Abstract: A system and method for promoting environmental behavior by device users are provided. The method includes allocating “green” points to each of a plurality of users. A job request, such as a print job request, is received from one of the users. A cost in points is computed for executing the job request, based on a formula which is designed to promote environmental behavior by the user. The user's allocated points are reduced by the computed cost when the job is performed.

Abstract: A method, system, GUI, apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access to a media file uploaded by a user are provided. A user profile may be generated using received login and profile information. The user profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the user and may be upload to the user profile. The media file may be associated with a user account. A request to access the media file may be received from a customer. An account associated with the customer may be updated to indicate their requested access to the media file. The customer may then be enabled to access the media file. The user's account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

Abstract: An intelligent administration system for paying electricity bills mainly includes a monitoring device for monitoring the actual meter readings that indicate the electricity consumption of an electricity consuming system and a management platform connected to the monitoring device via a network system. Accordingly, the intelligent administration system for paying electricity bills of the present invention allows real-time monitoring of the electricity consuming system, provides remote value-adding and payments, and allows the administrator to adjust electricity charging standard according to the fluctuations in tariff, achieving a fair payment mechanism.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying utility consumption of a property portfolio for zones of a display area. First values correspond to utility consumption and second values corresponding to consumption intensity are first determined. The first values for each zone are ranked from high to low values and associated with a size of a geometric form corresponding to each of the zones. Similarly, the second values for each zone are ranked from high to low values and associated with a corresponding color, with a highest of the second values having a first color representing a highest consumption intensity, the smallest of the second values having a second color representing the lowest consumption intensity, and the remaining of the second values are associated with mixtures of the first color and second color. The respective geometric forms for each of the zones are displayed on the map at respective spatial locations.

Abstract: Computer based energy management including an adaptor having a server network interface and a control device interface. The adaptor transmitting the commands to the control device via a control device interface on the adaptor, and receiving energy usage data from the control device in response to a command including a request for energy usage. The adaptor transmitting the energy usage data to the energy management software in response to receiving the energy usage data from the control device, receiving sensor data from one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the adaptor, transmitting the sensor data to the energy management software in response to receiving the sensor data from the sensors, receiving control commands at the adaptor from the energy management host software and transmitting the control commands to the control device, the control commands altering the function of a device.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and a computer program product are provided for load profile management and cost sensitivity analysis. A baseline load profile is input via a user interface, wherein the baseline load profile is based on a set of equipment load profiles. A target load profile is generated based on a selected modification of the baseline load profile. The target load profile is compared with the baseline load profile. The comparison of the target load profile and the baseline load profile is output via the user interface.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and a computer program product are provided for estimating and optimizing cost savings for large scale deployments using load profile optimization. Selections are received, via a user interface, of a primary load profile and multiple secondary load profiles. The primary load profile is input from a first external source and the multiple secondary load profiles are input from a second external source. The primary load profile is compared with the multiple secondary load profiles. The comparisons of the primary load profile and the multiple secondary load profiles are output via the user interface.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method and system for configuring a smart energy network using an auxiliary gateway where an auxiliary gateway is capable of communicating with an energy services interface and a link key database. The auxiliary gateway, on a smart energy network, extracts the unique identifier from a communication related to the smart energy device. The auxiliary gateway may then use the unique identifier to retrieve the smart energy device information from the link key database and communicate the smart energy device information to the energy services interface. The energy services interface may then use the smart energy device information to decrypt a communication from the smart energy device or access manufacturer specific functionality of the smart energy device.

Abstract: A device, of a first data center, detects a power failure associated with the first data center when the first data center stops receiving power. The device further identifies a second data center for traffic to be processed by the first data center. The device also receives the traffic and routes the traffic to the second data center.

Abstract: To provide optimized real-time charging for simultaneous services there is provided a method and apparatus for executing a real-time charging session in a charging system being interfaced to at least one communication network. At start of a charging session or during re-authorization of reserved funds there is executed an optimized fund reservation for multi-service and/or multi-unit type services such that it is possible to optimize the fund resources considering various services and related service types in parallel. Fund reservation is executed for multi-service and/or multi-unit type services such that deviations between time of predicted fund depletion for the at least two services and/or for the at least two service types are minimized. Therefore, the signalling traffic to and from the charging system is reduced significantly.

Abstract: A method including receiving data from an energy-consuming device; determining an amount of energy consumed by the device during a time interval; calculating an actual energy cost based on the determined amount of energy consumed by the device during the time interval; predicting an amount of energy that would have been consumed by the at least one device during the time interval if the at least one device were not associated with the energy management system; calculating a predicted energy cost based on the predicted amount of energy that would have been consumed by the at least one device during the time interval if the at least one device were not associated with the energy management system; and calculating a valuation of the energy management system for the at least one energy consuming device over the time interval by comparing the actual energy cost and the predicted energy cost.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating resource usage are described herein. In some aspects, devices and methods for customizable dynamic regulation of resource usage policies are provided. Techniques for identification and reconciliation of resource provider usage policies and custom usage policies for resource consuming devices are generally described.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and an intelligent circuit breaker are provided for implementing authentication, direct energy metering, and user billing for an electric vehicle owner. The intelligent circuit breaker is configured to be received within a conventional circuit breaker power panel without requiring infrastructure modification of the power panel. The intelligent circuit breaker communicates with an electric vehicle and a billing service, establishing user authentication, enables charging, performs direct electrical energy metering, and sends billing information to the billing service.

Abstract: Electrically powered vehicle and methods for use in charging an electrically powered vehicle are disclosed. One example electrically powered vehicle includes an in-vehicle user interface including at least one input device configured to receive at least one input from a user and a vehicle controller coupled in communication with the in-vehicle user interface. The vehicle controller is configured to receive at least one user input from the in-vehicle user interface and communicate at least one charging parameter to a vehicle charging station in response to the at least one user input.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes coupling the electric vehicle to an energy delivery point via a connector, receiving a unique identifier of the electric vehicle via the connector, determining an account associated with the identifier, delivering an amount of energy to the electric vehicle via the connector, and determining a transaction amount based on the amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle by the energy delivery point.

Abstract: A data center power cost accounting system uses server and storage and cooling power consumption models and device maps, together with runtime application maps, to estimate the equipment power consumption and cooling power consumption of individual applications. An approximation of the cooling cost over a period of time, for any given application, can be pieced together by adding up the equipment utilized by the application and applying the cooling estimates obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The cooling estimates can further account for changes or variability in resource usage over time since the cooling estimates are based directly on utilization. The per application power consumption costs are obtained without having to install or depend on power measurement instruments or other hardware in the datacenters.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring consumer dependency on services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a service dependency notification system includes: at least one computing device adapted to identify a dependency aware device by performing actions comprising: determining whether a service dependency exists; and providing a service dependency status indicator configured to be communicated via a utility network, the service dependency status indicator indicating whether the service dependency exists.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for estimating taxes. In one embodiment, the location of a vehicle can be monitored by a variety of computing entities. By using the vehicle's location, it can be determined when the vehicle enters and/or exits defined geofences. After a determination that the vehicle has entered or exited a defined geofenced area, telematics data can be collected and used to estimate taxes, such as road use taxes and fuel use taxes.

Abstract: An energy distribution may include a server and one or more databases. The system may communicate with an energy provider to receive energy provider data, at least one information collector to receive information collector data such as individualized energy usage data, customer preferences, and customer or location characteristics, and the one or more databases for receiving data for optimization. The system may calculate a cost of service or avoided cost using at least one of the individualized energy usage data and a system generation cost at a nearest bus. The system may also forecast individualized demand by end-use, individualized demand by location, energy prices, or energy costs. The system may optimize energy distribution, energy use, cost of service, or avoided cost using the forecasted individualized demand by end-use, the forecasted individualized demand by location, the forecasted energy prices, and the forecasted energy costs.

Abstract: The invention presents a novel and efficient method of facilitating accurate usage billing. In a multi-user service provider environment, using weighted records of web-server usage to determine each user's bill for services is provided. The invention provides for billing with a minimal amount of overhead on the web host, which will benefit the web host's profit margin. The invention utilizes three pieces of information to compute the amount of usage. The weights that are associated with the functions are determined in order to score the system resource utilization of the respective functions. The weights need to be determined only once during the entire life cycle of the application, and may be based on empirical data or determined through lab tests. The weight can be stored in a static file.

Abstract: Some embodiments are systems which calculate the amount of electric power that a peak mitigation system provides in real time and translate that information into a real-time estimate of a peak utility usage charge that appears on the utility bill of the customer. These systems may facilitate a determination of the monetary value of demand charges saved by peak mitigation and load leveling and a notification to a customer of the savings realized. Some systems described herein provide a method of billing a customer based on the electricity usage savings accumulated through demand charge reduction procedures. One embodiment monitors the mitigation of peak loads as they occur, detects and measures incremental changes in demand charge-producing peaks and updates a projection when incremental demand charge changes occur. The demand charge projection may be presented to the customer, aggregated with demand charge projections of other sites, and displayed to increase awareness.

Abstract: An electric power generation device includes: a storage unit that stores information about the electric power generation device; a transmitting unit that transmits information about the electric power generation device to a neighboring electric power demand device; a receiving unit that receives an electric power demand request from the neighboring electric power demand device; and an allocation unit that allocates electric power according to the electric power demand request.

Abstract: A modular geothermal measurement system that provides for the pumping of a heat transfer fluid. The modular unit simplifies on-site installation time by reducing the number of distinct components to be installed and allows for the optional incorporating of additional heat sources or sinks, whereby the length of ground loop can be reduced, further reducing installation costs. The modular measurement system further allows for the growth of the system over time by adding modules, increasing the ground loop pumping power while providing energy transfer data specific to each thermal load. A controller having an energy control module provides energy control points. Such a system allows the beneficiary of a geothermal investment to be billed for their benefit, enabling the investor to capture the economic benefit of the investment.

Abstract: A line of credit with pre-agreed line increases is described. In example embodiments, the line of credit is secured by a residence, and the borrower can agree at initial closing to periodic line increases, so that additional closings and re-recording are not necessary. Modeling can be used by the financial institution to determine if and when to offer increases in the LOC. An automated servicing routine is then used to produce a recommendation with respect to increasing the LOC loan amount. This automated servicing routine includes at least one model to produce the recommendation. The line of credit can be increased if and when recommended by the servicing platform.

Abstract: A system and methods that enables smart charging for electric resources. A smart charging method may include smart charging customer guarantees. The charging behavior guarantee may comprise a guaranteed charging schedule that matches a regular charging schedule of an electric resource and provides power flow flexibility. In addition, a smart charging method may manage electric resources via a smart charging benefit analysis. A smart charging benefit may include an impact resulting from the energy management system which is beneficial to an electric resource. A smart charging method may manage the charging behavior of the electric resources on a grid based on the smart charging benefit. Further, a smart charging method may manage electric resources via a smart charging benefit analysis and smart charging customer guarantees.

Abstract: In a distributed meter data management (MDM) system of a smart grid, a network computing device, such as a network router deployed in the field, may receive data from one or more utility meters, sensors, control devices, or other utility data collection devices that are communicatively coupled to the network computing device. The network computing device may process the data received from the utility data collection devices to generate processed data usable by a consumer. The network computing device may also send data to and/or receive data from a centralized control system, MDM system, and/or smart grid analytic applications at a utility central office. The network computing device may then provide the processed data directly to the consumer, with or without first sending the data to a centralized MDM system of the utility.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the computerized management system for controlling energy consumption for energy consumers using a smart meter may include a database that contains contract provisions for energy consumers. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the system include a database interface adapted to allow the system to access the contract provisions to optimize energy consumption based upon available energy. The system may also include a managing data component that is adapted to manage data between the database and the smart meter. In exemplary embodiments, a communication network connecting the system to the database and the smart meter may be included. Additionally, some exemplary embodiments of the system include a protocol converting component that is adapted to act as an interface for application programming or protocol converting.

Abstract: A method of controlling usage of a commodity. The method includes monitoring, by an electronic device, a usage of the commodity, communicating, by the electronic device, the usage of the commodity to a fully-loaded cost engine at a remote location, determining, by the fully-loaded cost engine, a fully-loaded price for a commodity, communicating the fully-loaded price to a device, and operating a commodity-using device based on the fully-loaded cost and a commodity-consumption strategy.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic cost assessment of cloud computing resources. A cloud management server computer manages data centers in a smart cloud computing system that provisions computing resources to consumers. The cloud management server computer registers conditions of interest with multiple news sources, receives reports regarding the conditions of interest from one or more of the news sources, and automatically estimates a cost of operating each of the data centers based on the reports. Among the data centers, a first data center is estimated to have a cost increase because of a condition that is reportedly about to occur. The cloud management server computer automatically migrates workload from the first data center to a different data center before the condition occurs.

Abstract: A utility consumption optimization mechanism may determine an optimized period for consuming a utility based on several input parameters and several constraints. The optimization mechanism may determine an optimum consumption time and cause a device to consume the utility during that time. A schema may define various parameters that may be passed to a rate calculation mechanism, and the optimization mechanism may use the rate calculation mechanism to find an optimized consumption schedule for a particular application. The optimization mechanism may be implemented as an embedded controller in a consuming device, as a web service that may be available through an Internet connection, or in other embodiments.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for implementing cloud-based demand response are provided. Cloud-based demand response may be performed by publishing a demand response request at a communications node, the published demand response request including at least a load reduction request and an incentive price; initiating a load reduction bidding process in response to the published demand response request, the load reduction bidding process being accessible to customer nodes; and determining an updated incentive price based on at least one load reduction bid received from the customer nodes. The updated incentive price may be determined by a bisection function, and the at least one load reduction bid may be autonomously generated based on a customer cost function.

Abstract: A monitoring device, system and method are provided for in-home/on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart meter, and displays usage through a display, illuminating an area using a color indicative of the current cost of consumption, and varying the illuminated area at a rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the varying of the illuminated area simulating movement in the display. The display provides a consumer with “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. One or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. Monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided.

Abstract: A portable energy monitoring point includes at least one power plug receptacle, each power plug receptacle operably coupled to a separate integral power sensor circuit. Each integral power sensor circuit is configured to determine an electrical current drawn by an electrical load connected to the corresponding at least one power plug receptacle. An integral digital communications circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit to a remote device a power consumption for each of the at least one power plug receptacles. The power consumption is derived from the electrical current drawn by the electrical load connected to the corresponding at least one power plug receptacle.

Abstract: A computing device for use with a charging station is provided. The computing device includes an interface that is configured to receive demand response data for the charging station. Moreover, the computing device includes a processor that is coupled to the interface and that is programmed to generate a plurality of energy prices based on the demand response data, wherein each energy price is associated with a time range. The computing device also includes a presentation interface that is coupled to the processor for use in presenting the plurality of energy prices to a user of the charging station.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone services includes receiving an advanced payment. The advanced payment corresponds to a fixed time interval of telephone service spanning at least one day. The method also includes activating service to a mobile device for the fixed time interval and collecting a plurality of call data.

Abstract: A vehicular navigation apparatus includes a control unit that sets a reachable area that is reachable by a vehicle, such that a remaining charge amount of a battery of the vehicle has a remaining charge amount above a quick charge threshold at the reachable area. The quick charge threshold is provided as a charge level of the battery that is required for a quick charge operation of the battery. The control unit further searches for a battery charge spot in the reachable area, and provides guidance to the battery charge spot. The control unit may further redefine the reachable area where a charge operation is scheduled, based on preferences provided by a user.

Abstract: A system is disposed at a location of a utility commodity subscriber for informing the subscriber of and controlling utility commodity usage. The system includes utility meters, an information and control apparatus, and a first and second data communication link. The meters measure usage and generate usage signals. The information and control apparatus includes a microprocessor, a memory, a clock, and a user interface. The first data communication link is between the utility meters and the information and control apparatus, and the second data communication link is between the information and control apparatus and one or more central locations. The second communication link also provides rate information to the information and control apparatus and utility commodity usage data to the one or more central locations. The microprocessor computes an accumulated cost of utility commodity for a predetermined period of time. Information related to the accumulated cost is output to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include storing telephone number inventory data using a database associated with a network, receiving, from a user system, a request for telephone number forecast data, forecasting future telephone number usage based on at least a history of telephone number inventory data, and providing, to the user system, telephone number forecast data based on at least the forecast of future telephone number usage.

Abstract: An electrical power generation unit including a power source, an energy storage system and a net metering control apparatus capable of controlling power delivered to an electrical utility grid so that that a total amount of electrical power from the power source and the energy storage system does not exceed a prescribed power limit. A process of controlling electrical power flow in an electrical power generation unit connected to an electrical utility grid so that that a total amount of electrical power from the power source and the energy storage system does not exceed a prescribed power limit.

Abstract: A dynamic, fully-integrated computer-server-based platform (platform) provides users with tools for making informed decisions about available energy upgrades and for implementing desired home energy upgrades. In various embodiments, the platform provides various combinations of: (i) a variety of educational and assessment tools, including a Virtual Home Energy Audit (VHEA), which provides users with a customized home energy-savings plan detailing the financial and/or environmental impact of each upgrade alternative on a relative and absolute basis, (ii) product selection and purchase, (iii) access to arrangement and scheduling of in-home services through a network of professionals, (iv) financing solutions, and (v) a data registry that verifies completed upgrades and associated savings. The platform takes a holistic view of energy solutions, and provides tools across a broad spectrum of energy-related products and/or services.

Abstract: A method of storing data in a utility monitoring system includes monitoring a characteristic of a utility system in an intelligent electronic device (IED) to produce monitored characteristic values that are buffered in the IED. The IED is communicatively coupled to a server via a network. The monitored characteristic values are indicative of the characteristic. The method further includes storing a first monitored characteristic value of the buffered monitored characteristic values periodically at a first logging interval in a memory of the IED. The method further includes storing a second monitored characteristic value of the buffered monitored characteristic values periodically at a second logging interval in the memory of the IED in response to satisfying a criterion. The second logging interval is distinct from the first logging interval.

Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A system includes a meter for monitoring energy consumed by an energy consumer and a first computer coupled to the meter. The first computer receives a plurality of measurements representative of energy consumed during a billing period. The system also includes a second computer that generates a signal representative of a critical peak pricing rate for energy consumed during a critical peak pricing event, and a third computer coupled to the first computer and to the second computer. The third computer calculates a first consumption amount representative of energy consumed during the critical peak pricing event, calculates a second consumption amount representative of energy consumed other than during the critical peak pricing event, and generates a bill including a variable pricing rate for the second consumption amount and the critical peak pricing rate for the first consumption amount.

Abstract: A method for providing demand response information to a user of an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving demand response data. A plurality of energy prices based on the demand response data is then generated by a processor, wherein each energy price is associated with a time range. The plurality of energy prices are then presented to a user of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A smart controller (102) receives, from an EMS (70), control information as charge information that indicates electricity prices determined in accordance with a power supply of an electric power system (60) and an electric power demand of a consumer group. The smart controller (102) compares the electricity prices with a charge threshold value in a correspondence relationship between a predetermined operation mode and the charge threshold value, thereby determining the operation mode of an illumination (110), an air conditioning device (112), and a heat storage device (114) as loads so as to be an operation mode in which power consumption is reduced as the electricity prices becomes higher, and thus controlling the illumination (110), the air conditioning device (112), and the heat storage device (114) as the load.

Abstract: A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time.

Abstract: An energy management system for managing electric power generated by an electric power generation apparatus for generating the electric power by using natural energy and electric power to be supplied to an electric appliance as a load, the energy management system includes a controller for determining one of destinations to which surplus electric power of the generated electric power is supplied; and a storage unit storing one or more rules regarding use of electric power that is set with a priority order of candidates of the destinations to which the surplus electric power is supplied. The controller determines the destination based on the rules stored in the storage unit, and information about a price of electric power to be sold.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments manage an electric vehicle charging transaction. A set of principals associated with the electric vehicle charging transaction is identified. Electric vehicle charging information is retrieved from a set of sources. An energy transaction plan is generated using the electric vehicle charging information. A charging phase of the electric vehicle charging transaction is initiated for an electric vehicle connected to a charging station in accordance with the energy transaction plan. The charging phase comprises at least one of charging the electric vehicle with electricity, storing electricity in an electric storage mechanism associated with the electric vehicle, and removing electricity from the electric storage mechanism to de-charge the electric vehicle. In response to completion of the charging phase, the process then settles the financial obligations of a subset of principals in accordance with the energy transaction plan.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for quantifying energy usage and savings enables applying the savings to a financial transaction. Quantification includes estimating and/or monitoring usage of utilities by detectors, comparing the usage to a predetermined baseline value, and valuating an energy savings. Quantification relies on a comprehensive database to establish the baseline and to predict usage and savings. A portion of the savings may be applied to any of early repayment of a mortgage loan, investment in securities, and a request for a credit. The method and system standardizes values of energy units and/or monetary units, and quantifies savings. The method and system aids in qualifying the building project based on a concrete estimation of energy savings or a savings within a range. Thus, the method forms a bridge between green, other energy conserving, or sustainable technologies and the financial markets.

Abstract: The transfer and usage of a modulated carrier signal within a power signal on a power line communication system is described. The modulated signal comprises metadata which is transmitted at a different frequency than the transmitted power. The metadata, including such elements as energy costs, providers, renewable source status and originating location, may be used by consumers to make subsequent purchasing decisions. Additionally, the energy costs of any given computer node commonly distributed in a grid architecture may be collected by a workload dispatcher in order to make more accurate cost and energy source based dispatch decisions. The consumer may be able to communicate directly back to the power provider. The use of computer-readable medium and product containing instructions that are implemented on a computer is also covered. Finally, the invention may be deployed on behalf of the consumer by a third party service provider.