HomeGrid Forum Strengthens Smart Grid Commitment Through New Liasions With Z-Wave Alliance and DRSG Coalition

BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - November 16, 2009) - HomeGrid Forum, a global, non-profit trade group promoting the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union's (ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts is gaining support from the Smart Grid sector for the broad adoption of a single standard for wired home networking. On the heels of its recent appointment of a Smart Grid-focused working group, the organization today announced new liaison agreements with the Demand Response Smart Grid (DRSG) Coalition and Z-Wave Alliance. HomeGrid Forum is linking efforts with these organizations to promote G.hn and ensure upcoming G.hn-based products and devices are compliant with the requirements for deployment in Smart Grid, home energy management, and home automation applications.

"HomeGrid Forum is aligning with organizations that have a clear understanding of where the Smart Grid market is headed, including groups like DRSG and Z-Wave Alliance," said Matthew Theall, president of the HomeGrid Forum. "The members of Z-Wave Alliance and DRSG are looking for effective ways to leverage both wired and wireless technologies for efficient power utilization and home automation. G.hn compliments these efforts with technology that will unify the networking of content and devices, over any wire, while supporting the Smart Grid."

DRSG is the trade association for companies that provide products and services in the areas of demand response, smart meters and Smart Grid technologies. "This is a great opportunity for both organizations and for their members," said Dan Delurey, executive director of DRSG Coalition. "Having resources like HomeGrid Forum will help us better represent the Smart Grid industry in Washington. It will also give the members of HomeGrid Forum an additional way to stay aware of developments that may affect Smart Grid companies."

The Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of more than 160 leading companies manufacturing a broad assortment of interoperable Z-Wave wireless home control and energy management products including lighting, thermostats, shade, and appliance controllers. "The Z-Wave wireless smart home ecosystem is greatly enhanced with a wired backbone for content distribution and control. G.hn offers a single standard solution for this to be done over any wire," said Raoul Wijgergangs, chairman of Z-Wave Alliance. "It's a perfect complement to the hundreds of Z-Wave products currently available at major retailers nationwide, and together we can ensure complete solutions for Smart Grid compliant whole home automation and energy conservation."

G.hn for Smart Grid

Most devices that consume or monitor energy and that are connected to AC power can benefit from G.hn technology. Examples include smart electricity meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, lighting systems, TVs, and other devices. G.hn can also be used to establish a secure communication channel between Plug-in Electrical Vehicles (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) found in distributed charging stations.

In addition to energy efficiency, the G.hn standard is aimed to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax cable, phone, and power lines. With it, ITU enables service providers to deploy new offerings including IPTV more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.

About HomeGrid Forum

HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with complementary industry alliances. For more information on HomeGrid Forum, please visit www.homegridforum.org or follow us on Twitter @homegrid_forum.

About DRSG Coalition

The Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition (DRSG) is the trade association for companies that provide products and services in the areas of demand response, smart meters and smart grid technologies. DRSG works to educate and provide information to policymakers, utilities, the media, the financial community and stakeholders on how demand response and smart grid technologies such as smart meters can help modernize our electricity system and provide customers with new information and options for managing their electricity use.

About the Z-Wave Alliance

Formed in January 2005, the Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of leading companies in the home technology space dedicated to solidifying Z-Wave as the standard for wireless home control products. The principal members include Cooper Wiring Devices, Danfoss, FAKRO, Ingersoll-Rand, Leviton, Sigma Designs, Wayne-Dalton, and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI). Its members lead the home controls market, providing leading edge products and systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, energy conservation, safety and security. Z-Wave technology is the foundation of all products manufactured by the Alliance members. For more information about the Z-Wave Alliance, visit www.z-wavealliance.org.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Layla McHale McHale Communications for HomeGrid Forum 408.981.6394