Abstract: A system to provide feedback for energy saving to a user of a property comprising a plurality of appliances, the system comprising: at least one sensor monitoring energy consumption of one or more appliances within the property; a user interface to provide feedback to the user; and a processor configured to receive input data from an energy bill for the property covering a predetermined period; receive input regional average statistics regarding energy consumption for a set of predetermined categories of energy usage; generate a model of energy usage within a plurality of categories over the predetermined period by combining the input data, energy consumption data from the at least one sensor and generic statistics regarding energy consumption and output, via the user interface, feedback to the user based on the generated model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of degradation in climate control system performance, in particular to the detection of degradation in heating system performance or air-conditioning system performance that is an indicator of impending heating system failure or air-conditioning system failure in domestic properties. In particular, the present invention provides a method for detecting such degradation comprising: receiving climate control data indicative of a climate control system in a property (location) being turned on and turned off; receiving an energy consumption signal indicative of the energy consumption of the property; correlating the received signal with the received data to determine an energy consumption signature of the climate control system when being turned on and turned off; comparing the determined signature with previously obtained energy consumption signatures to detect differences in the determined signature that are indicative of degradation.

Abstract: Described is a method for maintaining a retail display or vending unit. The method includes obtaining and storing data from sensors located in or on the unit in a control system including data communication means, wherein the data is sent to and accessed by remote telecommunication means via the data communication means, and wherein operation of the unit is changed based on the data.

Abstract: A system to provide feedback for energy saving to a user of a property comprising a plurality of appliances, the system comprising: at least one sensor monitoring energy consumption of one or more appliances within the property; a user interface to provide feedback to the user; and a processor configured to receive input data from an energy bill for the property covering a predetermined period; receive input regional average statistics regarding energy consumption for a set of pre-determined categories of energy usage; generate a model of energy usage within a plurality of categories over the predetermined period by combining the input data, energy consumption data from the at least one sensor and generic statistics regarding energy consumption and output, via the user interface, feedback to the user based on the generated model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of degradation in climate control system performance, in particular to the detection of degradation in heating system performance or air-conditioning system performance that is an indicator of impending heating system failure or air-conditioning system failure in domestic properties.

Abstract: An exchange of rights and responsibilities between group members uses member qualifications and requirements that are entered into a record associated with each group member along with contact information, as well as qualifications and requirements and the like that are entered into a record associated with each right and responsibility. A group member may request an exchange of rights or responsibilities with another group member. The system analyzes the qualifications and requirements associated with the particular right or responsibility and the qualifications and requirements of group members to determine a pool of suitable candidates. Messages are automatically sent to suitable candidates requesting the exchange. The exchange request may occur via a variety of different communication channels. If an exchange is arranged, the system will automatically send confirmation and/or authorization messages to various group members and may automatically alter the schedule to reflect the exchange.