Rainforest Automation Announces USB Meter Reader for Home PCs

Sept. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Austin, TX, September 13, 2010 – Rainforest Automation, a developer of residential energy management products, unveiled its new RAVEnTM Radio Adapter for Viewing Energy product at the Utilimetrics Autovation 2010 trade show in Austin, Texas. The RAVEnTM is a USB device that communicates directly with smart meters that have been equipped with ZigBee® Smart Energy wireless capability, and it comes with Personal Meter ReaderTM software that allows homeowners to see their energy consumption information in real time, on their own home computer.

The ZigBee® Smart Energy public profile is the standard selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) in their Initial Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Framework for Home Area Network (HAN) device communications for the hundreds of Smart Grid projects rolling out across the country.

“RAVEnTM uses the ZigBee® certified technology from our proven EMUTM Energy Monitoring Unit In- Home Display product, and fits it all into a USB memory stick form factor,” said Chris Tumpach, president of Rainforest Automation. “The new Personal Meter ReaderTM software allows us to use all the resources of a home PC to provide advanced display capabilities, without the user having to pay for another fancy screen.”

The RAVEnTM plugs into any available USB port. The Personal Meter ReaderTM software currently runs only on Windows XP and Windows 7 operating systems. Planned updates include support for Mac OS, and integration with Google PowerMeter and Microsoft Hohm.

Availability and Pricing

The RAVEnTM will be available in limited quantities in November 2010. Production quantities will be available in early 2011, and will be priced at $30 (including Personal Meter ReaderTM software) in quantities of 100,000 or more.

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About Rainforest Automation

Rainforest Automation Inc. makes products that allow utilities and homeowners to manage residential energy usage. From In-Home Displays (IHD), to Home Area Network (HAN) Gateways, to alternative Smart Grid communications, Rainforest makes innovative products that just work – and fit your budget. The company is based in Vancouver, BC. For more information, visit: www.rainforestautomation.com.