Plug-IT© Reduces Energy Costs by Allowing Automatic, Remote Plug Load Control across Multiple Buildings and Time Zones

Energy Systems Technologies recently received a Top New Product award for its energy-saving Plug-IT© device, which allows companies to measure and control energy usage 24 hours a day, reducing consumption and costs.

Companies can use their existing Wi-Fi network to operate Plug-IT, a patented wireless smart plug with a programmable on/off schedule. The device allows companies to measure and manage actual energy use at the plug load level, analyze the data to determine an optimal schedule, and remotely program devices individually, in groups, or by location.

Plug-IT works with the Niagara Framework software to allow connection of an unlimited number of smaller electrical devices, such as coffee makers, vending machines, photocopiers, computer displays, televisions, and computers. Previously, it may not have made sense for a company to connect many small loads to an energy management system due to expense. With Plug-IT, however, companies can now automatically control these small loads cost-effectively. The system also provides robust analytics based on a building’s plug load energy usage, which can help building engineers and end-users understand their energy consumption.

“We at EST are proud and excited to be the recipient of such a distinguished award,” said Paul Czerwin, president of Energy Systems Technologies. “Over the past fifteen years we have witnessed tremendous growth in the Niagara products and services, and feel honored to contribute back into the community. It was our intent to open up new opportunities for those utilizing the Niagara platform.”

By using Plug-IT, companies may become eligible for utility rebates and easily meet the latest ASHRAE 90.1 standards for controlling 50% of wall receptacle plug loads.

EST received the inaugural “Top New Product” award at the closing reception for the 2014 Niagara Summit, held April 27–29 in Las Vegas, the biannual conference hosted by Tridium, Inc. The award recognizes excellence in developing a new product that interfaces with or is built on the Niagara Framework. An advisory panel of Niagara community members and industry experts selected the finalists and chose the winning entry via a text-message-based voting system.