Aclara Announces Industry's First Wi-Fi-Based HAN Solution At DistribuTECH 2010

Aclara®, a leader in Intelligent Infrastructure™ solutions for utilities and part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc., announces the industry's first home-area network (HAN) based on proven, widely adopted Wi-Fi technology. The solution is being demonstrated at DistribuTECH 2010 in Tampa, Fla., and was developed in conjunction with Intwine Connect, a technology company specializing in internet-based connectivity solutions.

The demonstration illustrates how the Aclara HAN solution can connect numerous interoperable home devices through a portal operating on a standard Wi-Fi network, which can be found in tens of millions of American homes today. The demonstration is working in real time through an energy portal created by Intwine Connect, exemplifying the power of Wi-Fi to support HAN.

At DistribuTECH, the Aclara network utilizes a personal computer, programmable thermostat from Intwine Energy, an iPod touch from Apple Inc., and a meter equipped by Aclara with a Wi-Fi enabled interface card. Aclara's strategy is to Wi-Fi enable a variety of devices that allow electric, water, or gas companies to afford consumers direct access to critical data and control information to better manage resources.

"Aclara is committed to advancing HAN solutions that allow consumers to fully participate in managing resource use in their homes and businesses," said Gary Moore, President of Aclara RF Systems Inc. "The solution we are announcing shows how Wi-Fi acts as a conduit to innovation that truly meet the needs of both utilities and consumers."

As it develops its solutions, Aclara is collaborating with other Wi-Fi Alliance® members within the organization's Smart Grid task group. The Wi-Fi Alliance, with more than 300 member companies, is an international non-profit association that promotes interoperable Wi-Fi technology across devices and markets.

"Wi-Fi-based solutions are supported by an ecosystem of leading-edge companies that provide a stable development environment, allowing businesses like ours to create interoperable solutions that embed the security, reliability, and availability needed to meet the requirements of utilities, consumers, and regulators," said Mark Thompson, Vice-President of Strategic Communication Networks for Aclara RF Systems Inc.

"We congratulate Aclara on its new Wi-Fi solution in the HAN market, and its continued contributions to the Smart Grid environment. This demonstrates the great opportunity for Wi-Fi in the development of smarter and more efficient energy management for consumers and utilities alike," said Greg Ennis, Technical Director for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The Wi-Fi Alliance recently recognized Aclara's work to promote wireless solutions for utilities with its Outstanding Leadership and Contribution Award for a New Member. The award acknowledges Aclara's contribution in the area of Smart Grid standards and its efforts to promote participation in the Alliance's Smart Grid task group.

SOURCE: Aclara