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   Using low power Wi-Fi to add intelligence and networking capability to appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and thermostats, both the homeowner and the utility provider benefit. Homeowners can monitor their energy consumption and reduce their utility bills with minimal effort and also benefit from incentives provided by the utility company for energy conservation; and, as an extension to a smart grid inside the house, utility providers can better manage peak demand, while leveraging the large and expanding infrastructure of existing broadband networks and Wi-Fi access points in residences today. Alternative wired or wireless technologies simply cannot provide the low cost and ease of installation of a network of low power, battery-operated devices connected to an existing Wi-Fi access point.  |