ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
Product Specification for Smart Home Energy
Management Systems
Partner Commitments
Following are the terms of the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement as it pertains to the provisionand labeling of ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) packages. The
ENERGY STAR Partner must adhere to the following partner commitments:
1.1 Providing a Certified Smart Home Energy Management System Package
1. Partner must be a smart home service provider.
2. Comply with current ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management System Eligibility
Criteria, which define performance requirements and test procedures. A list of eligible devices andservices and their corresponding Eligibility Criteria can be found atwww.energystar.gov/specifications.
Maintain regular contact with EPA to share program insights and market developments and towork toward the development of a performance metric and future specification versions.
3. Prior to associating the ENERGY STAR name or mark with any SHEMS package, obtain written
certification of ENERGY STAR certification from a Certification Body recognized by EPA for
Smart Home Energy Management Systems. As part of this certification process, SHEMS
packages must be evaluated by a certification body recognized by EPA to perform SHEMS
package testing. A list of EPA-recognized Certification Bodies can be found atwww.energystar.gov/testingandverification.
4. A new SHEMS package is defined as having either significantly different hardware or softwarefeatures relative to an existing package. SHEMS receiving software updates are not considered
new packages.
5. Partner will prioritize the ENERGY STAR SHEMS offering over similar non-conforming offerings.
This means that the partner will not pro-actively offer and market similar packages to end usersthat fall short of the ENERGY STAR specification, though individual consumers may opt topurchase and/or connect whichever elements they wish. The ENERGY STAR certified SHEMS
package must be marketed distinctly from other packages such as security, entertainment, or
wellness.
6. Partner shall clearly indicate in all marketing and advertising that the devices included in the
SHEMS package, as identified in the Eligibility Criteria, are necessary to qualify as ENERGYSTAR (given that devices may be sold separately from the service.) E.g. “ENERGY STAR
certification is contingent on installation with specified devices.”
1.2 Using the ENERGY STAR Name and Marks
1. Comply with current ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines, which define how the ENERGY STAR
name and marks may be used. Partner is responsible for adhering to these guidelines andensuring that its authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, dealers, anddistributors, are also in compliance. The ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines are available atwww.energystar.gov/logouse.
2. Use the ENERGY STAR name and marks only in association with certified packages, where theservice and associated devices have been certified together. The Partner may not refer to itself
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as an ENERGY STAR Partner unless at least one SHEMS package is certified and offered toconsumers in the U.S. and/or ENERGY STAR partner countries.
3. Provide clear and consistent labeling of ENERGY STAR package.
3.1. Electronic ENERGY STAR certification marks of at least 76x78 pixels in cyan, black orwhite shall be on the home screen, the main menu screen, or another place where users
would be expected to come across it in routine use of the service’s user interface, (e.g. no
more than three clicks from main screen) including a mobile app or web portal (if they exist).
3.2. The ENERGY STAR mark shall be clearly displayed in association with the SHEMS
package in the partner’s literature (i.e., user manuals, spec sheets, etc.) and on the partner’s
Internet site where information about the ENERGY STAR certified package is accessed or
the package is marketed.
3.3. The ENERGY STAR mark shall not be physically applied to packaging unless all thedevices in the package are ENERGY STAR certified.
3.4. ENERGY STAR marks shall not be applied to included devices, including physical markson the device, physical marks on a box containing multiple devices, or electronic marks in a
device-specific user interface, unless the device is separately certified to an ENERGYSTAR specification.
4. ENERGY STAR labeling of a package that is associated with a broader platform, such as a home
security system, shall clearly indicate which package is certified. Neither physical nor electroniclabels shall be associated with the broader platform, and product literature shall state: “This[insert platform (e.g., security system, home automation system)] includes an ENERGY STAR
Certified Smart Home Energy Management System Package. Only the energy management
system package is certified as ENERGY STAR.”
1.3 Providing Information to EPA
1. Provide aggregate savings data and associated statistics to EPA every 6 months in accordancewith the ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management Systems Method to Determine Field
Performance. Submitted data shall be representative of savings for the system’s U.S. installedbase and must demonstrate continued compliance with the requirements of the specification.
Only installations with the complete package installed are included for analysis. This data will
also be used for program evaluation purposes:
1.1.

Every February 1 submit the ENERGY STAR SHEMS Data Reporting Template for theprevious June 1 through December 31 reporting period.

1.2.

Every July 1 submit the ENERGY STAR SHEMS Data Reporting Template for theprevious January 1 through May 31 reporting period.

2. EPA may, at its discretion, conduct tests on SHEMS packages that are referred to as ENERGYSTAR certified. These packages, including services and required devices, may be obtained on the
open market, or voluntarily supplied by Partner at the government’s request.
3. Report to EPA any attempts by recognized laboratories or Certification Bodies (CBs) to influence
testing or certification results or to engage in discriminatory practices.
4. Notify EPA of a change in the designated responsible parties or contacts within 30 days using
the My ENERGY STAR Account tool (MESA) available at www.energystar.gov/mesa.
1.4 Training and Consumer Education
1. Partner shall train distributors, sales staff and installation contractors on the value of the
ENERGY STAR program. This training shall include, at a minimum, identification of ENERGYSTAR certified products within the Partner’s offerings and on the Partner’s web site.
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2. All consumer information documents – operating manuals, installation instructions, etc.—must
be easily accessible to consumers on a public website.
1.5 Performance for Special Distinction
In order to receive additional recognition and/or support from EPA for its efforts within the Partnership,
the ENERGY STAR Partner may consider the following voluntary measures, and should keep EPA
informed on the progress of these efforts:▪

Provide quarterly, written updates to EPA as to the efforts undertaken by Partner to increaseavailability of ENERGY STAR certified products, and to promote awareness of ENERGY STARand its message.

▪

Consider energy efficiency improvements in company facilities and pursue benchmarking
buildings through the ENERGY STAR Buildings program.

▪

Purchase ENERGY STAR certified products. Revise the company purchasing or procurement
specifications to include ENERGY STAR. Provide procurement officials’ contact information to EPA
for periodic updates and coordination. Circulate general ENERGY STAR certified product information
to employees for use when purchasing products for their homes.

▪

Feature the ENERGY STAR mark(s) on Partner website and other promotional materials. If
information concerning ENERGY STAR is provided on the Partner website as specified by the
ENERGY STAR Web Linking Policy (available in the Partner Resources section of the
ENERGY STAR website), EPA may provide links where appropriate to the Partner website.

▪

Ensure the power management feature is enabled on all ENERGY STAR certified displays andcomputers in use in company facilities, particularly upon installation and after service isperformed.

▪

Provide general information about the ENERGY STAR program to employees whose jobs are
relevant to the development, marketing, sales, and service of current ENERGY STAR certified
products.

▪

Provide a simple plan to EPA outlining specific measures Partner plans to undertake beyond theprogram requirements listed above. By doing so, EPA may be able to coordinate, andcommunicate Partner’s activities, provide an EPA representative, or include news about the eventin the ENERGY STAR newsletter, on the ENERGY STAR website, etc. The plan may be as simple
as providing a list of planned activities or milestones of which Partner would like EPA to be aware.
For example, activities may include: (1) increasing the availability of ENERGY STAR certified
products by converting the entire product line within two years to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines;(2) demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency through special instore displays twice a year; (3) providing information to users (via the website and user’s manual)
about energy-saving features and operating characteristics of ENERGY STAR certified products;and (4) building awareness of the ENERGY STAR Partnership and brand identity by collaboratingwith EPA on one print advertorial and one live press event.

▪

Join EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership to improve the environmental performance of thecompany's shipping operations. The SmartWay Transport Partnership works with freight
carriers, shippers, and other stakeholders in the goods movement industry to reduce fuelconsumption, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. For more information on SmartWay, visit
www.epa.gov/smartway.

▪

Join EPA’s Green Power Partnership. EPA's Green Power Partnership encourages organizations to
buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional fossil
fuel- based electricity use. The partnership includes a diverse set of organizations including Fortune
500 companies, small and medium businesses, government institutions as well as a growing
number of colleges and universities. For more information on Green Power, visit
www.epa.gov/greenpower.

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ENERGY STAR Program Requirements
Product Specification for Smart Home Energy Management
Systems
Eligibility Criteria
Version 1.1(Rev. June-2021)
This document specifies the eligibility requirements for the Version 1.1 ENERGY STAR Smart Home
Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) program. SHEMS packages shall meet all of the identified
criteria to earn the ENERGY STAR.

1 INTRODUCTION
The intent for this specification is to recognize smart home system packages designed to actively
recognize and act on opportunities to save energy and help end users manage their energy in a way thatsaves them money and makes their lives easier. This includes but is not limited to 1) providing reliable
occupancy detection linked to savings strategies that shut off or power down equipment when no one ishome, 2) limiting standby power of connected devices, and 3) providing feedback to users about theenergy impact of their settings.
The ENERGY STAR SHEMS specification is tailored to current market circumstances in terms of thesmart home devices it addresses. As the market and technology continue to evolve, it is expected thisprogram will grow to provide a national framework for complete home energy management services thatwork seamlessly with the grid. The intent is for the ENERGY STAR certified SHEMS package to becustomizable and scalable to function with multiple device options, including devices beyond theminimum requirements in this specification.

Figure 1: Simple illustration of the basic elements of an
ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management System
PackageOccupancy-based
Energy Optimization
ControlRequired minimum devices are shown with black dotted lines,
optional devices in gray, and the cloud denotes the coreservice capability, occupancy-based energy optimization.

2 DEFINITIONS
A) Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) Package: For purposes of ENERGY STAR, a
SHEMS package is the combination of a service and devices that are designed to work together to
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deliver occupancy-based optimization of energy use and that meets all of the device and service
requirements outlined in the Eligibility Criteria below. A SHEMS package may include devices withenergy saving or grid services potential beyond what is required for ENERGY STAR certification(particularly those identified below as Optional Encouraged Devices). A SHEMS package must be
marketed as a complete offering, i.e. certification is contingent upon using service with required
devices, but individual devices may be sold separately. A SHEMS package may be a subset of alarger home automation platform that provides other services.
a) Service: A combination of software, algorithms, and user interfaces that is useful to the building,
its occupants, and other parties. A SHEMS service refers specifically to the service offered aspart of a SHEMS package which provides for occupancy-based energy optimization strategies.
b) Platform: A service offering encompassing multiple packages intended to serve consumer’sinterests such as security, health, safety etc. For instance, Company X offers a platform throughwhich a consumer could select a variety of packages.
c) Installation: An individual instance of a platform consisting of one or more packages as used in asingle dwelling.
d) Smart Home Service Provider: The company that owns the brand which consumers see when
they interact with their SHEMS package and is able to provide package data and analysis of fielddata to EPA for the ENERGY STAR program.
B) Device: A piece of physical equipment connected to a SHEMS, including the following device types:a) Sensor: A device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates,
communicates, or otherwise responds to it. Sensors may be embedded in other devices.
b) Hub: A dedicated device which provides network connectivity, protocol translation, and, in somecases, additional instruction between products included in a SHEMS package. For instance, an
alarm panel or gateway may serve as a hub. This can be anything that would not reasonably be
expected to be in a home other than to support the SHEMS and possibly other functions of aplatform. Thus, a Wi-Fi router or router/modem combination whose primary function is to provide
internet service to the dwelling would not be considered a hub. Smart home systems do notnecessarily need to include a hub. Hubs can be wired, wireless, or a combination.
(1) SHEMS-specific hub: A hub which is necessary for the operation of the SHEMS.
c) Persistent Occupancy Device: A device that detects room, space or dwelling level occupancy andis always present in the home. This could be a sensor integrated into another product or astandalone sensor (e.g. a passive infrared sensor) or mechanism that can detect andcommunicate dwelling or space occupancy (e.g. alarm control pad). Door sensors which only
report when a door opens and closes do not qualify as persistent occupancy devices.
d) Transient Occupancy Device: A device that detects room, space or dwelling level occupancy thatis not always present in home. This could be a sensor integrated into a portable product (such asa smart phone using Geo Fencing) or a standalone device like a garage door remote.
e) Smart Plug: A household voltage (120V or 240V) wall outlet or device which is placed between astandard outlet and a device’s power plug or incorporated into the outlet itself and can becontrolled by a wireless remote or app using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communications
protocols. Most advanced smart plugs offer the ability for preset timed events, surge protection,and current draw feedback.
f)

Smart Power Strip: A multi outlet device (similar to a traditional power strip 120V or 240V) placed
between a household power outlet and more than one device’s power plugs. The smart power
strip’s multiple outlets can be controlled individually or in a group by a wireless remote or app withexternal communication using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication protocols. Smartpower strips incorporate either automated energy savings based on user interaction, or the ability
to set timed events, or other trigger technologies such as Geo Fencing or IFTTT. Smart power
strips included in ENERGY STAR SHEMS packages must have the ability to monitor and reportenergy use data from each outlet or the group of outlets per section 4.3B).

ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Smart Home Energy Management Systems - Eligibility Criteria (Rev. June-2021)

Page 2 of 12g) Home Energy Sub Metering System: A system that can measure or estimate energy usage at thecircuit breaker panel, offering the ability to monitor energy usage for individual circuits and/or end
uses, including by disaggregation, to account for their actual energy usage. This may include
smart fuse boxes and systems that use current transducer clamps or similar means to noninvasively measure power in household circuits.
h) Connected Thermostat (CT): A device that controls heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning(HVAC) equipment to regulate the temperature of the room or space in which it is installed andhas the ability to communicate with sources external to the HVAC system. For connection, the CT
device may rely on a Wi-Fi home area network and an internet connection that is independent ofand not part of the CT Device. An ENERGY STAR Certified Connected Thermostat meets therequirements in the current Connected Thermostats specification.
i)

ENERGY STAR Certified Light Meeting Connected Criteria (Smart Lighting Product): A lamp,
luminaire, retrofit kit, or other lighting product certified to the latest applicable ENERGY STAR
specification as meeting the optional connected criteria.

j)Lighting Load Control Device: A device with the dedicated purpose of controlling lighting basedon user interaction or sensor input, e.g. smart light switch, motion sensor, remote.

C) Compatible: The SHEMS is compatible with a certain device when it is able to provide all of theRequired Base Services in relation to that device, including automatic recognition of the device once
connected to the network, control, and, if applicable, energy data reporting (for devices reporting
power to the SHEMS). These services must all be available to the user within the SHEMS userinterface without requiring the user to enable with a third-party service such as IFTTT.
D) Plug Load: Plug loads are a category of equipment that is usually plugged into an outlet. This term
generally excludes loads that are attributed to major end uses (HVAC, lighting, water heating, etc.)
E) Occupancy-Based Optimization: Using information on occupancy to serve consumers’ desires withthe least energy possible, for instance by reducing idle power or reducing the amount of time energyusing devices are on. Optimization algorithms may also use predictive information about whenoccupancy is likely to change, based on machine learning.
F) Occupancy Sensing: A method (or methods) to detect whether a space has a person and/or animal init, and potentially how many. Occupancy may be sensed on a room by room basis or for an entire
dwelling, and may be sensed using dedicated sensors, sensors in a product with a different primary
purpose (thermostat, light fixture), system-based techniques such as geofencing or the arming of analarm panel, or a combination of these techniques. It may include information about how long thehome has been or will be unoccupied which may affect optimization.
G) Automated Actions:a) Explicitly generated (by a hard trigger): Actions for devices initiated by a user through an
intentional input, e.g. setting up a schedule (home, away, vacation, sleep), rule, or action throughan app e.g. setting up geofencing to control devices, commanding a voice assistant, arming asecurity system, or actively pressing a button on a device in home. (For the purpose of thisspecification this excludes action on a suggested event).
b) Implicitly generated (by a soft trigger): Actions for devices initiated by the service based on
occupancy and possibly other information, without explicit user input. This can be a machinelearning scenario where a service detects new patterns and adjusts a users’ schedule or simply
that the service detects that the home is vacant and triggers energy saving actions on behalf of
the users. This can also include a notification to the user that they can override but if ignored theservice would carry out the action, unlike a suggested action where a user must grant permission
for the service to take the action.
c) Suggested (by service-suggested trigger): Actions for devices that are suggested by the service
based on occupancy and other information, where the service requires a user to confirm in orderto take the action.
H) Demand Response (DR): Changes in electric usage by demand‐side resources from their normal
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consumption patterns in response to changes in the price of electricity over time, or to event signals
designed to induce lower electricity demand at times of high wholesale market prices or when system
reliability is jeopardized1.
I)

Time of Use Pricing (TOU): as identified by the Rocky Mountain Institute,2 TOU refers to a time-based
electricity rate program that differentiates prices by time of day, where both the prices and time
periods are predetermined and constant.

J) Interface Specification: A document or collection of documents that contains detailed technicalinformation to facilitate access to relevant data and product capabilities over a communications
interface.
K) States or modes:a) Idle state: A state which the device enters automatically when the device:(1) is installed and interconnected in accordance with provided instructions,(2) experiences no direct or remote user interaction (e.g., smart phone app, web interface,occupancy detection), and(3) sufficient time has elapsed to allow the device to enter a low power state, as applicable. For
example, the screen has dimmed or turned off automatically.
b) Standby State: The lowest power state which cannot be switched off (influenced) by the user andthat may persist for an indefinite time when the device is connected to the main electricity supply
and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The device may require userinteraction, such as toggling a power button, in order to enter a standby state.
L) Open Standards: Communication with entities outside the SHEMS that use, for all communication
layers, standards including but not limited to those:•included in the Smart Electric Power Alliance Catalog of Standards,3 and/or•

included in the NIST Smart Grid Framework Tables 4.1 and 4.2, and/or•

adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or another well-establishedinternational standards organization such as the International Organization forStandardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) orInternet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

3 SCOPEA) Included Products: Only packages that meet the definition of a SHEMS package, as specified herein,
are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. A SHEMS package may be one distinct package offered
by a platform that also provides other smart home services such as home automation, entertainment,
home awareness, elder care, or security.
B) Excluded Products: SHEMS that are unable to collect the required data for the Method to Determine
Field Performance.
C) Diagrams:

1

Modified slightly from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, https://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/indusact/demand-response/dr-potential.asp
2
Modified slightly from Rocky Mountain Institute, “A Review of Alternative Rate Designs,” 2016.
https://rmi.org/insight/review-alternative-rate-designs/.
3 https://sepapower.org/knowledge/catalog-of-standards/catalog-of-standards-complete-list-of-entries/

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Figure 2: Illustration of SHEMS Package
Minimum device and function requirements are shown inside the red dotted boundary, including at least one
ENERGY STAR certified thermostat and two lighting devices, one of which shall be ENERGY STAR certified.
Required platform capabilities (connection to a water heater or water heater controller, grid services) do not need
to be in use in every installation. Refer to section 4 for detailed information. Persistent occupancy sensing may
be a stand-alone additional device or integrated into another required device.

Figure 3: Illustration of installations of various packages in a platform

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4 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To certify as ENERGY STAR, the SHEMS packages offered by a service provider must facilitate energy
management via occupancy-based optimization control of, at minimum, the connected devices as
outlined below and meet the specified service capabilities and grid response criteria. In addition, field
performance must be reported as detailed by the ENERGY STAR SHEMS Method to Determine Field
Performance. The SHEMS shall maintain these services and capabilities through subsequent firmware
and software changes. Furthermore, any SHEMS package marketed or sold by the service provider must
continue to meet all requirements in the specification for the SHEMS to maintain certification. The
SHEMS service provider shall maintain documentation that demonstrates compliance to theserequirements.
4.1 Required Base Services: The SHEMS shall perform the following services:
A) Provide a remote consumer interface (e.g. application, website, display) that allows end users tocontrol all the devices connected to the SHEMS package from outside the dwelling.
B) Receive and utilize a minimum set of occupancy data, specifically:a) include persistent occupancy detection. This may be provided by:• at least one persistent device with constant wired power (or that does not typically rely on
batteries for power, e.g. energy harvesting); or• at least two solely battery-powered persistent devices.
Note: This requirement could be met by one wired thermostat with occupancy detection,
two battery-powered infrared detectors, or one bulb with presence detection screwed intoa line-voltage socket.
b) encourage all installations to locate a persistent occupancy device in a high traffic area of thehome;c) detect and communicate occupancy to the SHEMS package;d) synthesize occupancy information for the installation; ande) send commands to devices connected to the SHEMS package, including but not limited to:
reduce lighting loads to the levels specified in 4.1(G), turn off any smart power strips or plugs,
and turn off or change modes of other devices connected to the SHEMS.
C) By default, produce energy-saving device control actions through hard, soft, and suggested triggers,
specifically by (at least one action through each method below):a) facilitating user-established rules and schedules (hard trigger). An energy saving default schedule
is a recommended feature;b) implementing control algorithms to automatically modify the operation of the devices in the
package to save energy while maintaining positive user experience based on occupancy
information and possibly machine learning of user behavior, i.e. patterns, preferences and user
input (soft trigger); andc) identifying and suggesting energy savings events or actions to promote energy savings while
maintaining positive user experience based on occupancy information and possibly machinelearning of user behavior, i.e. patterns, preferences and user input (service-suggested trigger).
D) Allow the end user to access information relevant to their energy consumption, including the energy
consumption or average power of all devices reporting energy or power to the SHEMS, which the
SHEMS user interface shall be capable of collecting and displaying across time intervals no greaterthan one day. Estimated energy use based on device settings is permitted. Examples include but are
not limited to: real-time energy use data by device, package, platform or dwelling (including meterdata); daily, weekly, monthly or annual energy performance, comparison with previous periods orsimilar dwellings, etc.
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E) Allow users to configure system preferences, provide feedback, and to adjust how responsive thesystem is to detected occupancy.
F) Provide a resolution and user notification process for when occupancy detection is not working
properly; e.g. notifications through email, SMS and or on main access portal until resolved.
G) Provide a vacation, nighttime safety, leave a light on, nightlight, or similarly identified mode toautomate lighting load to operate one or multiple lights minimally at night or while away, using no
more than 0.03 kWh per day while the feature is activated. This feature must be available to the user
but need not be enabled by default and should not be a part of a default vacation mode if that setting
does not operate lights.
Note: service providers may ensure that lighting energy does not exceed 0.03 kWh per day either bycollecting lighting energy consumption data from connected devices or by limiting runtime based on
the rated wattage of a given bulb.
H) Recognize, identify and control required and encouraged devices certified in the package by type(e.g. light, outlet, thermostat, etc.) once connected.
4.2 Additional Required Platform Capabilities
A) Ability to connect to and control at least one water heater controller or ENERGY STAR connectedwater heater which is currently available on the market. The connection shall include communicating
data sufficient to enable occupancy-based adjustment of water heater operation to the water heateror water heater controller. Users shall be able to establish a connection through interaction only withthe water heater controller service and the SHEMS service, e.g. without the use of IFTTT.
B) Ability to control devices based on relative or absolute time of use energy prices, determined either
through user input or by integrating with utility programs, and to help users manage energy use in thehome to minimize energy costs. For systems relying on user input, the user should be able to entertime of use rate information both during system configuration and at any point while connected to theservice. Partners are additionally encouraged to support other advanced variable rate structures andload building functionality (the ability to increase loads during periods of low demand).
4.3 Connected Device Requirements
A) Required devices: Any package marketed as an ENERGY STAR certified SHEMS shall include thefollowing devices. (Note: since actual installations may vary, only those installations that include therequired devices will be analyzed as part of the compliant population.)a) At least one ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat;b) At least two connected lighting devices, consisting of:• Two ENERGY STAR certified smart lighting products4; or• One ENERGY STAR certified smart lighting product and one lighting load control device
capable of measuring lighting load; or• Two lighting load control devices capable of measuring lighting load. Service providers
using this option are strongly encouraged to select lighting load control devices
compatible with ENERGY STAR certified dimmable lighting.
c) At least one of the following plug load control or monitoring offerings;• One smart power strip;• One or more smart plugs; or• Home energy sub metering system.
d) any additional devices needed to fulfill the required service capabilities, such as a hub or
occupancy devices.

4 Per the definition of ENERGY STAR certified smart light, this may be a lamp, luminaire, retrofit kit, or other lighting

product meeting the optional ENERGY STAR connected criteria.
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B) Device-specific requirements: All lighting load control devices, smart plugs, smart power strips,
submetering devices, and SHEMS-specific hubs or control panels marketed with the certified SHEMS
package shall comply.
a) Lighting Load and Plug Load Management Devices: Lighting load control devices, smart plugs,
smart power strips, or sub metering devices included in a SHEMS package shall have the ability
to communicate energy consumption of their respective loads to the SHEMS, e.g. throughcompliance with CTA-20475 or other means as applicable.
b) Idle and Standby Power Requirements:

DeviceTable 1: Device Power Limits
Power Limit(Idle or standby as applicable)

Smart plug, smart power
strip, or sub metering
device6

1.0 watt standby power

Smart lighting control

0.5 watt standby

SHEMS-specific Hub orcontrol panel7

Network connected idle power shall bereported

Method of measurement(as applicable)
IEC 62301, Ed. 2.0, 201101, Household electricalappliances – Measurementof standby power, subject toclarifications in sections 5E).
Instructions in section 5F).

(1) The standby power requirements for ENERGY STAR products which may satisfy theminimum SHEMS device requirements are listed below. These products are addressed inseparate specifications, so while the standby power requirements below are accurate as ofthe development of this specification they may change independently. Please visit the
ENERGY STAR partner webpages for the relevant products to find the current requirements.
• ENERGY STAR certified connected thermostat: ≤ 3.0 watts average standby power.8• ENERGY STAR certified lamp meeting connected criteria: ≤ 0.5 watts standby power.
• ENERGY STAR certified luminaire, including ventilating fans with light kits: ≤ 0.5 watts
standby power for luminaires meeting connected criteria; ≤ 1.0 watts standby power for
luminaires meeting connected criteria and having energy saving features such as integral
motion sensors or occupancy sensors. Power supplies for multiple luminaires may draw
up to 1.5 watts in standby mode.
• ENERGY STAR certified ceiling fan light kit: reported separately in the list of certified
products.
C) Optional Encouraged Devices: Service providers are strongly encouraged to build their SHEMS to becapable of optimized control of the following devices, which are listed in order of priority based on
their energy saving and grid services potentials. Compatibility with such products will be highlighted
on the ENERGY STAR listing for the certified SHEMS. Examples include:• Connected water heater controller or ENERGY STAR Certified Connected Water Heater.
• *ENERGY STAR certified EV Supply Equipment
5

ANSI/CTA-2047: CE Energy Usage Information. August 2014.

6 Standby power testing and the limit identified in Table 1 would not apply to home energy submetering devices

without a low-power state. Certification Bodies certifying SHEMS packages including such devices are instructed toenter ‘0.00’ for the “Plug Load Offering Standby Power (W).”
7 Includes all equipment necessary to establish connectivity to the SHEMS service provider’s cloud, except those thatcan reasonably be expected to be present in the home independently of the SHEMS service, such as Wi-Fi routersand smart phones.
8 Includes all equipment necessary to establish connectivity to the CT service provider’s cloud, except those that canreasonably be expected to be present in the home, such as Wi-Fi routers and smart phones.
ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Smart Home Energy Management Systems - Eligibility Criteria (Rev. June-2021)

Page 8 of 12• Automated window attachments certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council(AERC) for Energy Performance (EP) – Automation at aercenergyrating.org• *ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioner• *ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators• *ENERGY STAR certified freezers• *ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers• *ENERGY STAR certified clothes dryers• *Additional ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs and fixtures• *ENERGY STAR certified pool pumps• *Other (as developed) ENERGY STAR certified products• Battery storage• Solar inverters*product must meet optional ENERGY STAR connected criteria where applicable.
Note: Inclusion of products not covered by another ENERGY STAR program in a SHEMS package does
not grant such products the right to use the ENERGY STAR marks.
4.4 Grid Service CriteriaA) Grid Communications and Access: The SHEMS shall be capable of implementing a demand
response event for at least one device in the package. The platform shall offer an interconnection
specified by an interface specification, application programming interface (API) or similar
documentation that, at a minimum, enables DR functionality. Providers are encouraged to use open
standards to meet this criterion, for example by offering an OpenADR virtual end node (VEN) in theircloud or locally in the home.
B) Consumer Override: Consumers shall be able to override their SHEMS’ response to any grid request.
The override shall last no more than 72 hours.
C) Capabilities Reporting:a) List DR protocols supported by the SHEMS.
b) Indicate if the only option for DR services is through the service provider’s cloud.
D) Additional Capabilities Summary: A ≤ 250-word summary description of the SHEMS service
provider’s DR capabilities/services shall be submitted. In this summary, EPA recommends noting thefollowing, as applicable:a) DR services that the SHEMS has the capability to participate in such as load dispatch, ancillary
services, price notification and price response.
b) Whether individual installations can be directly addressed via the interface specification, API orsimilar documentation, rather than the service provider managing groups as a whole.
c) Support for locational DR, e.g. to ZIP code(s), feeder(s), or other locational groupings.
d) Feedback about DR response: e.g. verification/M&V, override notification.
e) Measures to limit consumer comfort impacts, if any.
f)

DR response configurability/flexibility by the consumer and/or DR program.

g) Whether any device in the SHEMS complies with the 2016 California Energy Commission Title
24, Part 6 Joint Appendix 5.
4.5 Field Performance
To maintain certification and facilitate evaluation, service providers shall demonstrate SHEMS
performance in the field by reporting aggregated statistical data every six months to the ENERGY STAR
program according to the ENERGY STAR SHEMS Method to Determine Field Performance.

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The platform must be capable of collecting certain data from each installation. This includes but may not
be limited to:• Each installation shall have a unique ID independent of its evolution over time;• Start and end date of service;• Information about devices attached to the platform, including the total number, how many lighting
and thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, and the number of smart outlets connected;• Whether the requirements for persistent occupancy devices in section 4.1B) continue to be met;
• The number of away hours each week of each trigger type named in section 4.1C);
Note: Field data will be submitted to an EPA contractor. EPA will only have access to anonymized data,
will only share aggregated and anonymized general information publicly, and will refrain from sharing
non-anonymized data publicly without the partner’s explicit agreement. Further, EPA will neither collectnor share any customer-specific data.

5 TEST REQUIREMENTS
A) Assure that the application associated with the package delivers the required service capabilities witha representative package containing the required minimum devices;B) Software updates: Software and firmware updates may not adversely affect product savings.
Software or firmware changes that alter the principle that savings rest upon, or which are expected toreduce savings, require recertification of the SHEMS.
C) Significant Digits and Rounding:a) All calculations shall be carried out with directly measured (unrounded) values.
b) Directly measured or calculated values that are submitted for reporting on the ENERGY STAR
website shall be rounded to the nearest significant digit as expressed in the corresponding
specification limit.
D) Test Methods: the following methods shall be used to demonstrate ENERGY STAR certification.
Table 2: Test Methods for ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR
Applies to
Test Method Reference
Requirement

Sample Size

Standby State Power

Non-ENERGYSTAR lighting
control and plugload devices

IEC 62301, Ed. 2.0, 2011-01,
Household electricalappliances – Measurement ofstandby power, subject toclarifications in section 5E).

One unit

Network ConnectedStandby or Idle StatePowerSHEMS hubs

Test instructions in section
5F).

One unit

SHEMS Field
Performance

SHEMS
Package

ENERGY STAR SHEMS
Method to Determine Field
Performance, V1.0

A minimum of
30 installationsE) Implementation of IEC 62301 for non-ENERGY STAR Device Testing
Note: This test is not applicable to devices that are powered solely by batteries or are otherwise not
powered by a direct source.
a) Configure and provision the Device’s connected functionality, including enrollment for applicable
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services and updating to latest version of firmware.
b) Test Conduct – Measure energy consumption at the power input to the Device using the sampling
method, section 5.3.2 of IEC 62301, Edition 2.0 2011-01.
(1) Verify ability to control the device over the communication link and operate the device
according to its intended function. For example, turn a smart light switch on and then off, oroperate a smart plug with a lamp plugged in.
(2) Set the device to its lowest power state, then close all apps and web interfaces.
(3) Wait five minutes, while taking appropriate measures to allow the device to enter into andremain in standby mode for the duration of the test, e.g.
••••

No additional device-user interactions,
Ensure occupancy sensing devices do not detect occupancy,
Ensure apps and-or web remote interfaces remain closed.
Separately measure and record average energy consumption over a five-minute period.

(4) Check measurement stability in accordance with IEC 62301, Edition 2.0 2011-01, section
5.3.2.
(5) If stability criteria are not satisfied, repeat the test, starting from step 2. b, with the test period
extended in five-minute increments (i.e. 10m, 15m, 20m…) as necessary to establish
requisite measurement stability.
(6) Once stable, repeat the test over two additional test periods, starting from step 2. b.
(7) Record energy consumption as the average over the second and third test periods.
F) Configuration and testing of hub for network idle energy consumption:a) Follow included instructions to connect all required devices for SHEMS to the hub;b) The following procedure shall be used for measuring the idle power:(1) Reset the power meter (if necessary).
(2) Begin recording elapsed time.
(3) After 5 minutes have elapsed, set the meter to begin accumulating true power values at a
rate of greater than or equal to 1 Hz (1 reading per second).
(4) Accumulate power values for 5 minutes and record the average (arithmetic mean) value
observed during the 5-minute period.
(5) Record measurements in the test report.

6 EFFECTIVE DATEThe ENERGY STAR SHEMS Version 1.0 specification is effective on August 29, 2019. To certify for
ENERGY STAR, a SHEMS package shall meet the ENERGY STAR specification in effect on the date it isoffered to consumers.

7 CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE REVISIONSEPA reserves the right to change the specification should technological and/or market changes affect its
usefulness to consumers, industry, or the environment. In keeping with current policy, revisions to thespecification are arrived at through industry discussions. In the event of a specification revision, please
note that the ENERGY STAR certification is not automatically granted for the life of a SHEMS package.

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Topics that may be examined in ongoing work and/or in future revisions are identified below.
A) EPA intends to use field data and feedback from service providers and other stakeholders to develop
a performance level, to enable a more stringent performance requirement and delivered energy
savings.
B) EPA will continue to monitor technology development and consider reduction of device standby andidle power to better reflect best practices.
C) If occupancy detection methodology or any other key factors indicates substantial variance amongcertified packages, EPA may consider including requirements to ensure ENERGY STAR SHEMS
packages effectively use occupancy detection methods that are proven to deliver more energy
savings.
D) EPA will continue to monitor the development of open communications standards for passing
information between devices or the cloud that are relevant to energy performance. When
opportunities arise, EPA will encourage their use through requirements in future revisions.
E) EPA will monitor the market for helpful specific device control strategies or algorithms to reference,e.g. to support time of use pricing models.
F) EPA will explore the services of distributing Demand Response signals (including prices) and ofcollecting energy reporting data as these are also key to reaching our energy, cost, and climate goals.
Future specifications may have additional capability requirements for these services. Energy
Reporting is the principle that all (communicating) devices should keep track of their own energy use(via measurement or estimation) and be able to report that data to the local network. Specifically,
part of the future vision this specification builds towards includes open standards for DR
communications. Unlike for other capabilities, such standards exist for DR communications, and EPA
anticipates a future version will require their use.
G) EPA will assess if other services or devices are of sufficient relevance to our energy goals to also
bring into consideration for this specification.
H) EPA is aware of several specific standards that it intends to consider referencing in the specification.
IEEE 2030.5 specifies communicating standards for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and would
be relevant should EPA address connected DERs such as connected inverters more explicitly infuture specifications. Home Performance eXtensible Markup Language (HPXML) is a datainterchange standard for home performance, including information about the physical structure andthe appliances and systems in the structure, including such items as the number of ENERGY STAR
certified light fixtures. Its intent is to make home energy raters’ jobs easier, by facilitating entry of suchinformation into disparate modeling and tracking systems. In addition, it can be used to feed
information to realty databases. There are several ways that SHEMS service providers might interact
with HPXML. EPA believes they bear investigation and intends to explore this after Version 1.0 iscomplete. For more information on HPXML, see http://www.hpxmlonline.com/overview/.
I)

Since most systems and devices popular in operation today rely on Wi-Fi connection and cloud
integration for basic functionality, EPA seeks solutions to maintain limited functions which have healthand safety impacts when connection is lost and easily recover connectivity among devices when it isre-established.

J) EPA is interested in standardizing the frequency and accuracy with which device-level energy data isreported to SHEMS and is further interested in identifying and encouraging best practices forrepresenting this data to users.

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