Internet of Things

I was driving to work early on a beautiful summery Monday morning, mentally already in the office getting ready for a busy day. As I approached one familiar intersection, there was a different speed limit sign – not the typical “Speed Limit 20” post planted in the ground, but one that said “Speed Limit 20” and, below it, an announcement of my speed – 27 – in flashing lights. It went even further, flashing a message saying “Lower Your Speed”, which I promptly did.

“The Internet of Things” (IoT) is a term coined in 1999 to describe the vast array of connected devices like refrigerators, blenders, cars, cameras, light bulbs, thermostats, pacemakers, and yes, even Barbie. 

Home energy management systems (HEMS) are an invention of the internet age. They are a 21^st-century by-product of the idea that when two-way communication between utilities and homeowners is paired with the proliferation of smart devices, the results are greater connectivity, control, and ultimately comprehensive energy savings.