Smart home technology provides residential customers with powerful tools to control their energy use, make their homes more comfortable and save money. Some smart devices are also a lot of fun — or even a little silly.
The lighter side of connected technology was definitely on display during this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Held virtually this year because of the pandemic, the event was still a major showcase of the latest high-tech gadgets that you didn’t know you needed. Here are some of the strangest smart home devices unveiled at CES 2021.
Shower Power
While there’s no guarantee that it will improve your singing, this Bluetooth speaker will save energy while you blast tunes in the bathroom. That’s because the Ampere Shower Power gets 100% of its power from the running water that flows through the device as you shower.
ColdSnap
Do you ever wish that making an ice cream cone was as easy as brewing a cup of coffee? That’s the promise of ColdSnap. Much like a Keurig coffee maker, ColdSnap users can pop a pod into the dispenser and instantly serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies — even frozen cocktails.
Themis Smart Mirror
Talking mirrors get a bad rap in fairy tales like Snow White. CareOS is polishing that image with its Themis Smart Mirror. The health and hygiene device can check your temperature, analyze your skin, provide 360-degree and magnified video, and offer makeup, hair and skincare tutorials.
AirCozy Pillow
Does your old-fashioned pillow just lie still while you toss and turn and snore through the night? Not the AirCozy Interactive Smart Pillow from DozzyCozy. This device monitors your sleeping position in real time, automatically adjusting to the perfect height. One model will even reduce snoring by gently shaking until you change sleeping positions.
myQ Pet Portal
Your furry family members shouldn’t be left out of the smart home fun! The myQ Pet Portal is a doggy door paired with a Bluetooth collar that will let your pooch come and go on demand. It also sends alerts to your smartphone so you can monitor Fido’s backyard breaks from anywhere.
As smart technology continues to grow in popularity, more residential customers will bring these devices home and take greater control of their energy use. Consumers will also have some fun with not-so-serious smart gadgets that make life a little more comfy and convenient.
Learn how a content marketing strategy from Questline Digital will increase smart device adoption and boost marketplace sales for your energy utility.
Fifth-generation (5G) wireless is the latest technology in mobile communications, but is it the greatest? The previous generation, 4G LTE, was launched a decade ago, in 2010, which means it was time for an upgrade. 5G service promises faster speed and a higher-quality wireless experience, but all of that may come at a cost. This is what energy utility customers should know about the launch of 5G technology.
The long and short of 5G technology
The frequency of wireless signals can be measured as hertz (cycles per second) or wavelength (meters). These waves of energy radiate through the air, carrying bits of data that turn into text, pictures and video on your mobile device.
Higher speeds carry more data, which reduces data transfer time and allows for higher-quality audio and video content. 5G has a maximum download speed of up to 2,000 megabits per second (Mbps), compared to 10 Mbps for 4G LTE. The higher speed of 5G enables you to download an entire movie to your phone in seconds.
Higher frequency, though, means shorter wavelengths, which aren’t as good at penetrating solid objects — like buildings. Cell phones typically use lower-frequency, longer-wavelength wireless signals that originate from cell towers and can travel long distances and can pass through windows and walls. The shorter wavelengths used by 5G technology dramatically limit the distance the signal can travel, especially in cities where lots of buildings stand in the way.
Into the 5G spectrum
5G service can operate in a wide range of frequencies generally divided into three different spectrums: low-band, mid-band and high-band.
Low-band spectrum operates at under one gigahertz (GHz), or one billion hertz. It’s used by existing 3G and 4G LTE services and UHF TV channels. Although the frequencies are roughly the same, 5G channels are much wider than 4G and are more responsive (lower latency), which theoretically improves download speed. However, low-band 5G has been found to be relatively slow, acting like 4G or slower.
The mid-band spectrum is between 2 GHz and 10 GHz. Cell tower range in this spectrum is only about 2,500 feet, about half a mile. Unfortunately, very little of this spectrum is available to phone companies today. T-Mobile is currently rolling out 2.5 GHz mid-band 5G spectrum as a result of its acquisition of Sprint. AT&T and Verizon operate off mid-band spectrum as well, mostly sharing overlapping spectrum from their 4G service.
The high-band spectrum (millimeter wave) is generally between 20 GHz and 100 GHz. Higher download speeds come with much more limited range and noticeable interference from buildings, glass, and even leaves and rain. Cell tower range is limited to about 800 feet and outdoor towers only provide service when outside. Also, high-band 5G requires advanced technology antennas that must be spaced close together. All major wireless companies have at least some limited high-band service, but Verizon only offers 5G service in the high-band spectrum.
5G technology and your smartphone
How will the switch to 5G affect your mobile device? Right now, almost all phones capable of 5G service still need 4G service, at least for voice communication. Eventually, 5G phones will operate in standalone networks. Few 5G-capable phones available today will work with all three spectrum bands.
5G phone chips use a lot more energy than 4G chips, and they drain phone batteries faster. This requires larger batteries or more energy storage capacity (4,000 mAh or more). 5G chips can also run hot and warm up your phone, sometimes causing 5G service to shift to 4G in hot weather. Integrated low-power 5G chips, currently on the horizon, should help clear up these issues.
Making waves at 5G speeds
Despite these drawbacks, 5G is likely to have a big impact on wireless communication. Besides enabling high-quality video chat, faster downloading and virtual reality experiences, 5G could eliminate the need for onboard data storage. This would push even more data onto the cloud.
5G technology also allows energy utilities to touch every level of the utility customer value-chain. For example, high-speed wireless could accelerate the deployment of autonomous electric vehicles and in-home healthcare due to its higher responsiveness. It already empowers the smart grid, mission-critical communications (like remote equipment monitoring) and the resiliency of licensed spectrum. Stay tuned to find out where 5G wireless will take us next.
With Questline Digital content your energy utility can keep customers up-to-date on the latest smart technology.
What important energy trends should your natural gas customers be aware of in 2021? As their trusted resource, your energy utility should be prepared to answer customer questions and provide information that helps customers get up-to-speed on innovations and new technologies. To get started, here are five energy trends for natural gas consumption and end-use equipment for 2021 and beyond.
1. Natural Gas Consumption
While natural gas consumption in the U.S. dropped somewhat due to the pandemic, the share of natural gas for power generation has grown significantly. Natural gas-fired generators accounted for 43% of operating U.S. electricity generating capacity (GW) in 2019. These natural gas-fired generators also provided 39% of electricity generation (GWh) in 2019, more than any other source. McKinsey’s North American gas model shows that U.S. demand will continue to grow from 95 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) to 125 bcfd by 2035.
2. Natural Gas-Fueled Heat Pumps
Combined heat and power (CHP) may have to soon be renamed cooling, heat and power. These three outputs from natural gas are now available all in one box. A natural gas-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) drives a heat pump, which produces both heat and cooling. The ICE also drives an alternator producing power (6 to 10 kW) that can be stored in its on-board batteries.
The number of manufacturers offering engine-driven natural gas-fueled heat pumps is growing. Higher performance gas-fired absorption heat pumps and heat pump water heaters and Vuilleumier cycle thermodynamic heat pumps are under development.
3. Condensing Boilers
New developments are improving condensing boiler performance. In a dual return system, two return ports, one above the other, receive return water, with each return port separated from the other by a baffle in the tube bundle. The cooler water enhances condensing before it is blended with higher-temperature return water on the other side of the baffle.
An advanced forced-air condensing natural gas-fired tankless water heater combi system can achieve 30% to 50% energy savings relative to separate best-in-class condensing furnaces and water heaters. These developments will drive faster market penetration of condensing boilers and more energy savings.
4. Boiler Control
Integrated support for BACnet, LONworks and ModBus connectivity facilitates many boiler control functions.
Remote control and diagnostics
Boiler-to-boiler communications
Burner modulation
Lead-lag rotation
Integration with building automation systems (BAS)
Boiler connectivity reduces maintenance response time and costs, improves visibility of operations and allows multiple boiler systems to work better together.
5. Boiler Modularity
Greater efficiency is shrinking the size of boilers. Manufacturers are allowing several smaller units to be (literally) bolted together to increase capacity. This allows replacing larger legacy boilers that are in otherwise inaccessible locations.
Natural gas trends for the new year
Is your utility’s customer engagement strategy ready for 2021? Keeping these emerging trends in mind will help your energy utility put its best foot forward in the new year, and help you better advise natural gas customers.
Educate your natural gas business customers about energy trends with a Questline Digital eNewsletter.
The new year is here — and that means new trends for electric utilities to watch in the months ahead. It’s important to stay ahead of these innovations so your energy utility stand out as a trusted resource to customers. To help start the new year right, here are five energy trends for electricity consumption and end-use electric equipment for 2021 and beyond.
1. Electricity Consumption
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts electricity generation from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will rise from 17% in 2019 to 22% in 2021. The EIA also forecasts that total U.S. electricity consumed in 2021 will be similar to 2020 consumption. Further, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast of fewer cooling degree days in 2021 will offset an increased demand for space heating.
2. Beneficial Electrification
U.S. renewable energy consumption recently surpassed coal for the first time in over 130 years. Replacing direct fossil fuel use (propane, heating oil, gasoline) with electricity is saving customers money while benefiting the environment. For example, even as beneficial electrification has become more popular, carbon dioxide emissions per MWh from electric power generation has decreased 28% from 2005 to 2018.
Beneficial electrification applications in transportation, space heating, cooking and water heating is improving consumer quality of life and increasing grid resilience. Comparatively, propane and heating oil are twice as expensive as a fuel for space and water heating. Electric vehicles are also saving consumers about $1,000 per year on fuel costs while offering lower maintenance costs, decreased emissions and better acceleration.
3. Lighting Functionality
Fixture efficacy in the range of 200 lumens per watt is becoming more common. With energy efficiency of LED lighting reaching a plateau, the relationship between light and health is receiving even greater emphasis. As a result, the quality of light is replacing efficacy as a major discriminator for lighting specifiers.
The DesignLights Consortium’s (DLC) Networked Lighting Controls program is supporting a major shift toward interconnectivity. Lighting is also serving multiple functions from sound deadening to asset management to wireless internet connectivity to sanitation. Platforms like DALI-2 and PoE++ are enabling software-defined connected lighting that is more flexible and scalable. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) is allowing companies to better focus on their core competencies, rather than on energy infrastructure.
4. Indoor Air Quality
Building owners are realizing the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) on employee health and productivity. Electric device manufacturers are answering the call. Ultraviolet (UV) light is being used to sanitize and disinfect spaces and mass transit vehicles. Fiber-based air filters are now built with an electrostatic charge and integrated UV lights to achieve better filtration from impingement, charge attraction and UV disinfection.
Plasma generators produce a stream of ions in supply ducts that make microscopic particles clump together and fall out of the air. These ions also enter the conditioned space to kill bacteria and germs before dissipating. Humidity is being removed by desiccant wheels or added using steam, ultrasonic or high-pressure misting systems.
5. Battery Energy Storage
The U.S. energy storage market is set to grow from 1.2 GW in 2020 to nearly 7 GW in 2025, representing sixfold growth. Front-of-the-meter battery storage is helping utilities with frequency regulation, voltage support and black start. Behind-the-meter battery storage is enabling time-of-use bill management, demand charge reduction, increased PV solar self-consumption and backup power resiliency.
Lithium-ion (Li-On) batteries provide higher-capacity storage, longer rated life and lower maintenance costs. Standards like NFPA 855 Installation of Stationary Storage Systems and the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), Section 1206, have given users guidelines for safer operation of batteries.
Electric utilities: New trends for the new year
Now is the time to prepare for the trends your electric utility’s customers should be focused on in 2021 and beyond. Forecasts about electricity consumption and beneficial electrification can help your utility plan how to market your programs in the new year. Plus, understanding the changes in lighting and indoor air quality is especially important in helping customers push through the coronavirus pandemic and return to a “new normal.” A lot is in store for electric energy use this year — is your energy utility ready?
Want to keep your customers informed of new trends in energy technology? Add a Questline Digital eNewsletter to your engagement strategy.
Concerns about racial justice, diversity and inclusion have taken on renewed importance this year with a national dialogue that was long overdue. For energy utilities this issue is critical, not just as large employers, but as institutions in your communities and in the way you serve and represent your customers.
In Questline Digital’s Plugged In webinar, “Diversity & Inclusion: Strategies for Energy Utilities,” industry experts from the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, Heidrick & Struggles and Duquesne Light Company shared their insights and tactics for creating a more inclusive energy utility workplace and community.
Improving workplace diversity and inclusion at energy utilities
Patty Durand, president and CEO of SECC, started the webinar by discussing ways that energy utilities and clean tech companies can increase diversity within their workforces. She emphasized that the energy efficiency sector is the largest employer in the clean energy economy. However, not everyone is benefiting from this economic powerhouse.
For example, Hispanic, Black and women employees represent a smaller share of the energy efficiency workforce than the national workforce. That’s why it’s vital to expand energy efficiency job opportunities to low-income or marginalized communities.
Durand shared the results of a recent ACEEE report highlighting exemplary programs operated by utilities, state agencies and community-based organizations to increase diversity and inclusion. To engage underrepresented workers, ACEEE identified the following strategies:
Engage people from underrepresented groups with training and internship programs. To increase the pipeline of workers from underrepresented groups, stakeholders can offer training programs to contracting firms.
Focus on supplier diversity and inclusive procurement. Utilities can choose to work with minority, women, disabled and veteran-owned businesses to design, administer and implement their programs.
How diversity and inclusion can transform energy utilities
The world is changing fast, resulting in fundamental differences in today’s global markets and talent pools. Grappling with these changes, every company has their own unique diversity, equity and inclusion journey. Kay Fuhrman, partner and leader with Heidrick & Struggles, shared eye-opening statistics showcasing workforce inequalities and why companies need to take steps to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.
According to Heidrick & Struggles data, people of color will soon account for 120% of total net workforce growth, representing the largest share of U.S. workforce growth. But today, they only make up 13% of U.S. and U.K. executive leadership. Similar inequalities exist for women who make up 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions, but only make up 25% of C-level executives at the top 1,000 U.S. companies.
Fuhrman shared that companies who make diversity a core part of their culture experience these benefits for inclusion:
17% increase in team performance
20% increase in decision-making quality
Two times more likely to meet or exceed organizational targets
Six times more likely to be innovative and agile as an organization
All organizations are located on a continuum of diversity and inclusion, Fuhrman explained. Over the past three to five years, the majority of companies fall between “supportive” and “engaged.”
Supportive companies are focused on recruiting and hiring from underrepresented groups. With engaged companies, the concept of DE&I is embedded in their core values. At the top of the continuum are companies that are considered change agents. These leaders in DE&I have a deep understanding of what it takes to make change happen and leverage diversity.
To help energy utilities start making positive change in their workforces and culture, Fuhrman shared the ABCs of key diversity best practices:
Accelerate DE&I impact and results by aligning and preparing leaders
Build visual representation by attracting external talent
Create an inclusive culture with leadership advocacy
A commitment to being a DE&I change agent
For energy utilities, the workplace should reflect the communities they serve. Sarah Oliver Carter, Chief Diversity Officer at Duquesne Light Company, shared how a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is the foundation of the Pittsburgh-based energy utility’s workplace and mission.
To deliver on a commitment to attract and retain highly skilled talent from underrepresented communities, this year Duquesne Light Company launched a full DE&I strategy that will span the next three to five years. The utility also created a supplier diversity program to support local minority-owned businesses.
According to Carter, a commitment to DE&I started with leadership and cascaded down to other parts of the organization. The first step was aligning diversity, equity and inclusion with company strategy, then inviting employees to get involved and determine what equity means to them. The utility’s DE&I guiding principles were broken down to five main pillars:
Workforce Talent: Identify as an employer of choice. Attract, develop, retain and mentor a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. Enhance our employer brand to ensure that DLC is recognized as a trusted and inclusive organization.
Workforce Culture: Lead in driving and sustaining “Culture Growth.”Cultivate an environment of workplace inclusion where voices are heard, respected, valued and engaged, resulting in a workforce that sparks new and bright ideas for business success.
Customer: Support procurement in efforts to mainstream supplier diversity.
Community: Strive for excellence in customer service. Support and suggest innovative customer and business solutions through alignment with company strategy and framework.
Supplier Diversity: Lead in community impact by focusing on sustainable workforce initiatives and investing locally in the success of diverse small businesses.
As these insights illustrate, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion needs to be an ongoing effort. Equipped with this knowledge, your energy utility can take steps to create opportunities for underrepresented populations — and create positive change in your workplace and community.
Share your energy utility’s community efforts with a customer engagement strategy from Questline Digital.
