Smart grid tech gets a boost from Apple

January 22nd, 2010  |  Darrell Corriveau

Apple has recently moved to grab a piece of the burgeoning home energy management market – an integral part of the smart grid. According to Patently Apple, the company is working on a system using HomePlug certified adapter technology – a technology that will transform “every power outlet in your home or office into a conduit for audio, video and data,” as well as giving a boost to wireless signals. More importantly, this technology will also make it possible to control most of the electronic activity in your house with one central interface – something Apple is calling the Smart Home Energy Management Dashboard System. It could be a logical ’killer app’ for the much anticipated multi-touch Apple tablet (iSlate?) due out soon. This system, and others like it, is intended to help reduce demand and contribute to the reliability of the electricity grid.

We’ve been hearing the promise of a smart grid for some time, but so far this powerful idea has not captured the attention of the masses. Perhaps a popular consumer brand like Apple entering the market will make the smart grid concept hit home for many more people.