It’s a perfect complement to the hundreds of Z-Wave products currently available at major retailers nationwide, and together we can ensure complete solutions for Smart Grid compliant whole home automation and energy conservation.”

G.hn for Smart Grid

Most devices that consume or monitor energy and that are connected to AC power can benefit from G.hn technology. Examples include smart electricity meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, lighting systems, TVs, and other devices.  G.hn can also be used to establish a secure communication channel between Plug-in Electrical Vehicles (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) found in distributed charging stations.

In addition to energy efficiency, the G.hn standard is aimed to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax cable, phone, and power lines. With it, ITU enables service providers to deploy new offerings including IPTV more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.

www.homegridforum.org