New tech lets SMEs monitor power use

ZDNet says.

The company develops and sells an end-to-end system that lets small business owners monitor electricity consumption in restaurants, retail stores, convenience stores or small offices. The latest addition to the line is the GM8 Universal Energy Monitor, which works in tandem with the EnTouch Energy Management Systems (EMS).

The Universal Energy Monitor is a wireless energy sensor that reports electricity consumption on up to eight branch circuits. The technology reports that information, along with data on phase voltages, power factors and other variables to the EnTouch EMS. The EMS itself is basically a replacement for a company's existing thermostats, which lets managers more directly control heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The technology is managed via a WiFi network and offers maintenance alerts when there is an issue or something that should be a cause for attention.

The EnTouch EMS is targeted at small commercial businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, service businesses, convenience stores and small offices, Market Watch writes.

Introduced in early 2011, the EnTouch EMS replaces existing thermostats in these facilities and utilises a proprietary wireless network of HVAC controls and energy monitoring sensors to provide full control of HVAC and energy monitoring of main and branch circuits. The system is remotely accessible through the customer's WiFi network, providing automation, data reporting and maintenance alerting features.

The combination of energy savings and low installation cost results in significant savings on energy bills and a rapid return on investment. The system often pays for itself in less than 12 months.