Verizon Wireless and Consert Inc. have announced a complete energy management turnkey solution for utility customers that runs on the nation’s largest 3G wireless network. The Consert Energy Management Solution enables utilities to create and load resources for peak and intermediate periods, improve demand forecasting, facilitate compliance with federal and state standards, automate meter reading and improve communications with end users. The result is lower capital and operating expenditures as well as increased operational efficiency.

The comprehensive, integrated energy management solution from Consert runs on the Verizon Wireless network comprises four main components:

• Creation of a Smart Residence or Small Commercial entity – Intelligent measurement and control devices are installed on energy-consuming devices, such as HVACs, water heaters and commercial signage, which wirelessly connects to the Consert Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO)-based cellular Gateway, the local processing and communications hub.
• Consumer Portal – A secure online portal allows residential and small business customers to create dynamic profiles to manage their daily, weekly or monthly energy consumption to accommodate their comfort levels and lifestyle needs to save energy and the environment.
• Utility Portal – A customizable online portal enables utilities to view customer energy consumption information in real time, conduct control events to shed load or aggregate renewables and gain access to additional capacity through Consert’s Virtual Peak Plant™.
• Verizon Wireless Network – Machine-to-machine communications are enabled and managed through the Verizon Wireless network.

“The utilities sector is leading the charge in the implementation of advanced wireless technologies by leveraging smart energy solutions such as the Consert Energy Management Solution running on Verizon Wireless’ network,” said Michael Brander, vice president, utility and industrial vertical markets, Verizon Wireless. “Smart energy solutions cut costs not only for the utility companies, but also for consumers throughout the country who are looking to consume less for financial and environmental benefits.”

Verizon Wireless and Consert completed two pilots with North Carolina-based Fayetteville Public Works Commission (FPWC) and Wake Electric Membership Corporation (WEMC) trialing Consert’s Energy Management Solution. WEMC pilot participants perceived energy savings ranging from 7 to 54 percent, with an average savings of 19 percent.

“Through our Consert smart grid pilot, we were able to provide our members with a home energy monitor, accurately measure and verify energy savings and collect valuable data to create a more efficient grid,” said WEMC Manager of Engineering Don Bowman. Due to the success of both pilots, FPWC and WEMC are finalizing plans to extend the Consert solution throughout their service areas.

Verizon Wireless and Consert are working together to future-proof the solution and are developing an option that will work on Verizon Wireless’ recently launched 4G LTE wireless network.