Zome Energy Networks announced its plans to deploy its technology strategically into the Austin energy market.
In 2019, Zome began its entry into the Texas market, and the company says it now has contractual relationships with mid-sized and major property-holding companies who are adopting ZOME’s energy management system.
Last year, after being contacted by Austin Energy, the companies won one of the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) multi-million dollar deployment grants.
According to the DOE, projects funded through this program will enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and provide flexibility services to the electric grid. Many of these technologies can enable dynamic building interactions with the power grid that provide new value streams to commercial building owners, Zome said.
“Testing, measurement, and verification of advanced building technologies in real-world conditions is a fundamental step in the research and development process,” said Alex Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency. “Through rigorous field validation, DOE can help de-risk and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies that improve the energy efficiency of America’s homes, businesses, and industries.”
The project in Austin consists of Austin Energy as the local utility (and grant lead), in partnership with Zome, Resideo, and the New Buildings Institute. The project is to install and evaluate the performance of a custom mesh network of thermostats, HVAC systems and water heater controls with two-way communication and tenant remote-access capabilities in up to 7 multifamily properties and approximately 1,400 tenant units.
Zome said that these technologies will allow these buildings to shift their energy loads with an affordable and scalable approach to enhance their demand flexibility.
Zome manages and monetizes smart energy for building owners, their occupants, and energy providers. The firm operates a cloud-based software solution for the residential and commercial energy sector with a business model allowing the company, when needed, to invest in IoT equipment for building energy control and energy wholesale market bidding of curtailment.
