What Does It Spell?
John Hargrove is President and CEO of the Association of Energy Services Professionals. Eric Stern, with Earth Networks/Connected Savings Energy Program, has worked in energy efficiency and the utility DSM industry for more than 16 years. His background includes innovative program design, large-scale program implementation, policy creation and regulatory strategies. He is a national speaker and frequent author on emerging energy technology trends and new program models.
Chances are you have heard, and will hear more soon, about the Internet of Things, or IoT. Soon to be taking over a home near you. Probably your home. Or your business.
Everything.
The Internet of Things holds the potential to shift the way that people consume and manage energy. But what is it exactly? It is change. And data. And control. And choice.
In short, the Internet of Things is delivering what energy services professionals have long sought: behavior change. So how can utilities best prepare customers to take advantage of the opportunities it presents?
According to Wired Magazine, the Internet of Things is machine-to-machine communication. It's built on cloud computing and networks of data-gathering sensors. It's mobile, virtual and instantaneous connection.