AT&T and Digi are working together to jointly offer Digi X-Grid Solutions, a suite of products and services designed to bring connectivity to energy-oriented devices in homes and businesses. Utilities and software providers that develop for the smart grid industry can use Digi X-Grid Solutions to more effectively meet customers' energy demand.
Through Digi X-Grid Solutions, delivered over the AT&T network, consumers and businesses can reduce power use and monthly costs with real-time monitoring of thermostats, electronics, meters and more.
Currently, AT&T enables two-way communications for more than 13 million electric meters on its wireless network. By developing a strategic relationship with Digi, AT&T can now provide an array of applications for these smart meters through Digi X-Grid Solutions:
- Thermostats: Almost everyone has a thermostat, but how many people can access their thermostats remotely to adjust temperatures? Consumers can now download Digi's Energy Daytrader mobile application for free as part of Digi X-Grid Solutions. When used in conjunction with a Digi Gateway, they can monitor energy usage and control their Smart Energy thermostats remotely.
- Load Control: When energy providers notice major spikes in consumption, they can take advantage of Digi X-Grid Solutions' load control features to take the strain off of the power grid. Consumers that give their utility company permission to remotely turn off discretionary devices such as pool heaters can receive credits and savings on their bills, while the service providers can route energy to where it's needed most.
- Appliances: Through Digi X-Grid Solutions' "smart plugs," customers can monitor and control individual appliance energy usage. The Digi Energy Daytrader application tracks all connected energy-consuming devices, from lamps to refrigerators to air conditioning units, and provides automatic alerts when overall consumption levels are higher than normal.