Union Electric to pilot interactive home management system developed by Honeywell and CellNet Data Systems.ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 1997--Union Electric Company (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :UEP UEP Unequal Error Protection UEP United Egg Producers UEP United Effort Plan (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints sect) UEP University of Eastern Philippines UEP Uniform Error Property UEP Unitary Extension Principle ) today announced an agreement with Honeywell, Inc. (NYSE:HON) and CellNet Data Systems (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :CNDS CNDS Center for Networking and Distributed Systems (Johns Hopkins University) CNDS Condensate CNDS Calling Name Delivery Service (Ameritech) CNDS Call Number Delivery System ) to pilot the first affordable, wireless interactive home management system in more than one hundred homes in the St. Louis area this summer. The pilot will be funded as a non-regulated activity. The advanced system integrates CellNet's wireless communications wireless communications System using radio-frequency, infrared, microwave, or other types of electromagnetic or acoustic waves in place of wires, cables, or fibre optics to transmit signals or data. into Honeywell's energy and home automation system operated by a wall-mounted touchpad A stationary pointing device that provides a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. You can tap on the pad's surface as an alternate to pressing one of the touchpad keys. See mouse, trackball and pointing stick. . By itself, the touchpad functions as a precise, programmable thermostat A programmable thermostat is a thermostat which is designed to adjust the temperature according to a series of programmed settings that take effect at different times of the day. Programmable thermostats may also be called setback thermostats or clock thermostats. , also capable of controlling numerous devices in the home. When connected to CellNet's wireless network, it becomes a low-cost, two-way communications interface between customers and their utility companies. The system allows customers to control and maintain desired temperature levels in their homes at the lowest cost; monitor electricity usage; receive daily updates on community information; pay bills electronically; and ultimately integrate and control lighting and home security systems. The basic Honeywell/CellNet system consists of a "thermostat-like" panel which allows consumers to use electricity more efficiently by programming appliances, such as the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning air conditioning, mechanical process for controlling the humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and circulation of air in buildings and rooms. Indoor air is conditioned and regulated to maintain the temperature-humidity ratio that is most comfortable and healthful. (HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) In the home or small office with a handful of computers, HVAC is more for human comfort than the machines. In large datacenters, a humidity-free room with a steady, cool temperature is essential for the trouble-free ) system and hot water heater. Devices within the home will communicate with one another over existing electrical wiring Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices. This article describes general aspects of electrical wiring as used to provide power in buildings and structures, commonly referred to as building wiring. using powerline carrier (PLC) technology. CellNet's two-way wireless data network will provide the connection between the home and Union Electric, delivering pricing signals, home management services and public information to the home and sending customer messages and device status signals back to Union Electric. The system's modular design will allow each household to choose the combination of features and functions that best suits its needs. The pilot program, scheduled to begin this summer, will allow Union Electric to estimate demand for specific services among various customer segments and plan broad scale implementation. Based on the results of the pilot, Union Electric anticipates that the system could be commercially deployed in its Illinois and Missouri service territories as early as next year. According to Charles Schukai, senior vice president at Union Electric, "This system will offer our customers a whole new class of energy and information services See Information Systems. that will enhance customer relationships and help customers manage their energy use, while strengthening our competitive position." "Energy management and home automation services, such as those we will pilot at Union Electric, are an important way for utilities to build a brand identity for their services and to compete effectively in a world where customers can choose their energy provider," said John M. "Mick" Seidl, president and chief executive officer of CellNet. "Union Electric is a leader in realizing that network meter reading is an important step to a broader expansion of services to all segments of its customer base and will be in a better competitive position because of its actions." CellNet currently has a contract to install 800,000 radio-based meter reading modules in Union Electric customer meters by 1999. The installation process is on track, with more than 225,000 Union Electric customers now on-line and connected to CellNet's network, linking nearly 30,000 additional meters per month. In addition to these pilot services, a small group of homes will also test PC-based home automation services, including lighting and appliance control, and access to advanced energy information delivered via the Internet. Research will be conducted during the pilot to gauge consumer demand for a combined energy management and home security system. According to Rich Giddings, director, Venture Products at Honeywell, Inc., "This pilot is the first deployment of a new generation of Honeywell products that offers an integrated approach to energy management. Honeywell is looking forward to working with Union Electric and CellNet in assisting Union Electric to provide existing and future value-added services to their customers." About the Companies Based in St. Louis, Union Electric Company provides energy services to 1.3 million customers in Illinois and Missouri. CellNet Data Systems, Inc., with headquarters in San Carlos, Calif., is a leading provider of cost-effective wireless data communications services in the United States with more than 600,000 devices currently on-line. CellNet's networks enable a wide range of on-line, real-time customer service options and applications for the utility industry and other commercial markets. CellNet employs approximately 550 people worldwide. Honeywell Home and Building Controls, a unit of Honeywell Inc. provides products and services to create efficient, safe, comfortable environments. The business offers controls for heating, ventilating ventilating Natural or mechanically induced movement of fresh air into or through an enclosed space. The hazards of poor ventilation were not clearly understood until the early 20th century. Expired air may be laden with odors, heat, gases, or dust. , humidification Humidification The process of increasing the water-vapor content (humidity) of a gas. This process and its reverse operation, dehumidification, are important steps in air conditioning for human comfort and in many industrial operations. and air-conditioning equipment; security and fire alarm systems; home automation systems; energy efficient lighting controls; and building management systems and services. Honeywell is a global company focused on creating value through technology that enhances comfort, improves productivity, saves energy, protects the environment and increases safety. The company services customers worldwide in the home and buildings, industrial, and aviation and space markets. Honeywell employs 57,500 people in 95 countries and had 1996 sales of $7.3 billion. -0- Certain statements contained in this News Release, including those relating to the nature of the enhanced services and other applications made possible or enabled by the Company's networks, are forward-looking statements and therefore are made pursuant to the safe harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. Actual services and applications offered by third parties utilizing the Company's networks may differ and such differences may be material. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the dependency of the Company, in certain cases, on third parties to complete the development of and to offer their own proprietary products, services and applications and to implement them commercially utilizing the Company's networks and including other risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CONTACT: CellNet Data Systems Alex Tsigdinos, 415/508-6976 or Union Electric Susan Gallagher, 314/554-2175 or Honeywell Lynne Warne, 612/951-2296 |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion