Ottawa-based Energate said it’s completed a six-month pilot with the Ontario Power Authority, to deploy the local firm’s Consumer-Connected Demand Response solution across homes in the Peterborough, Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge areas.
The project used smart thermostats on air conditioning, load-control switches on water heaters and pool pumps, and energy displays paired with smart meters, and consumers were able to program their thermostats and monitor their home energy use via the Internet.
Energate noted that more than 99 per cent of its online devices responded to load control
Signals, meeting the OPA pilot’s criteria.
As well, it pointed out that fewer than 10 per cent of the homeowners using the Energate devices opted to return them when asked, following the pilot’s end.
Meanwhile, Energate also announced that its pilot project with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. reported better-than-expected results. Using the Ottawa company’s Pioneer Smart Thermostats, residential consumers saw a peak reduction of 1.92 kilowatts per home, representing an average maximum of more than 50 per cent, surpassing the goal of 1.3 kilowatts.
The company said the figures were achieved even though consumers were able to opt-in and select their level of participation, since the technology provided homeowners with pricing signals and notifications that aided their decision-making with regards to optimal energy usage.
“Our team has collaborated with progressive utilities from Oklahoma to Ontario to deliver industry-leading results,” said Energate CEO Niraj Bhargava in a statement. “Our peak reduction achievements, combined with consumer-engagement and savings, have demonstrated what is possible with Energate solutions.”
The two projects are among more than 25 smart grid pilots across North America that are using Energate’s technologies.
