By using the existing paging infrastructure utilities avoid the need to build their own paging systems to achieve two-way communications with customers. In addition, industry experts expect the cost of paging services to decrease further in the years ahead, increasing the attractiveness of this option. An LCD display on the thermostat could provide customers with information about current consumption. In the case of PFU metering, the paging technology could enable the LDC to automatically credit a customer s meter when a customer pre-pays for gas usage, as well as display current account balances. Hardware and software is being tested in relation to the possible features of the thermostat targeted for this program.
Preliminary results show the system meeting expectations.
A substantial number of beta testing units are to be deployed during the 1999-2000 heating season for field demonstration. IGT is applying for copyrights on the software used in this system to protect the intellectual property resulting from this project and open the potential for licensing.