ecobee announced it has received OpenADR 2.0b certification for its smart thermostat from the OpenADR Alliance, a nonprofit corporation that fosters the development, adoption, and compliance of the OpenADR smart grid standard.

Reliant has teamed up with EnTouch Controls to bring energy management systems to Texas small and medium-sized businesses. Through an easy-to-use controller, business customers have the potential to reduce their electricity usage by 15 percent, according to EnTouch.

Until 2012, home energy management systems struggled to gain market traction, noted Navigant Research. More recently, however, non-utility stakeholders have moved into this segment, increasing awareness of new tools and helping to drive steady growth.

By 2018, there will be 50 million smart homes and buildings enabled by wireless sensor network (WSN) technology worldwide, according to technology research firm ON World.

Direct Energy, one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services providers, in partnership with Honeywell and Opower, has announced the launch of the Meridian smart thermostat in Texas, including an advanced mobile app that enables remote management of home energy use.

Although the market for smart thermostats has struggled to gain traction, recent developments — particularly the purchase of smart thermostat maker Nest Labs by Google for a reported $3.2 billion — indicate that growth is likely to accelerate, according to Navigant Research.

On Jan. 13, Google Inc. announced it had entered into an agreement to buy smart thermostat manufacturer Nest Labs, Inc. for $3.2 billion in cash. 

The Daikin ENVi Intelligent Thermostat is the newest addition to Daikin’s residential controls offering. The DC Ducted Concealed Unit is for small to large populated spaces in need of a concealed air conditioning system. Daikin’s VRV IV systems integrate advanced technology.

On Jan. 13, Google Inc. announced it had entered into an agreement to buy smart thermostat manufacturer Nest Labs Inc. for $3.2 billion in cash.