Philadelphia-based Comcast just announced that it entered into an agreement with EcoFactor, Redwood City, Calif., a provider of energy management solutions, to create a new service that optimizes the heating and cooling patterns of a home and integrates with the Xfinity Home platform. By collaborating with EcoFactor, Comcast said it is further enhancing its Xfinity Home service and developing a new solution that, when available, can help customers potentially reduce their energy use and save money on their utility bills year round. EcoFactor’s proprietary, cloud-based software incorporates real-time weather data and consumer interaction to give customers continuously evolving, personal “smart home” energy plans.
“Through our Xfinity Home service, we’ve created a broadband and cloud-based platform for security, remote home control and energy management and we’re always looking to collaborate with innovative companies like EcoFactor,” said Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of new businesses for Comcast Cable. “With EcoFactor, we see an opportunity to bring new and exciting technologies to our customers through an automatic energy management solution that works in real-time.”
EcoFactor provides a “smart home” solution that learns the unique heating and cooling patterns of a home and makes automatic and incremental adjustments to the thermostat based on real-time weather data, the thermal characteristics of the house, and the temperature preferences of the occupants, the companies stated. The homeowner maintains full control over the thermostat. Over time, the system adapts to user inputs to help reduce energy while keeping the home comfortable.
“Comcast wants to bring its customers a solution that reduces energy use, but doesn’t ask them to compromise comfort or change behavior. That has always been EcoFactor’s mission and it’s great to see a major service provider validate our approach,” said Roy Johnson, CEO, EcoFactor.
EcoFactor also is working with Comcast to integrate its complete back-office solution, including training, support for on-boarding, installation and the reporting that provides customers with the details of their energy use. Comcast will announce launch details and pricing for the EcoFactor-enabled service later this year.
Comcast described Xfinity Home as a broadband- and cloud-based platform that provides next-generation home security, control and energy management features that allow customers to stay connected to their home and family through the use of an interactive Web portal, mobile devices, and the free Xfinity Home app. In addition to 24/7 professional monitoring, Xfinity Home offers an expanding suite of home control and remote energy management services that include lighting controls, digital thermostats, live video monitoring, custom text and e-mail alerts, remote arming and disarming capabilities and, coming soon, water and carbon monoxide sensors.
For more information about Xfinity Home, visit www.xfinity.com/home.
