New York – ThinkEco today announced a partnership with appliance supplier Friedrich to provide energy demand response (DR) monitoring of Friedrich’s Kuhl Wi-Fi-enabled room air conditioners.
Beginning this summer, utility companies will be able to use ThinkEco’s platform and turnkey demand response services to offer incentives and rebates for users based on energy-efficient use of their room air units. Kuhl owners can opt into available programs via a FriedrichLink Wi-Fi kit. Kuhl air conditioners allow consumers to remotely turn AC units on and off, set fan mode and create schedules, all via a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The technology partnership will first be deployed in New York City, enabling Kuhl owners to participate in the 2014 CoolNYC program, a demand response partnership between Con Edison and ThinkEco.
“As more utilities move to find new demand-side resources, this partnership will provide value by incorporating networked devices directly into their load control portfolio,” said T.J. Wheeler, product management director at Friedrich. “ThinkEco is an expert at wireless communications technology and working with utilities to create cost effective programs. It’s not just about turning ACs on and off — it’s also about customer engagement, accurate measurement and reporting, and recruiting and retaining customers for success in a large-scale DR program.”
“Friedrich was the first to introduce a room AC that was compatible with the lifestyle of today’s fully connected consumer,” said Matthew Tolliver, business development VP at ThinkEco. “This partnership is a perfect example of ThinkEco’s approach to the connected home, working with forward-looking companies like Friedrich to seamlessly connect devices, and provide value to consumers, businesses, and utilities.”
The ThinkEco platform is based on ThinkEco’s SmartAC technology, which retrofits room air conditioning units to provide Cloud-based metering and temperature-based remote control.
