Zome Energy Networks: The Google for the grid?
Summary
The algorithms have been under development since 2005, at MIT, and focus on a smarter way to link home and building devices and utility power generation. Kayton calls Zome’s technology the first type of “demand supply optimization,” and the company plans to launch its first software product in the fourth quarter of 2011. Zome says its system can aggregate those tiny shaved off loads from home devices, which is similar to what EcoFactor is looking to do with connected thermostats. Zome is looking to use the emerging standard U-SNAP (Utility Smart Network Access Port) for its home and building devices, and U-SNAP wants to be a USB-like standard for switching different communications modules – such as ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave and FM radio – in and out of mass-market gear like smart appliances and home energy dashboards. Zome Co-Founder Jon Rappaport also co-founded the U-SNAP Alliance, whose members include Google(s GOOG), General Electric(s GE), Comverge, Trilliant, 4Home and smart meter maker Sensus.