The ZigBee Alliance and …

THE ZIGBEE ALLIANCE AND EUROPEAN SMART METERING INDUSTRY GROUP

(ESMIG) AGREE TO WORK TOWARDS INTEROPERABLE EUROPEAN SMART METERING

ZigBee Smart Energy is the first open industry standard endorsed by ESMIG

San Ramon, Calif. & Brussels, Belgium – May 28, 2009 – The ZigBee® Alliance, and the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG), are working together to define interoperable communications standards for smart metering technology across the European Union (EU). The ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile is the first open standard to be endorsed by ESMIG. The ZigBee Alliance is a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial and consumer applications, and ESMIG is the organization for smart metering in Europe.

ESMIG members determined that the ZigBee Alliance and its ZigBee Smart Energy provide a solid, open standards approach to smart metering communication. ESMIG provides impartial expertise to key stakeholders including EU institutions, EU Member State governments, authorities, regulators, electric, gas and water utility providers on all aspects related to Smart Metering. The ZigBee Alliance and ESMIG will collaborate and identify where ZigBee Smart Energy can be rolled out across the 27 Member States of the EU. The two organizations will evaluate ways to maximize the benefits of a standardized smart metering program for consumers, utility service providers and the environment.

"The ZigBee Alliance is both a valuable and experienced partner who can provide ESMIG with expertise and solutions for smart metering in Europe," said Dr. Howard Porter, managing director at ESMIG. "ESMIG believes that a handful of proven and open standards, like ZigBee Smart Energy, will play a key role in EU smart metering projects because they deliver the most value for all parties, and allow utility service providers with flexibility in choosing standards that fit their specific requirements."

There are an estimated 2,000 electric, water and gas utility service providers in the EU. Each has unique needs that will require standardized approaches to deliver the numerous efficiency, cost savings and environmental benefits expected from smart metering.

"ESMIG is working to speed the adoption of smart metering in Europe and ZigBee Smart Energy can play a strong role in helping Europe achieve its smart metering goals today," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "ZigBee Smart Energy was designed to work in any country. It provides a standardized approach that can reduce implementation costs as well as the flexibility for customization by utilities."

ZigBee Smart Energy – The Standard for Energy Management and Efficiency

ZigBee Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices such as smart thermostats and appliances. It improves energy efficiency by allowing consumers to choose interoperable products from different manufacturers giving them the means to manage their energy consumption more precisely using automation and near real-time information. It also helps utility companies implement new advanced metering and demand response programs to drive greater energy management and efficiency, while responding to changing government requirements.