Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling an irrigation device coupled to and receiving operational power from a multi-wire interface of an irrigation system comprises: receiving power at the device where the device is one of a plurality of devices receiving power substantially simultaneously; charging an energy reserve of the device using the power, wherein the energy reserve of each device is charged and adapted to supply power to an actuator coupled to a valve; identifying a delay period for the device, the delay period different than a delay period of at least one other device, the delay period defining a period of time that the device is to delay before the energy reserve is discharged; discharging the energy reserve after the delay period lapses; and recharging the energy reserve by drawing current from the multi-wire interface to provide a time staggered recharging of the energy reserves of the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods system for reducing power consumption in a network including electrical appliances connected via electrical outlets to an electricity supplier and/or a system managing power consumption. The system comprises a management system and apparatuses, each comprising a measurement unit, a processing unit, an optional communications unit and a control unit, such that each apparatus is connected to an electrical outlet and is associated with an appliance or a group of appliances. Control units inject electrical signals via the associated electrical outlet to the electrical appliance. The measurement unit measures electrical parameters at the outlet, and the processing unit analyzes the electrical parameters measured in view of the electrical signal and detects the electrical signature of the associated electrical appliance therefrom. The electrical signature is utilized to characterize various characteristics of the electrical appliances and manage power consumption of the network.

Abstract: A control for a field device comprises a monitoring unit that is separate from a control unit for controlling the field device which monitoring unit, when the control unit is in a sleep mode, waits for an activation signal in order to switch the control unit to the operating mode.

Abstract: Battery charging control methods, electrical vehicle charging methods, battery charging control apparatus, and electrical vehicles are described. In one arrangement, battery charging control methods include accessing price information for electrical energy supplied by an electrical power distribution system and controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy from the electrical power distribution system used to charge a rechargeable battery at different moments in time using the price information. Other arrangements are described.

Abstract: A method for network energy controller that can optimize total system power consumption is provided. The controller (100) collected device loads and report to a common device (270) for optimization. The controller is able to communicate both to other controllers on the same power source or to the internal device (205) that is connected to the controller. The common device is able to respond to power changes reported by controller and request other controller to reduce power so that the entire system power consumption can meet or optimized toward the power policy goal.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to lighting and energy control systems. In some embodiments, a control module is provided that can facilitate installation of lighting systems and control power consumption. Control module may control a ballast coupled to one or more lamps in a light fixture or energy consuming devices on a circuit. The control module can retrofit with various junction boxes or light fixtures and thus enable energy and sensor controls to be deployed in a wide variety of lighting installations which may be inaccessible due to cost or installation constraints. Control device may include a control circuit which provides relaying and one or more interfaces to provide power controls to various devices, such as ballasts, motors, appliances, or other devices. The system may also include receivers and transmitters which can allow sensors or switches to control groups or zones of devices in the system remotely.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power generating unit or other process equipment with a slow reaction time includes creating a feedforward control signal to selectively include a fast response rate component or a slow response rate component based on the average rate at which a load demand set point signal has changed during a particular previous period of time. The method then uses the developed feedforward control signal to control the power generating equipment or other slowly reacting process equipment. In particular, a control method switches between introducing a fast or a slow response component within a feedforward control signal based on whether the change in the load demand set point over a particular period of time in the past (e.g., an average rate of change of the load demand set point signal) is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold. This method is capable of providing a relatively fast control action even if the expected load demand set point change is in a small range.

Abstract: A system for balancing energy being consumed by a first device against the available energy being produced by a second separate device. One application for the invention is monitoring the amount of energy being produced by a photovoltaic array and using that information to control a load so that the load consumes substantially the same amount of energy as is then being produced by the array.

Abstract: System, methods, and apparatuses are provided for energy management in store or dispense equipment for food and/or beverages. Such store or dispense equipment may allow for food and/or beverages to be heated, cooled, or maintained near the ambient temperature, or a combination thereof. Demand data may be retrieved from the store or dispense equipment. Demand data may include sales, usage, and/or occupancy information for the respective vending machines, appliances, coolers, dispensers, and other store or dispense equipment. This demand data may then analyzed to determine whether there are demand patterns such that there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management. If there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management, an instruction set may be prepared, where the instruction set is based at least in part on this analyzed data. The instruction set is loaded onto the store or dispense equipment, which operates in accordance with the instruction set.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack is capable of raising the temperature of a fuel cell stack to a predetermined temperature within a short time without decreasing methanol fuel utilization efficiency. During system startup, the concentration of methanol aqueous solution which is to be supplied to the fuel cell stack is detected by a concentration sensor, and the temperature of the fuel cell stack is detected by a temperature sensor. A target concentration of methanol aqueous solution is determined by making reference to data stored in a memory, which indicates correspondence between the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the target concentration of methanol aqueous solution, and based on the temperature of the fuel cell stack detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A household appliance and method of controlling the household appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, the household appliance, such as a dishwasher, may include a control element structured to control the household appliance; a power supply structured to supply power to the household appliance; at least one display element for displaying at least one of an operating state and data about the household appliance; and a control device structured to supply electrical energy from the power supply, by actuation of the control element, to the at least one display element, and at least one of reduce and interrupt the power supply to the display element after a preset time period.

Abstract: A system and process for managing power demand of appliances. The process includes forecasting for each of the appliances a future energy consumption profile corresponding to its setting, summing the future energy consumption profiles, determining if the sum indicates one or more peaks in power demand, and providing a new energy consumption profile to one or more of the appliances to level the total power consumed by the appliances in the future.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: The object of the present invention provides an evaluation system for evaluating accurately emission amount of environmental influence substance of fuel in a fuel supply facility for supplying stored fuel to a consumer. An evaluation system evaluates the emission amount of environmental influence substance of fuel in which the environmental properties (greenhouse gas emissions) accumulated in the process of drilling a first energy, transporting and storing, producing fuel, and supplying the fuel are taken into account. The evaluation system enables to present the environmental properties of the sold fuel to the fuel consumer and allows the fuel consumer to select, thereby promoting the reduction of emission amount of the greenhouse gas of the fuel supplier and the fuel consumer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for aggregating an energy service from a group of loads with time-varying operating cycles are described. This aggregation may be performed by an aggregator, which provides the energy service to a power-system operator. In particular, for a desired demand response, a demand-response mechanism may modify a demand response of a given load by mapping an initial operating cycle of the load before a demand-response event to a final operating cycle. In addition, the demand-response mechanism may transition the given load to a new operating cycle associated with the demand-response event using a temporal set-point trajectory. This aggregation technique may ensure that a distribution of phases of the group of loads is, on average, uncorrelated with each other, either by preserving or modifying the distribution of phases prior to the demand-response event.

Abstract: A power model that relates the settings of resource actuators to power consumption levels of the resource actuators and a condition model that relates the settings of the resource actuators to an environmental condition at the location of the at least one entity and a power consumption level of the at least one entity are developed. A constraint optimization problem having an objective function and at least one constraint is formulated, where the objective function computes at least a proportional quantity of a total power consumption level of the resource actuators and the at least one constraint comprises a setpoint environmental condition at a location of the at least entity. A solution to the constraint optimization problem is determined, where the solution provides optimal values for the resource actuator settings.

Abstract: An energy management system for managing energy such as power consumed in a building in an optimal state to significantly save energy is provided. A computer control system (200) for controlling the energy management system performs program control as follows. Current date and time are acquired, a control pattern for that time is obtained using a control program, so as to determine whether operation of an air conditioner (186) is to be turned ON or OFF, and then output either an operation instruction or a stop instruction. A control signal is then output from a digital output unit (212) to the air conditioner (186). Thus, the air conditioner (186) temporarily stops operation according to a predetermined pattern for the program control. The current operating state is displayed on a display unit (240) and a remote monitoring unit (270).

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: An energy management system manages energy consumption of managed device(s) disposed to receive energy via a meter connected to an energy supply, the energy supply. A system controller has a computer processor that instructs the managed device(s) to employ an operational mode based on the priority, the energy need, the demand state, and whether the energy consumption rate of the managed device(s) exceeds energy available from at least one of the external energy source and internal energy source.

Abstract: An electrical appliance configured to receive power and a power consumption signal from an electrical power distribution system comprises an energy storage device and a controller. The energy storage device includes a heat storage medium and a heater. The heater is configured to heat the heat storage medium at a heating rate. The controller adjusts the heating rate based on the power consumption signal.

Abstract: Wireless control of building facility systems via a wireless network using a wireless relay controller with a unique identifier. The wireless relay controller receives wireless control signals via a wireless communication network. The wireless relay controller determines that a wireless control signal concerns the wireless relay controller based on the unique identifier. The wireless relay controller further identifies a mode of operation for a specified relay indicated by the wireless control signal and controls the power to the specified relay in accordance with the wireless control signal. The wireless control signal may also monitor the power consumption of the load controlled by the specified relay and send that information to the network.

Abstract: Disclosed are a power management system and associated method that not only initiate a “greenout” to avoid the negative impact of high loads (i.e., to avoid high power cost, negative environmental impact, brownouts, and ultimately blackouts), but can also predict the initiation of such a “greenout”. Predicting the initiation of a “greenout” and communicating the prediction to one or more of the various electronic devices connected to the power grid allows the electronic device(s) to take preparatory action to avoid and/or limit any negative impact that may be caused by the “greenout”.

Abstract: A system and method of managing energy use in a home, and more particularly to energy management of household consumer appliances, are provided. Existing appliances can be modified with add-on features or modules, and likewise new energy saving features and functions can be incorporated into new appliances. Communication among a home energy manager, an appliance, and a utility meter measures energy usage and/or a local generator controls operation of various appliances such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven/range, microwave oven, dishwasher, HVAC system hot water heater, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle charging cable is disclosed configured to charge a vehicle battery on a vehicle from a utility power source, the cable comprising: a vehicle connector and a control module. The vehicle connector is connected to a power cable configured to supply power for charging the vehicle battery. The vehicle connector is configured to connect to a charging port on the vehicle. The control module is connected to the power cable. The control module is configured to receive utility data from the utility power source and to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, and to adjust the power supplied to the vehicle battery based on the utility data and the vehicle data.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the clothes dryer in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes dryer in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A method of coupling a mechanical power source through an electrical power generator to an electrical load is disclosed. A characteristic of an electrical output is measured from the electrical power generator produced during a power generation cycle during which there is a coupling of the mechanical power source through the electrical power generator to the electrical load. The coupling of the mechanical power source is adjusted through the electrical power generator to the electrical load during a subsequent power generation cycle based at least in part on the measured characteristic of the electrical output.

Abstract: A system provides for secure communication between an electrical utility company and an electricity customer, such that the customer is able to shed one or more loads in response to a load shed command from the utility company. A system server of the customer periodically connects to a utility server of the utility company using a standard computer protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The system server sends a request message via the Internet to the utility server. The request message provides data on the total possible load, the present power consumption, and the present load shed state of the electricity customer. The utility server receives the request message and responds to the request message by transmitting to the system server a response message, which includes a load shed command.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a heater energization control apparatus which can detect that a heater has been exchanged. [Means for Solution] When an engine is stopped, a microcomputer of a GCU enters a power save mode. When the microcomputer returns to a normal mode in response to an interruption signal periodically generated from an interruption timer, the microcomputer supplies electricity to a heating resistor for a short time and obtains its resistance (S19). When the resistance is greater than a first reference value, the microcomputer determines that a glow plug is removed from the engine; that is, the glow plug is being exchanged (S29). The microcomputer sets an exchange flag to “1” (S30), and performs calibration for the heating resistor of a new glow plug after the engine is operated next time (S35). Further, since the resistance of the heating resistor changes (increases) with deterioration of the heating resistor with time, the acquired resistance may be stored.

Abstract: An adaptive, user-centric system and network for controlling power consumption by an appliance is described. The appliance may be any type of powered apparatus, such as A/C units, heaters, computers, lights, kitchen appliances, home media centers, and so on. The power to these appliances is based on an estimated arrival time of the user to the destination where the appliance is located. It may also be based on previous performance data for the particular appliance, that is, given the current conditions (e.g., various environment temperature readings), how long has it taken in the past for the appliance to reach a certain level of operation. The location of the user is determined by a device that has some location-based services and is able to transmit this location/position data in a message to a power-control server. The server applies rules contained in the message to derive an estimated arrival time for the user which is used to power appliances at the user's destination.

Abstract: An operation controller controls operations of a plurality of electrical loads mounted on a vehicle and includes a start-up request accepting unit and a start-up coordinating unit. The start-up request accepting unit accepts a start-up request from the electrical loads. The start-up coordinating unit: controls start-up of the electrical load, from which the start-up request is output, on the basis of a priority assigned to the electrical load; outputs a signal for restricting start-up to a first electrical load having a relatively high priority, when the start-up request accepting unit accepts the start-up request from a second electrical load having a relatively low priority; and allows the second electrical load to start up, when the first electrical load is stopped after a predetermined waiting time elapses since the signal has been output.

Abstract: The method permits the detection of ‘standby’ state’ in linear and non-linear loads connected to the power grid and their automatic disconnection, and comprises 4 main stages: a) Detection of the normal operating state of at least one load by means of detection, obtaining the maximum value of the current in said operating state, b) Detection of entry into ‘standby’ mode’ of the at least one load by the means of detection establishing said ‘standby’ state’ when the existing current value obtained in each load is less than a percentage P of the maximum value of the current of each load in normal operating state, c) Start of means of timing at a determined time T for each load when it goes into ‘standby’ mode’, and d) Disconnection of the at least one load and of the means of detection when value T is reached of the means of timing without the at least one load having returned to normal operating state.

Abstract: A pre-programmed energy saving ballast or driver is presented, having a pre-defined energy profile to which the output power is controlled in accordance with the current time ascertained from the input power connection via simplex clock information or from received broadcast time signals, and which allows a user to select from a number of pre-programmed profiles and/or to modify and store user-defined energy profiles.

Abstract: A communication system between a main control unit (100) for irrigation devices and at least one secondary control unit (A1 . . . An) for irrigation devices, specifically for battery powered control units, is described; each control unit (100, A1 . . . An) includes a module (10, 20) for the transmission of data to the other control unit and for the reception of data from the other control unit. The main control unit (100) and the at least one secondary control unit (A1 . . . An) include means (4) adapted to allow the power supply of said data transmission and reception modules only during the time periods (T, T1 . . . Tn) required for the exchange of data between the main control unit (100) and the at least one secondary control unit (A1 . . . An).

Abstract: Methods of reducing peak electrical demand at a single customer location of an electrical service provider during at least one time interval during a day can include shifting the activation of a first electrical appliance located at the single customer location from the at least one time interval during a day to a second time interval during which a second electrical appliance is not activated for at least part of the second time interval. Related systems, circuits, and computer program products are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the power supplied to a fixing unit are provided. The apparatus includes a voltage detector detecting a voltage of input power supplied to heat at least one heating lamp, a synch signal generator generating a synch signal in response to the detected voltage, a switching unit switching a supply path of the input power to be applied to the at least one heating lamp, and a controller having table information of temporal duty level values of the input power that is initially supplied, and outputting a control signal for controlling a switching operation of the switching unit using the generated synch signal and the table information, wherein the switching unit performs the switching operation corresponding to the control signal.

Abstract: Information for configuring control apparatus for a power system including a plurality of controlled power supplies is produced using a graphical interface which displays the topology and sequencing of the power supplies in the power system. A database is used to select power supplies to add in determining the power system topology. Sequencing is represented by displacing icons representing the power supplies along lines representing their input and output voltages, and arrows representing startup sequence dependencies. A processor produces the configuration information, consistent with the displayed topology and sequencing, using information for the selected power supplies from the database, for downloading to the control apparatus.

Abstract: A load dispatch system operates in response to algorithmic software to generate an optimized load dispatch schedule based on data selected from one or both of rebound effect data or optimized load dispatch schedule opportunity cost data corresponding to dispatching of resources with a contractually limited number of dispatches in a given time period.

Abstract: A display system 10 for displaying information at a point of product display in a retail outlet comprising a communicator 12 for transmitting display information to a remote display module 18, the display module 18 being adapted in a first, low power mode to display information and in a second, higher power mode periodically, in a predetermined manner, to communicate with the communicator 12, the system 10 preferably being configured to enable determination of the accuracy and automated correction of the synchronisation of a periodic communication between the communicator 12 and the display module 18 while the display module 18 continues to switch between first and second modes of operation enabling a low overall consumption of power by the display module 18 and more preferably wherein the display module 18 is adapted to switch between first and second power modes between receipt of a synchronisation signal and a display information signal from the communicator 12.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods are provided for a hybrid electrical system for supplying power to an external load. The system may include an external load bus configured to be coupled to an external load. The system may include a first bus coupled to the external load bus. The system may include a first battery coupled to the first bus. The system may include a second bus coupled to the first bus and the external load bus. The second battery may be coupled to the second bus. The second battery may have a higher extracted specific power output value than the first battery and a faster energy transfer rate than the first battery.

Abstract: A load control device which is responsive to a physical variable representing the balance between load and generation on an electricity grid. The control device varies the energy consumption of the load based on the current value of the physical variable of the grid relative to a central value of that physical variable, which is derived from past readings of the physical variable of the grid. The grid responsive control device also takes into account the time since the load last varied its energy consumption in determining whether or not the grid variable load control should be provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in the efficiency of heating and cooling processes for applications such as buildings. The working fluid condensation process is time separated from the working fluid vaporization process. Work on the working fluid through a phase transformation is performed at a first time and the heating or cooling of a building through a reverse phase transformation is done at a second time. A storage medium is provided to store the capacity to heat or the capacity to cool in the form of the phase transformed working fluid stored at a positive or a negative pressure. Controlling logic calculates what the heating and cooling load will be in the future and when least expensive and most efficient operating times are forecasted to be. The compression or vacuum energy input phase of operation is be performed during the most optimal window as seldom as once per week while the application heating or cooling process is performed continuously as needed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behaviour, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

Abstract: A method for load control in an electrical distribution system using energy usage profiles based on temporal measurements. A load control unit (10) installed at a customer site profiles equipment (E1-En) directly connected to the load control unit and remotely located equipment (RE1-REn) wirelessly connected to the load control unit using measurements of time rather than energy usage. This reduces the cost and complexity of the load control unit. Profiling is done for individual pieces of load controlled equipment rather than for the site as a whole. This improves data resolution. The load control unit controls the load only when the equipment is powered, and adaptively synchronizes load shedding during this time, so to improve local load control performance. Termination of a load control event results in gradual reduction in load shedding so to control the inrush of demand seen by the distribution system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing collaborative energy benchmarking are described. Information including background data, energy consumption data, temporal data, and/or other information is gathered from multiple sources and stored in a central database. Based on the stored information, energy benchmarks are created for measuring residential energy usage. Energy usage data is displayed to consumers in multiple formats, and permits consumers to directly compare their energy usage data to other consumers or groups of consumers, in addition to their own energy usage. In some embodiments, energy challenge programs encourage reduction of energy usage. Through such programs, consumers create and present challenges for themselves and/or other consumers, such as to reduce energy usage during a given timeframe. The progress of the group and individual consumers is displayed during the course of a challenge.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.

Abstract: A cathodic protection monitor is disclosed to be electrically connected to a cathodic protection rectifier that is adapted to prevent rust, corrosion and possible leakage in an underground pipe or storage tank above which the rectifier is supported. The cathodic protection monitor includes a CPU that reads, digitizes and stores analog current and voltage signals which are supplied from the DC output of the rectifier and are indicative of the effectiveness thereof. The monitor includes an ISM band transceiver and antenna by which the CPU is polled and from which packets of stored data are transmitted to a data collector at an overhead airplane or nearby motor vehicle for retransmission and analysis by the pipe owner or maintenance crew. Synchronized timing signals are supplied (from the National Bureau of Standards) to a stable auxiliary clock by way of a WWVB transceiver and antenna.

Abstract: Load balancing with user input is provided for a community of users having chargeable devices, such as plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles. The users of the community input user preferences, including a time frame for charging the chargeable device. User-specific charging properties, such as a time for charging and a rate of charging, are determined based on the user preferences. Since each user provides a time frame when their chargeable device is required, a utility manager is able to reduce the aggregate power demand by delaying when to charge the devices of the users who do not require the devices immediately. By controlling the charging properties of the users, a utility manager can decrease peak power demands and can balance the power consumption of the community with the supply available to the community.

Abstract: A method and system for improved energy utilization within a building or facility. The building or facility includes one or more systems each controlling one or more energy consuming devices initially operated with a normal energy consumption. The method includes receiving notification of an energy event requiring a reduction of energy consumption within the building or facility, determining an occupancy of one or more areas of the building or facility using at least one of the one or more energy consuming devices, initiating an energy reduction mode upon receipt of the notification of an energy event, and terminating the energy reduction mode at the conclusion of the energy event. The energy reduction mode initiation includes sending a first communication to at least one of the one or more systems requesting the respective systems to operate one or more of the energy consuming devices with a reduced energy consumption during the energy reduction mode.