February 28, 2012 Source: Comcast
Comcast announced today it has entered into an agreement with EcoFactor,a provider of energy management solutions, to create a new service that optimizes the heating and cooling patterns of a home and integrates with the Xfinity Home platform. By collaborating with EcoFactor, Comcast is further enhancing its Xfinity Home service and developing a new solution that, when available, can help customers potentially reduce their energy use and save money on their utility bills year round. EcoFactor's proprietary, cloud-based software incorporates real-time weather data and consumer interaction to give customers continuously evolving, personal “smart home” energy plans.
“Through our Xfinity Home service, we've created a broadband and cloud-based platform for security, remote home control and energy management and we're always looking to collaborate with innovative companies like EcoFactor,” said Mitch Bowling, Senior Vice President and General Manager of New Businesses for Comcast Cable. “With EcoFactor, we see an opportunity to bring new and exciting technologies to our customers through an automatic energy management solution that works in real-time.”
EcoFactor provides a “smart home” solution that learns the unique heating and cooling patterns of a home and makes automatic and incremental adjustments to the thermostat based on real-time weather data, the thermal characteristics of the house and the temperature preferences of the occupants. The homeowner maintains full control over the thermostat. Over time, the system adapts to user inputs to help reduce energy while keeping the home comfortable.
“Comcast wants to bring its customers a solution that reduces energy use, but doesn't ask them to compromise comfort or change behavior. That has always been EcoFactor's mission and it's great to see a major service provider validate our approach,” said Roy Johnson, CEO, EcoFactor. “Comcast did its due diligence and concluded that EcoFactor was the best option to both provide value to consumers and help them extend their service portfolio into a strategically important new area.”
EcoFactor also is working with Comcast to integrate its complete back-office solution, including training, support for on-boarding, installation and the reporting that provides customers with the details of their energy use. Comcast will announce launch details and pricing for the EcoFactor-enabled service later this year.
