Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A control module may contain a relay or switch (hereafter referred to as a "breaker" or "circuit breaker") to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage, or in either case. Current monitoring control modules determine whether connected loads are drawing current and power monitor modules monitor the power consumed by selected loads (from which energy consumption may be calculated). Both types of monitors may place on the bus messages to indicate load status or changes in load status. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent (or even within the housing of) the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises.

Abstract: A system for measuring electrical power interruptions in an electrical power distribution system to a customer premises, controlling the restoration of loads to the electrical power grid after power is restored following an outage, and facilitating preventive maintenance on the electrical power distribution system so that the reliability of power distribution is enhanced. A load control module is associated with each load whose power restoration is to be controlled. Following the occurrence of a power outage, when power is restored, an instruction is transmitted to each load control module by a controller at the premises to enable reconnection of the associated load to the power distribution system in a predefined sequence. At each customer premise, the power feed cable is monitored for the presence of a power signal thereon.