ECS POWER DIRECT

ECS Launches Advanced Technology Platform for Demand Response Programs

Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc. (ECS) announced the launch of their ECS Power Direct™ energy management platform, a product of Connected Energy Corp.  This leading edge technology platform will give ECS new tools to administer Demand Response (DR) programs in the United States and manage the energy consumption their program members.

ECS Power Direct is a fully managed, pre-engineered solution that brings local devices and control systems online to create a virtual control center without enterprise software, systems or device - level integration.  It will allow participants in ECS’ DR programs to place their equipment on reduced energy usage settings from one access point during periods in which the statewide electric grid is unstable.

According to Glen Smith, president and CEO of ECS, the release of ECS Power Direct marks the next phase in their company’s growth.  “In the future, certain demand response applications will be far more automated and energy management solutions are going to be delivered as a service.  ECS Power Direct anticipates the future needs of a far more efficient and responsive energy infrastructure.”

ECS Power Direct uses Connected Energy’s Central Operation Management System (COMSYS™) as its core remote management technology.  Stephen Lynch, principal and cofounder of ECS, said, “COMSYS is an excellent technology platform upon which we can develop innovative new solutions for our program members.”

Connected Energy has been developing COMSYS for over ten years and offered ECS a unique, full-featured, extremely robust and cost-effective solution to monitor, control and communicate with remote energy systems.  Chris Campbell, CEO of Connected Energy, said “ECS’ large footprint and innovative approach to the market fit well with the speed and scalability of our technology.”

Through DR programs, ECS pays larger electricity users to reduce consumption when demand is high on the electric grid and the possibility of rolling blackouts or system failure is imminent.  Technologies and strategies for automated DR, in the right applications, represent the next advancements in the field.

New York, California and New England are looking to DR to improve the reliability of their grids by reducing peak power consumption and the risk of rolling blackouts.  The most common techniques for reducing electric use are turning off lights and reducing air conditioning, and a number of other methods can be employed depending on the type of facility.  DR participants include manufacturers, healthcare facilities, schools, hotels, property management and various organizations that are larger electricity users.