Smarter Energy: AT&T and Digi Team Up to Help Utilities Give Power to the People

DALLAS, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As this summer's sizzling heat shatters records across the U.S., consumers may find that their energy bills are even higher than the temperature. There seems to be no relief in sight for the heat, but now people can manage their energy usage smarter and better to ease the pressure on their wallets.

AT&T* and Digi are working together to jointly offer Digi X-Grid™ Solutions, a suite of products and services designed to bring connectivity to energy-oriented devices in homes and businesses. Utilities and software providers that develop for the smart grid industry can use Digi X-Grid Solutions to more effectively meet customers' energy demand.

Through Digi X-Grid Solutions, delivered over the AT&T network, consumers and businesses can reduce power use and monthly costs with real-time monitoring of thermostats, electronics, meters and more.

Currently, AT&T enables two-way communications for more than 13 million electric meters on its wireless network. By developing a strategic relationship with Digi, AT&T can now provide an array of applications for these smart meters through Digi X-Grid Solutions:

• Thermostats: Almost everyone has a thermostat, but how many people can access their thermostats remotely to adjust temperatures? Consumers can now download Digi's Energy Daytrader™ mobile application for free as part of Digi X-Grid Solutions. When used in conjunction with a Digi Gateway, they can monitor energy usage and control their Smart Energy thermostats remotely.
• Load Control: When energy providers notice major spikes in consumption, they can take advantage of Digi X-Grid Solutions' load control features to take the strain off of the power grid. Consumers that give their utility company permission to remotely turn off discretionary devices such as pool heaters can receive credits and savings on their bills, while the service providers can route energy to where it's needed most.
• Appliances: Through Digi X-Grid Solutions' "smart plugs", customers can monitor and control individual appliance energy usage. The Digi Energy Daytrader application tracks all connected energy-consuming devices, from lamps to refrigerators to air conditioning units, and provides automatic alerts when overall consumption levels are higher than normal.

"Digi X-Grid Solutions, powered by AT&T's wireless network, move beyond the smart meter to provide innovative applications and devices for real-time insight into power consumption," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. "These services can help both utilities and their customers use energy more efficiently."

"Digi is a leader in providing energy efficient services to consumers and business owners by delivering an open platform for device connectivity," said Larry Kraft, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales, Digi International. "Fueled by the strength of AT&T's network services, Digi X-Grid Solutions help consumers make eco-friendly and cost-effective energy decisions and allow energy providers to improve the performance, load management and demand response capabilities of their Smart Grids."

For more information on how AT&T is helping to modernize the nation's electric grid, visit http://go-att.us/SmartGrid.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.