Better energy management for window air conditioners is on the way for Con Edison customers, with help from the modlet smart electric outlet.
The modlet’s maker, ThinkEco, will partner with Con Edison to develop and deploy energy-management technology for window air conditioners.
The innovation, which integrates Con Edison’s intellectual property, expands the capabilities of ThinkEco’s flagship product, the modlet. The patent-pending modlet—short for modern outlet—is the first intelligent outlet that saves businesses and consumers money by reducing energy waste from plugged-in appliances. ThinkEco has already launched the modlet to business customers across the US. and is looking to introduce it to residential customers in early 2011.
“Being able to use the modlet for window air conditioning units will give consumers superior temperature control during the summer months by empowering them with the ability to monitor and control their units remotely,” said Jun Shimada, president and CEO of ThinkEco Inc. “The window AC modlet will make these air-conditioning units demand response ready and help consumers to use electricity more wisely.”
ThinkEco and Con Edison plan a pilot program next summer to test this innovation. Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, which provides electric, gas and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.
